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Oklahoma football: Previewing the running back room for 2022

By John Makuch

NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Eric Gray #0 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs for a 15-yard gain to set up his own touchdown against linebacker Kareem Taylor #9 of the Western Carolina Catamounts in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 76-0. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - SEPTEMBER 11: Running back Eric Gray #0 of the Oklahoma Sooners runs for a 15-yard gain to set up his own touchdown against linebacker Kareem Taylor #9 of the Western Carolina Catamounts in the first quarter at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 76-0. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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This is the fifth in a series of articles previewing and breaking down the Oklahoma football position groups for the 2022 season.

One of the biggest question marks surrounding this Oklahoma offense ahead of the 2022 college football season is the running back situation.

After Kennedy Brooks carried the ground load for the offensive unit this past season and for two of the three seasons before that, the Sooners will need someone different to step up in his place in 2022.
Having a workhorse in the backfield makes the job of everyone else much easier, especially in short-yardage situations. The running back group is especially important under a new head coach who is as defensive-minded as Brent Venables. Relying on your defense means you will need to slow the game down, and good running backs are crucial in that effort.

Running back coach DeMarco Murray has had a solid career in terms of development and recruiting, and the Sooners’ incoming recruiting class will be a testament to that.

Former Tennessee transfer Eric Gray will likely earn the starting role this coming season. On 78 attempts a year ago, he ran for 412 yards, averaging 5.3 yards a carry, but he was also valuable as a receiving weapon out of the backfield with 23 catches for 229 yards and two touchdowns. And he should be expected to be used even more that way in 2022.

Marcus Major will also be in contention for the workhorse RB spot. He has not had the role that many had expected him to have as the 19th ranked recruit in his class. An increased role, however, could allow him to display some of those talents and make plays for this offense.

The Sooners’ 2022 recruiting class could see some early playing time. Gavin Sawchuck was a four-star recruit and was ranked seventh best RB in the class according to 247 Sports. He is a speedy back who is one of those players you want to get the ball to in open space.
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Gray and Major will be used more as power backs in the offense. Sawchuck could be used in toss plays or some quick screens to get him the ball in space and let him run.

Jovantae Barnes is another highly touted freshman RB with speed that Oklahoma has plenty of hope for. He ran a 4.53 40 time in 2020, and he may have gotten even faster since then. He is a bit more physical and stronger than Sawchuck, so going forward he could be another power runner.

Barnes is also a strong blocker who can add some help in protecting quarterback Dillon Gabriel. He may see a bit less time than Sawchuck, but the talent is clearly there in a key position group for continued Sooner success.
Sawchuck and Barnes could become a dynamic duo in a year or two, but this year they may have the opportunity to develop and work their way into action behind Gray and Major.

Gray will most likely see the bulk of the carries, while Major will serve as his primary backup. Sawchuck and Barnes could see some action in two-back sets and even be used some on passing downs.

The talent is there in the running back room at Oklahoma, the coaches just have to put the right game plan in place to put the OU running backs in the best position to succeed based on their specific strengths.

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