All-State 2008: David Oku (Half Back)

MIDWEST CITY — During his freshman year at Carl Albert, David Oku was already thinking of his legacy at the tradition-rich Mid Del school. The standout running back had his eyes on becoming the all-time rushing yardage leader at the Class 5A school.

Four years later, Oku sits atop Carl Albert's all-time rushing list with 5,802 rushing yards and 68 touchdowns. Former Titan great Jay Hunt held the record since 1997 with 4,649 yards and 67 touchdowns.

Oku knows if he's not the best running back all-time at Carl Albert, he's definitely in the conversation.

“Everybody has their opinion on who's the best to come out (of Carl Albert),” said Oku, who has committed to Tennessee but is keeping his options open.

Oku spoke with Hunt, Carl Albert coach Gary Rose, former Carl Albert standout J.D. Runnells and many others about the record. And the consensus was clear:

“Everybody said if you want to be the best, you have to break the record,” he said.

Oku rushed for 807 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman, 1,462 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore and 1,628 yards and 20 touchdowns as a junior.

He capped off his stellar career with 1,905 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior. Those numbers earned him a spot on the Oklahoman's All-State team and, most importantly to him, cemented his legacy at Carl Albert.

“The record has been standing for a long time,” Oku said. “I broke that record, so I feel like I am the best, I feel like I've earned that.”