Throughout the duration of it’s existence, the Big 12 gained a reputation for being a signal caller’s league. However, all of that is set to change in the upcoming season as the crop of running backs take center stage. The shift is evidenced in the pending Media Day personnel as only four programs are slated to bring quarterbacks.
A quick look at the expected attendees and it’s becomes evident that the Oklahoma Sooners align with the majority in refusing to bring a QB. Instead, Rodney Anderson joins Lincoln Riley in making the trek to Frisco, Texas. Now a junior, Anderson earned Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors after an explosive end to the year. Racking up 1,161 total rushing yards on seven starts, there’s plenty of buzz surrounding the back.
Joining him from the offensive side of the ball is offensive lineman Ben Powers. After losing a key component in the trenches, the attention turns toward Powers to shoulder the burden. Powers, an All-Big 12 Second Team honoree should prove up to the task. Possessing 12 games of starting experience, the group should remain productive as a whole.
On the defensive side of the equation, the Sooners are bringing defensive lineman Amani Bledsoe. The junior has eight starts and ten games of experience. Rounding out the group, Kenneth Murray stands as the only underclassman the university plans to send to Big 12 Media Days.
Murray earned Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year honors a year ago and found himself on the Freshman All-American Team. Ranking second on the roster with 78 tackles during the 2017 campaign, expectations remain high for the experienced youngster. Given the defensive struggles, expect a lot of focus on the front seven throughout Media Days.