OUInsider - Owen Field

Does anyone know where Alan Patrick is playing?

I was pretty impressed with Jonathan Miller in the limited playing time he got in 2009 before his injury. It seems like his name gets lost among the fans as we discuss the running back situation coming into 2011, but I really hope Miller gets his chances this year in our crowded back field.

I think we'll definitely see Clay (good all-around back with probably the best hands to catch passes out of the backfield) and Finch (dynamic, elusive change-of-pace back, although maybe not so durable) in 2011, but everybody else seems like a wild-card to me. Miller seems like another good all-around back like Clay. Calhoun and Whaley are more power-backs. And then Brandon Williams is the home-run hitting true frosh, who's playing time could be limited by how well he picks up the playbook. I can see a scenario where Williams starts out mainly as the kickoff returner and slowly gains more playing time at running back as the year goes on.

I like the idea of sticking with "whoever is hot" but here's 3 other keys to who will play: who can pass-protect, who can catch, and who can NOT fumble. The guy who shows he can do those 3 things consistently will see a lot of time.

Does anybody else think we might not have a 1,000 yard rusher this year? But maybe we'll have 3 or 4 guys rush for 400-800 yards?

OU is absolutely rich at RB. I have no idea which 3 we settle on, but it will suck that eventually 3 wind up watching. Injuries can change things, and there is always special teams.

Imagine that with these 6 guys we add Alex Ross next season. He potentially could be the best of all of them.

Mr Sooner: come on no pessimi9stic statements

Deep Red: completely agree

Burbank: Me too - all articles point to a good attitude

They say Ross is going to blow up this year. He could end up being one of the most highly recruited backs in the Nation. With our depth at this position, and Ross' potential lofty recruiting status, anyone think there's a chance he may look elsewhere?

I agree with a few of the posters above...

With so many guys seemingly fairly equal (according to the coaches) in talent, the one or ones who can block, catch and take care of the football is who will get the bulk of the playing time.

This staff has shown in the past that unless you are head and shoulders above the other backs, if you put the ball on the ground, you get a ticket straight to purgatory!

So, I think that will probably determine the bulk of the playing time early in the season. If the ball goes on the ground, the road gets really, really tough for that individual.

After 4 years of Demarco, it is going to be shocking to many of us when we actually see the ball hitting the turf!! :)