OUInsider - Owen Field

Sure losing Murray will hurt (ALOT more than I think some will realize), but with Clay and Finch coming back as sophomores along with Jonathan Miller, I think we are set. This doesn't even factor the contributions of Brandon Williams (who could end up being the feature back next season), Jermie Calhoun, and guys like Millard and Musil who could see expanded roles in the offense. In short, RB is one position I am not worried about.

A few thoughts on our options:

1) Finch. I wouldn't consider Finch to be coming off a "major injury". Single fractures rarely have lingering long-term effects. I expect Finch to be 100% in the fall. He's short, but not particularly slight. I'm comfortable with him being one of our feature backs next year.

2) Miller. If we had chosen to play him this year, then yes, he was coming off a major injury. Instead, we gave him the extra time to heal up and get to 100%. By all accounts, he looks to be full-speed already. At this point, the injury appears to be history. I expect him to see lots of carries in the fall.

3) Clay. I agree that we haven't seen enough from Clay yet to feel confident in him being one of our main guys next year. We do know that he's a versatile player, which should help him find a home in various schemes.

4) Williams. RB is one of the few positions where true freshmen can realistically expect to make a meaningful impact. If he's as good as our coaching staff (amongst others) believe, he could easily find himself as our primary featured back by October.

5) Calhoun. Not a factor for 2011.

All told, I'll readily admit that this will be one of the least-proven backfields we'll have had in a while, but there are four horses to choose from in our stable. If I'm a betting man, my money is on at least one of the four to pan out and have an outstanding season. Frankly, I expect multiple guys on the list above to have great seasons. This doesn't even account for Millard, who is a great change-of-pace weapon toting the rock, and who will continue to improve with his devastating blocks. The O-line returns 4 starters, and should finally start to be a position of strength rather than a liability. There is no reason why we shouldn't field one of the best rushing attacks in the conference in 2011.

Bigger concerns for me would include finding someone to step up alongside Javon Harris at safety (assuming Tony stays where he is), and seeing whether our DTs can sufficiently muscle up to solidify our run defense.

I can't say that I don't have "some" concern over the RB position if only because there are no proven guys there except for maybe Finch. Here's how I see it:

1) Finch-Likely starter and really was showing something until his concussion. He's got a burst and I see the Sooners using him much like with Quentin Griffin. Stress fracture is something he can come back at 100% with. I do hate seeing him miss out on the bowl game though.

2) Miller-Coaches were really excited about him last year but he got hurt. Very wise decision for him to redshirt this season. Hopefully he will go through spring and show what he has. He could win the backup job as I don't think Finch is an every down back.

3) Clay-He looked like he was starting to come on until his concussion. Spring will be big for him also. Honestly, he hasn't shown enough to warrant being excited about him. He also has dropped several passes thrown his way.

4) Williams-He's the guy who could win the job outright with a big spring. How well he adjusts to D-1 football is the key. I hope he gets a chance to prove himself.

5) Calhoun-Feel bad for him but I think the handwriting was on the wall when he didn't play against Iowa St. (4 rb's played ahead of him) and then he got in late against Colorado only to get hurt. He won't be 100% until the middle of next season if then. I wish him well but I can't see him being a contributor. Hope I'm wrong.

The key is for a couple of guys to step up besides Finch and for them to stay healthy. If that happens, OU should be fine at the RB position. We will miss Demarco but remember, he was hurt a few times also. It's just a very physical position to play.

We might be able to replace 4.4 ypc.

Finch is as big as Q and he was plenty durable. Clay is about 200 isn't he? Miller the same. Why the worry? I guess it isn't fun unless we can see the dark clouds around the silver lining? Gotta love OU fans.

What's the worst that can happen? We have to put in Whaley who tore it up in last year's spring game.

The silver lining is a couple of minor injuries during the season, might result in additional carries for the others, which is probably not a bad thing.

We can win with any of the backs we currently have, including Whaley and Calhoun. They are all studs. I can't wait to see Miller and Finch in the same back field.

I think we will have at least one home run threat and at least one solid, serviceable back who does his job and keeps blitzers off laundry .....I just have no idea whonis who at tailback yet. I read james' oint as there being a great probability that one or two will emerge

.....Millard is quietly becoming the next great ou fullback and is a Sunday guy ....just watch.

Jonathan Miller is amazing! Assuming he is really 100% (and not Demarco Murray 100%) he should win the starting job. I'm probably the most excited about him.

Finch looked great the first few games he played but hasn't really been able to do much the rest of the year. Not sure why. I think his blocking was much more of a value to the offense than his running was the last few games. He's a GREAT blocker!

DM added so much more to the offense than just running the ball. It's his versatility and playmaking ability that we'll miss. I think we'll be replacing one player with 3!