On our most recent podcast I made a joke about T.J. Pledger hitting the transfer portal. As it turns out, that’s not a laughing matter as the junior running back from Pacoima, California announced on Monday that he intends to transfer.
A 4-star recruit, and member of the 2018 signing class, Pledger was an early enrollee who saw limited action immediately. He carried the ball 30 times, for 179 yards, in 2018. Then in 2019 he appeared in ten games as a kick returner and back up. He only logged 10 carries in 2019 though.
This year was his most productive season as he was the feature back for the Sooners until Rhamondre Stevenson returned from suspension. Despite his workload greatly decreasing after the return of Stevenson, Pledger still led the team in number of carries (95) and was second in total rushing yards with 451.
One could speculate that Pledger’s decision to leave could mean that either Stevenson is staying or Kennedy Brooks is planning a return in 2021. Maybe both!
Pledger is the second Oklahoma player in as many days to announce his intention to transfer. Backup quarterback Tanner Mordecai made his announcement on Sunday.
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