DeMarco Murray discusses the value of having young running backs going through offseason

Oklahoma running backs coach DeMarco Murray knows the offseason is the most important time of the year for player development. With so many young backs on the Sooners roster, that is perhaps even more true this spring.

OU loses last season’s leading rusher Eric Gray and has a tall task to replace his 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns. As Murray tries to identify who will fill the void left behind by Gray, he spoke on the importance of not only spring practice, but the summer workouts that will follow as well.

“The two most important phases, I feel like, is winter workouts and summer workouts,” he said. “Having been through it and just seeing other guys get better. Just the improvement from myself over those two periods. Obviously, you’re gonna get better during the season and spring and all that. But as far as just getting faster, stronger and more explosive, we’ve obviously got the best strength coaches in the nation. Coach (Jerry) Schmidt, he knows what he’s doing.

“I’m excited to continue to get out here and practice, but I’m always looking forward to summer workouts. Getting those guys bigger, faster, stronger and then letting those guys take control and leadership of meetings and things of that nature that we have. It’s just exciting times.”

Sophomore Jovantae Barnes figures to be one player poised to take an a larger role in 2023. The former four-star prospect saw plenty of reps last season as a true freshman, finishing second on the team with 519 yards and five touchdowns. His growth will be a key storyline to follow this offseason.

Gavin Sawchuk also seems like a candidate to contribute more after redshirting in 2022 and playing in only two games. He ranked as the No. 10 running back from the 2022 class according to the On3 Industry Rating, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. Sawchuk had a breakout game in the Cheez-It Bowl against Florida State, recording 100 yards and a touchdown on 15 carries.

Additionally, the Sooners added Washington transfer Emeka Megwa, another former four-star from the 2021 class. Oklahoma also brought in a trio of freshmen running backs in Daylan Smothers and Kalib Hicks as well as walk-on Chapman McKown.

Finally, Marcus Major will provide some stability as the only senior in the group. The Oklahoma City native finished fourth on the team last season with 227 yards and four scores.

All that in mind, Murray has plenty of talent to work with in a backfield that led the Big 12 with 219.4 rushing yards per game in 2022. As the Sooners inch closer to their spring game on April 22, he’ll hope to continue to see progress from the group.