Oklahoma football: 7 days till kickoff

Very few running backs had the burst and speed that Demarco Murray had through 2006-2010. Murray is the Oklahoma football all-purpose yards leader and gave opposing teams nightmares in the running game and passing game.

He finished seventh in all-time rushing yards with 3,685 yards, and tallied 50 touchdowns, which ranks third among Oklahoma running backs.

Now the running backs coach on Brent Venables’ coaching staff, Murray blossomed early in the Crimson and Cream uniform. Murray was a highly talented 5-star recruit coming out of the state of Nevada. After redshirting in 2006, he made an immediate impact in his first game at Owen Field. The do-it-all back scored five times in the 79-10 beatdown to North Texas, and also rushed for 87 yards. Murray also made history in his first college game. It was the first time a player has scored four or more touchdowns in a half in his college debut. After that mind-blowing debut, Murray’s career took off like a heartbeat.

Murray had two 100-yard rushing performances in his freshmen season. We all remember the one against Texas, where he finished the day with 17 rushes for 129 yards and a touchdown. The iconic “Leap” from Murray made its play in 2007 OU-Texas Now we get to the sophomore season, which was sensational for No. 7, and the best year for Murray at OU.

Dec 4, 2010; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooner running back DeMarco Murray (7) runs with the ball in the third quarter against Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Lavonte David (4) during the Big 12 championship game at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

In 2008, Murray saw his number of carries go up, and it produced more yards, and more electric plays. Despite splitting reps with running back Chris Brown, Murray led the Sooners in rushing yards with 1,002 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He added five 100-yard rushing games in his sophomore year.

We also saw Murray develop into an all-around back in his sophomore campaign, which continued the next two years. It was a compelling season for Murray, but the dynamic back got injured in the Big 12 Championship game vs. Missouri, which caused him to miss the BCS National Championship vs. Florida. What if the Sooners had Murray vs. Florida? Would the outcome have changed?

“Obviously, it was a big bummer not to play in the national championship game, probably the biggest game of my career,” Murray said. “I was excited and pulling for us, but, as a competitor, you want to be out there and help your guys.

The loss of Sam Bradford in the 2009 season opening loss to BYU, turned the season south for OU and Murray. The Sooners finished the regular season 6-5, and Murray was managed to just 705 rushing yards, and eight touchdowns. The offensive line delt with injuries for most of the season, which caused Murray and Brown both to rush under 800 yards.

In 2010, Murray opened with a 208-yard rushing performance, and found the end zone twice vs. Utah State. It was the first time Murray was leaned on as the main ball carrier, with Brown graduating a year ago. He had five games, where he scored two touchdowns, and one of those came in the 28-20 victory over No. 21 Texas.

Murray finished the 2010 Red River Rivalry with 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He ended his Sooner career on a superb note, rushing for 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns in his senior year. He also had 594 receiving yards and five touchdowns.

It didn’t feel like we got all of Demarco Murray at his time at Oklahoma, due to a handful of injuries, but when No. 7 was healthy, he’s one of the best Sooner running backs to step on the field.