Jeff Lebby ‘looking for big things’ from Marcus Major

A few carries are going to be available to Oklahoma running backs this season. Offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby will have to replace Eric Gray in the backfield after his one season in Norman. There are a few candidates who could see opportunities, with one of those being Marcus Major.

Getting on the field has been a bit of an issue for Major throughout his career. Both injuries and off-the-field issues have prevented him from carving out a consistent role, dating back to when Lincoln Riley was still running the program. For Lebby, the goal is to get Major out there every Saturday and hopefully become a staple of Oklahoma’s rushing attack.

“Marcus is a guy that’s had 14 good practices,” Lebby said. “A guy that’s had really good toughness in the room. He’s had really good leadership. So, again, we’re looking for big things out of Marcus. Continuing to keep him healthy and get him to the field every Saturday.”‘

Major is entering his redshirt senior season, originally being a member of the 2019 recruiting class. Injuries have been a theme in the running back’s career but during the 2021 season, he was held out from games due to academic problems. Those smoothed over during the year and Oklahoma has found a nice piece ever since.

In 28 career games, Major has rushed for 525 yards and seven touchdowns on 116 attempts. However, the 2022 season was easily his best, earning 56 carries and turning it into 227 yards plus four touchdowns. Major could be a threat coming out of the backfield too, having 102 yards and a touchdown on just 11 receptions.

Oklahoma is going to have some nice depth at running back, no question. Lebby and head coach Brent Venables have to be ecstatic about some of the young talent inside the program. Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk are both entering their sophomore seasons with the Sooners.

But when it comes time for a veteran presence in the backfield, Major should be the guy called upon. There is enough experience through different injuries to trust him, even with a coaching change. Lebby clearly has a ton of confidence in Major.

Staying healthy throughout the entire 2023 season is the main goal. Fourteen practices in and Major is doing well. Now, he has as few as 12 games to play but with expectations being what they are for Oklahoma, Major could have a few more to play.