Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma football: Six players pivotal to Sooners’ success in 2022

By Chip Rouse

NORMAN, OK - APRIL 23: The Oklahoma Sooners line up to prepare for the second half of their spring game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on April 23, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - APRIL 23: The Oklahoma Sooners line up to prepare for the second half of their spring game at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on April 23, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Dec 29, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Eric Gray (0) runs the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the 2021 Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Eric Gray (0) runs the ball against the Oregon Ducks during the second half of the 2021 Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports /

RB Eric Gray

Although Oklahoma is deep at the running back position, the group is not deep in game experience at the college level. Gray is the most experienced of the OU running backs entering the 2022 season, having played two seasons at Tennessee and one season at Oklahoma as a backup to Kennedy Brooks.

Gray will begin the season as the Sooners lead running back. He gained 410 yards on the ground a year ago on 78 carries, an average of 5.3 yards per carry, but the real strength he brings to the position is his versatility. He caught 23 passes for 229 yards in the 2021 season, including two for touchdowns.

The Memphis, Tennessee, native is expected to play a much bigger role in the coming season. Gray is an explosive player whose talents can and should make him a prime contributor in the OU offense in the 2022 season.

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