Adrian Peterson has a chance to be the NFL's best running back ever

But Bob Stoops knew he was watching someone special the first time Stoops saw Peterson.

“You watched him play, he was just different than everybody,” Stoops said. “It wasn't close. He gets here, the buzz of the players … ‘Coach, whatever conditioning drill we ever did, he was first.' Allen Patrick was pretty competitive, he'd be creeping up on him (Peterson), he'd hit another gear. He's just different.

“To go with the amazing physical ability, he's so tough and competitive. He's not like everybody else.”

Peterson will have to come from behind if he is to challenge Brown as the greatest of all time. This will be Peterson's second rushing title in six seasons. Brown led the NFL in rushing in eight of his nine years. Brown was first-team all-pro eight times. This will be Peterson's third season to be all-pro.

Brandt notwithstanding, it will take more than just another monster season in 2013 for Peterson to reach Brown's class.

But break Dickerson's record, and Peterson will have two of the three major rushing records. He already holds the single-game mark of 296 yards, against the Chargers on Nov. 4, 2007.

The shelf life of most running backs is not long. Of course, Peterson is different. In the words of his old coach, Peterson isn't like everybody else.

Peterson is 27. He's already proven that even the worst kind of injury is only a speed bump on his journey.

He's going to need a few more robust seasons to give Brandt a lot of company on the bandwagon.

At least 294 yards this season would help. Even if Peterson needs next Sunday to get there.

Berry Tramel: Berry can be reached at (405) 760-8080 or at btramel@opubco.com. He can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including FM-98.1. You can also view his personality page at newsok.com/berrytramel.