DeMarco Murray reveals how young running backs have stepped up as leaders

Former Oklahoma Sooner legend DeMarco Murray is one of the greatest players ever to suit up in the Crimson and Cream. While he wrapped up his prolific football career a few years ago, Murray has been on the sidelines for the past few seasons as the Sooners’ running backs coach. He joined the staff in Norman in 2020 and has been there ever since. Recently Murray, spent some time with the media talking about how the young running backs have stepped up as leaders during spring football.

“Yeah, it’s been great. Because they’re in the same shoes as Kalib [Hicks] and Daylan [Smothers] and Chap [Chapman McKown] a year ago. But now, seeing them a year later, Gavin [Sawchuk] in particular obviously, put on some weight. Looks totally different body. Looks fantastic and then Barnes, same thing. As well as Tawee [Tawee Walker], Tawee’s doing a great job for us. He’s been extremely well in the run game for us. And so, overall, all of those guys from a year ago as well as Marcus Major. They’ve improved verbally. They’re all kind of quiet, but again, they’re stepping out of their comfort zones and [being] leaders, which that is what we need,” Murray said.

Then he talked about how comfortable Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk have looked this spring, since it’s their second year in the system:

“Yeah, it’s great. Second year in the system. Second year in the scheme. I mean, those guys aren’t having to think as much. They’re, I’m not calling them veterans yet, but they’ve worked extremely hard this offseason, identifying the defense, understanding the scheme, understanding the run blocking, and again, just being a difference maker in the receiving game. So, kudos to those guys with their mindset. They came in with the right mind. I mean, they’ve always worked since they’ve gotten here, so I wouldn’t expect anything less of them,” Murray said.

Barnes, a former Under Armour All-American coming out of Desert Pines (Las Vegas, Nevada), made an instant impact last year during his freshman campaign. He rushed for over 500 yards and five touchdowns, and really started to shine during his first start against the Florida State Seminoles in the Cheez-It Bowl. Barnes had season highs of 27 carries and 108 rushing yards, along with one touchdown. It’s easy to see his tantalizing potential. And it’ll be exciting to watch his career develop the next few years under Murray’s guidance.

The Oklahoma spring game will be played on April 22. Start time for the game is slated for 2:30 p.m CST.