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The Oklahoma Sooners are known for being one of the greatest programs in college football history. Over the decades, some of the most talented players in the game have played on Owen Field, especially at the running back position. No RBU discussion is complete without mentioning Mike Gaddis, the Midwest City product who made his mark in the late 80s and early 90s. On Monday, he passed away at the age of 50.
@Barry_Switzer just called to inform that Mike Gaddis has passed away. Great guy. Coach told me “best RB I ever recruited out of state of Oklahoma.” @NEWS9 @OU_Football
— Dean Blevins (@DeanBlevins) August 12, 2019
Despite missing the 1990 campaign (as well as the second half the ‘89 season) with an injury, Gaddis racked up 2,726 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns on 443 carries in three seasons. The Carl Albert alum ranks 13th in program history in career rushing, and is tied for the fifth most 200-plus yard games with four. He ran with a bit of everything: strength, speed, balance, and he did it all with his own unique brand of finesse.
A quick look back at the kind of player Mike Gaddis was. #Sooners pic.twitter.com/S1PfGbViSX
— Dylan Buckingham (@DylanBuckingham) August 12, 2019
Just spoke to an emotional Jamelle Holieway about former #Sooners RB Mike Gaddis, who passed away today:
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) August 12, 2019
"Smooth. Graceful. A gazelle. No one could get a shot on him... That damn astro turf at OU... It was a tragedy when he got hurt.
"Mike didn't have a bad bone in his body."
Barry Switzer and Jamelle Holieway were both in their final seasons at Oklahoma during Gaddis’ freshman year. If The King thinks he could have played in today’s game, that says a lot about how ahead of his time this talented tailback truly was.
Mike Gaddis rushed for 829 yards & 10 TDs through five-plus games in 1988 before knee injury against Texas.
— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) August 12, 2019
Barry Switzer: "He was on the way to winning the Heisman in his sophomore year. He was leading the nation in rushing ... he was going to be a great superstar"#Sooners
Barry Switzer on Mike Gaddis, who passed away today at 50: "He'd play for the #Sooners today, I promise you. He'd be their running back today if he was playing. This guy had it all. He was big and fast, could make people miss. He was a slasher. Hell, he was just a great back."
— Eric Bailey (@EricBaileyTW) August 12, 2019
Sending prayers to the Gaddis family. He inspired a generation to push the boundaries of possibility. pic.twitter.com/sXX2k0WQFy
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) August 12, 2019
For more information on Mike Gaddis’ career at Oklahoma, check this out from last year’s countdown to kickoff series.
Now onto today’s Hot Links! Patty and Bob were officially inducted into the HOF, Alex Grinch is content with where the defense’s mindset is, Fernando Tatís Jr. went all the way up for an incredible out and more!
OU Links
- OU Softball’s Patty Gasso and the Sooners’ winningest football head coach Bob Stoops were both inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame on Monday night. Those two sure clean up nice! Also, I hope Stoops never ever shaves the beard again.
Headed to the Hall!
— Oklahoma Sooners (@OU_Athletics) August 12, 2019
Congratulations to Patty Gasso and Bob Stoops, inducted tonight into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame!
https://t.co/1GbodAOKI5 pic.twitter.com/pi5Kt8ofil
- There isn’t a coach on this year’s staff that is more intense than DC Alex Grinch. There might be someone who can match his intensity in spots, but there is definitely nobody who surpasses him in that category on a regular basis. Even when he’s calm he seems on edge. Excellent D-coordinator material.
Alex Grinch, football guy.
— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) August 13, 2019
This is why he’s always hoarse. pic.twitter.com/3TK7NisuXh
- OU Daily’s George Stoia heard from Grinch and his assessment on the competition at safety and the overall mentality of the defense with under three weeks to go until the season opener.
- Here’s a look at cornerbacks coach Roy Manning running through a drill with his players. I haven’t been this interested to see a non-coordinator assistant in his first season at OU in some time.
Here's a look at Roy Manning (@CoachRoyM) running a drill tonight at #Sooners practice. pic.twitter.com/y9t7ZbTI2j
— Nate Feken (@TheGreat_Nate) August 13, 2019
- AP writer Cliff Brunt compiled his notes from the first week and change of Oklahoma’s fall camp, and it’s clear that the defense is the biggest x-factor when it comes to the Sooners’ national championship hopes. Also, Jalen Hurts continues to adapt, and CeeDee Lamb is showing tremendous growth as a player and a leader.
- After only playing in just one series against the Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is expected to see more time this Thursday against the Oakland Raiders.
- Former Oklahoma RG Dru Samia looks impressive with the Minnesota Vikings. His aggression and tenacity is second to none. If he stays consistent and can improve in pass protection, he should carve out a nice career for himself.
Dru Samia showing off some of the competitive toughness and finishing ability that made him so effective at Oklahoma. Love to see a guy clean up around piles..
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 12, 2019
Then notice the explosiveness out of his stance (1st to move) on the 2nd clip & torque generated pic.twitter.com/uPj1lYoR4G
Around the Sports World
- Oakland Raiders WR Antonio Brown will reportedly be joining the team today in Napa, but he’s still not expected to participate as he continues to rehab his frostbitten feet and deal with his helmet issue.
- Indianapolis Colts QB Andrew Luck has been dealing with what most have thought was a calf strain, but apparently there is also pain in his ankle as well. Without Luck, this team could be in serious trouble.
Here's what Colts owner Jim Irsay said on @SiriusXMNFL about Andrew Luck's injury. Team has said for months it's a "calf strain" while Luck has acknowledged there is pain in his ankle. pic.twitter.com/Q1ZYSBe6Su
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 13, 2019
- Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith recently explained how he apologized to rookie WR A.J. Brown after yelling at him only to find out later that the player was actually injured.
- In e-sports news, while Fortnite world champion Kyle ‘Bugha’ Giersdorf was live streaming, an anonymous source falsely reported him of committing a violent crime to authorities, resulting in a SWAT team raiding the famous gamer’s home. Everything is fine now and nobody was hurt. Still, that’s not cool. It’s also very illegal.
- San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatís Jr. just created the baseball version of the Jumpman logo. I had to watch this several times because it’s so beautiful.
Anyone else have goosebumps? pic.twitter.com/iwB3XPsVZk
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 13, 2019
Stick to Sports!
- YouTube user ProsafiaGaming created a mod for ‘Super Mario Odyssey’ that removes Mario’s iconic mustache. It looks great as far as its quality is concerned, but it’s also a vile act that has ruined my entire childhood and will leave me forever traumatized.
In an affront to both god and Miyamoto, a new Super Mario Odyssey mod removes the plumber’s mustache https://t.co/oTq0IIJF9F pic.twitter.com/iQAMAZom9J
— Polygon (@Polygon) August 12, 2019
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