Former Oklahoma running back Tawee Walker recently shed light on his decision to transfer to Wisconsin, citing a “hectic” situation in the Sooners’ backfield in 2023 as a major contributing factor.
Walker, who finished last season as Oklahoma’s second-leading rusher, expressed feeling undervalued throughout the year. In a YouTube video, he stated, “I really felt like I was — not trapped, but I can’t think of the word for it, but condensed… I don’t even know; just not seeing my full potential,” Walker said. “I feel like they kind of used me as a third-down back or a guy that’s just, like, ‘Dang, nobody else is doing anything. I know Tawee is going to do something. Let me put Tawee in.’ I just feel I should’ve been established as the guy, or we should’ve had a one and two the whole year to just go on instead of having just mixing people up, just seeing who’s going to do what.”
Early Season Rotation Raised Questions
Walker’s frustration stemmed from Oklahoma’s inconsistent approach to the running back position. Injuries to Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk created early-season opportunities for Walker, who delivered a solid 117-yard performance against SMU. However, his carries fluctuated significantly throughout the season, with stretches where he saw minimal action despite others being banged up.
Walker Believes He Deserved More Carries
While acknowledging Sawchuk’s strong finish to the season, Walker maintained his belief that a clearer hierarchy should have been established earlier. “We didn’t know who was starting what game,” he said. This lack of clarity, coupled with his own desire for a more prominent role, appears to have driven a wedge between Walker and the coaching staff.
Disagreements with Coach Murray, But Mutual Respect Remains
Walker alluded to having “a couple issues” with running backs coach DeMarco Murray, but emphasized their mutual respect. Despite these disagreements, Walker clarified that his decision to transfer wasn’t a personal attack on Murray. “It made us nothing but stronger,” Walker said. “Love him still today, and I’m almost positive he’ll say the same for his love toward me.”
Wisconsin Offered a Fresh Start and Familiar Philosophy
Ultimately, Walker opted for a fresh start at Wisconsin, a program known for its success with running backs. The presence of offensive coordinator Phil Longo, whose scheme previously featured a potent running back duo at North Carolina, likely appealed to Walker’s desire for a more prominent role.
Fond Memories Remain for Oklahoma
Despite his departure, Walker expressed his love for Oklahoma and its fanbase. He called them “one of the greatest fanbases in sports” and said he hopes to return for a game in the future. Walker’s comments paint a picture of a talented player who felt underutilized. While there seems to be no animosity towards Oklahoma, the “hectic” backfield situation ultimately led him to seek an opportunity where he could better showcase his abilities.
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