2009 OU Football Preview: Running Backs/Fullbacks

In addition to a Heisman winning quarterback, the nation’s top tight end and at least one game breaker at receiver (tight ends & receivers preview coming next) Oklahoma also returns two 1,000 yard running backs. The significance of this is that the Sooners return 100% of their rushing yards in 2009, along with every significant passing yard, to make up one of the top backfields in the country.

The most intriguing aspect of Oklahoma’s backfield in `09 may be the development of redshirt freshman Jermie Calhoun. He’ll start the season #3 on the depth chart and will most likely remain there all season but the coaching staff will look for as many opportunities as possible to get him on the field.

Running Backs

Chris Brown, Sr. – In 2008 Brown was All Big 12 Honorable Mention by both the Coaches and AP. He became the 20^th player in OU history to rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season and broke the 100 yard mark in six different games on his way to a total of 1,220 rushing yards. He scored three rushing touchdowns on four different occasions and against Kansas State recorded a career high 142 yards. His 20 touchdowns last season rank 5^th all-time at OU.

DeMarco Murray, Jr. – More of an all-purpose back than Brown, Murray was First Team All-Big 12 by the coaches and second team by the AP in `08. He set the single season record for all-purpose yards last season with 2,171 total yards. In addition to that his 774 kick return yards were second most in school history. He surpassed 100 yards rushing on five different occasions including the Texas A&M game in which he tallied 123 yards on just seven carries. His 1002 rushing yards gave the sooners two 1000 yard running backs. Against Oklahoma State he racked up 196 kick return yards and against Texas Tech had a career high 71 receiving yards.

Jermie Calhoun, RFr. – Was ranked as the nation’s #2 running back and the top player in the state of Texas by Rivals.

Jonathan Miller, Fr. – Ranked as the nation’s #30 running back by Rivals.

Fullbacks

Matt Clapp, Sr. – In 2008 Matt Clapp was a First Team All-Big 12 selection by the coaches. He had touchdown receptions against Cincinnati, Kansas and Texas A&M. His score against A&M was a career-long 28-yard touchdown reception.

Marshall Musil, Fr.  – Ranked as the #49 athlete in the nation and the #4 player in Kansas by Rivals.