Sooners still have RB depth as former Vol Gray joins mix
NORMAN — Much like offensive line, running back was a bit of an issue early in the season for OU.
In the first three games, which included two losses, the Sooners ran for just 122.7 yards per game.
Things started looking up after that, though.
The Oklahoman's series of positions looks at the Sooners continues with a look at OU's running backs in 2021.
Season re w i n d : With Rhamondre Stevenson's suspension and Kennedy Brooks opting out, the Sooners' running back depth was virtually non-existent heading into the season.
Seth McGowan and T. J. Pledger had their moments early but it wasn't until Pledger's 131-yard, two-touchdown performance against Texas that the Sooners running game showed much life.
Pledger had back-to-back games of more than 100 yards before Stevenson's return.
Once Stevenson came back, OU's running game exploded.
In six games, Stevenson ran for 665 yards and seven touchdowns and had 18 catches for 211 yards.
He ended his OU career with 186 yards and a touchdown in the Cotton Bowl win over Florida before declaring for the NFL Draft.
Who's out: T. J. Pledger, Rhamondre Stevenson
Who's in: *-Kennedy Brooks, Eric Gray (*-Brooks opted out of 2020 but has returned to the team)
The take: After the season, Stevenson declared for the NFL Draft and Pledger decided to transfer, ultimately landing at Utah. Brooks' return gives the Sooners a clear No. 1 option after the Mansfield, Texas, native ran for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons at OU. Depth behind that was an issue, though, especially after the Sooners missed out on Camar Wheaton, who ultimately signed with Alabama.
McGowan had just one carry in the bowl, but it was a 73-yard run. He also showed promise with 13 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown throughout his freshman season.
Marcus Major also had a big game in the bowl, with nine carries for 110 yards.
Eric Gray could wind up being the Sooners' No. 2 back, though, after transferring in from Tennessee. Gray ran for 772 yards in nine games in 2020 and also had 30 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns. In two years with the Volunteers, Gray has averaged 5.1 yards per carry.
Projected depth chart
Kennedy Brooks, Jr., 5-11, 216 Eric Gray, Jr., 5-10, 205 Seth McGowan, Fr., 5-11, 211 Marcus Major, RFr., 5-11, 224