The Oklahoma Sooners enter the 2024 season revamping their offense under new offensive coordinators Joe Jon Finley and Seth Littrell. While the passing game receives a lot of attention, a key question mark lies in the Sooners’ backfield. Let’s examine the Oklahoma running backs as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Building on Momentum: The Sawchuk Show
After a breakout finish to the 2023 season, sophomore Gavin Sawchuk is poised to be the anchor of the Sooners’ running game. Sawchuk rushed for over 100 yards in the final five games of last year, showcasing his ability to be a consistent threat on the ground. His experience and leadership will be crucial for a backfield with some new faces.
Health permitting: The Return of Jovantae Barnes
Junior Jovantae Barnes possesses breakaway speed and the potential to be a game-changer. Injuries hampered him in 2023, but if healthy, he could form a dynamic duo with Sawchuk. His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a versatile weapon in the offense.
Fresh Faces Arrive
The Sooners added some exciting young talent to the backfield with the arrival of freshmen running back Taylor Tatum and the rise of Kalib Hicks during spring ball. Tatum, a highly-rated recruit, brings explosive speed and elusiveness. He could see carries early on and could possibly be a factor in the return game.
Kalib Hicks had a terrific spring for the Sooners. He was limited in action in 2023, as a true freshman. Only appearing in two games (Arkansas State & in the Alamo Bowl against Arizona). He only logged carries against Arkansas State though, running three times for 14 yards and a score.
From the FCS:
Former FCS standout Samuel Franklin has also joined Oklahoma’s running backs room. The transfer from Tennessee-Martin racked up 1,386 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 6.2 yards per carry.
All three of these guys will contribute good depth, along with freshman Xavier Robinson, behind Sawchuck and Barnes.
Excitement Breached by Uncertainty
While the outlook for Oklahoma’s running backs is promising, there are still some uncertainties to address as the Sooners gear up for the new era of OU Football. Revamping the offense has a central focus, and how the running backs will be utilized within the schemes of new offensive coordinators remains to be fully seen. Let’s delve into the question marks surrounding the Sooners’ running back situation.
Health is a Major Factor
There’s no denying the talent of junior running back Jovantae Barnes. His speed and elusiveness make him a home run threat, but injuries have plagued him throughout his career. If Barnes can’t stay healthy, the Sooners will be relying heavily on a young and inexperienced backfield.
Exciting, But Unproven
The Sooners bolstered their backfield with the highly-rated freshman Taylor Tatum. He brings explosiveness and could see carries early on. Kalib Hicks and Samuel Franklin add depth and physicality, but figuring out how they could be more than that this fall remains to be seen.
Offensive Line – A Work in Progress
A strong running game hinges on a dominant offensive line creating running lanes. However, the Sooners’ offensive line is a bit of a question mark. If they can’t consistently open holes, the effectiveness of the running backs will be hampered.
Committee Approach or Running Back Carousel?
With Sawchuk’s experience, Barnes’ potential if healthy, and the promise of new faces, there’s a chance for a running back committee. However, the distribution of carries could become a balancing act. Littrell, Finley, and DeMarco Murry will need to establish a clear pecking order and utilize each back’s strengths effectively to avoid confusion, wasted opportunities, and frustrations.
The Bottom Line
The Oklahoma Sooners’ running back group has the potential to be a dynamic unit in 2024. However, addressing these uncertainties – Barnes’ health, development, offensive line play, and carry distribution – will be crucial to their success. If they can overcome these challenges, the Sooners’ backfield could be a key weapon in their quest to return to prominence.
Follow us on Twitter: @SportsHeartland
One Reply to “Oklahoma Running Backs Preview: A Mix of Experience and Fresh Legs for 2024”