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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.

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.

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