The Oklahoma Sooners added a familiar face to the coaching staff on Sunday evening according to multiple reports. After running backs coach, Jay Boulware decided to head south of the border, the program quickly looked toward the west coast for a replacement. Settling on none other than DeMarco Murray, it appears as though the former player is returning “home.”
While with Arizona Wildcats, Murray’s situation mirrored that of the Oklahoma Sooners. Forced to cope with injuries, the program still produced 174 yards per game on the ground in 2019. The number is quite impressive given that only two backs possessed real experience before Murray entered the equation. Yet, by comparison the stat sits below the 2018 totals compiled by much of the same names. Given the information, it shouldn’t be declared a step backwards though.
Asked to describe his coaching style, Murray said “I’m laid back until I’m not when they make a mistake, or I they do something I feel they shouldn’t. I’m not a big yeller, not a screamer.” Continuing to describe his style to AZ Desert Swarm, “For me, it’s just about teaching them the right things, the right mechanics of the game, making sure they take what we learn in the classroom and put it on the field. Some guys learn better on film, some learn better from reps, so I try and find who’s good at what, so I can get better and let them get better.”
The biggest question maker though for the latest addition to the coaching staff remains the ability to recruit. Of course, the procedure has changed quite drastically since Murray went through the recruiting process. However, Arizona felt comfortable placing the newcomer over the Dallas, Tucson, and Las Vegas areas likely due to name recognition.
Regarded as an effective recruiter in his own right by those in the area and around the Wildcat program, Murray should easily blend in with the Oklahoma Sooners efforts. Fortunately, the former star now has the opportunity to learn from one of the best offensive recruiters in Lincoln Riley if there are any deficiencies or concerns.