NORMAN — Shortly after the Fiesta Bowl, Oklahoma learned it would be without its top two returning tailbacks for the spring.
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Chris Brown would undergo minor knee surgery and DeMarco Murray would still be rehabbing from a dislocated kneecap, potentially leaving untested sophomore Mossis Madu as the only running back on the roster.
But incoming freshman Justin Johnson, one of this year's top recruits, enrolled early.
And fullback Matt Clapp has proven to be a human battering ram with the ball in his arms.
For those reasons, the Sooner running back rotation has not only become workable with Murray and Brown still on the mend.
It has a chance to shine, beginning 11 a.m. Saturday in OU's first spring scrimmage open to the public.
"I do (feel good about our rotation),” Bob Stoops said. "I'd like to see Chris and DeMarco out there, but I've got to admit I wouldn't have them in much live action. I've seen enough from those guys to know that they'll be back and ready to go and these (other) guys are getting a lot of snaps they really need. I think it's really good for the guys that are in there.”
Madu signed with OU after rushing for more than 1,500 yards and 25 touchdowns right down the road as a senior at Norman High School.
But after redshirting in 2006, Madu spent last season watching from the sidelines as Murray, Brown and Allen Patrick received the majority of the carries.
"The scrimmage is going to be a lot of fun,” Madu said. "I feel real good about how the rotation has worked out. It has worked out way better than I thought it was going to.”
Clapp, who redshirted last year, has surprised teammates and coaches with his powerful running ability, so much so that offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is toying with the idea of using Clapp at tailback next season out of the I-formation, with Brody Eldridge at fullback.
"Matt's doing well and carrying the load for those guys some and does a nice job in the one-back stuff,” Stoops said. "He can (make guys miss) a little bit, but he's got a lot of power to him. He had a great winter. I think he's really just improved his overall strength and the way he's worked out he's really prepared himself well.”
Johnson has added some flash to the rotation.
He was a highly recruited, blue-chip prospect who ran for more than 2,100 yards and 25 touchdowns last season at Gilmer (Texas) High School.
Johnson boasts great speed and was physical enough that some colleges recruited him to play linebacker.
"He's still learning. He's really a great kid, working hard and doing well, but he's still learning,” Stoops said. "Like any running back, you're only as good as the guys that are helping.
"So we'll see.”
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Kelly. OSWHO:Team on the rise. It NEVER got started. Never will either.KMA
I'm guessing Loadholt needed that jump in order to not get left behind... (But don't tell him I said that!) Too many mental errors created too many three & outs last year. Here's an idea: Don't write any news articles on how good that o line is...The proof needs to be out on that field, not in the press.I'll not only take the speed over the size, but give me that heart over everything!
Boomer Sooner
Discipline. There were times last season I almost threw my shoe thru my TV watching Loadholt jump before the snap. With Murray and Brown back there, that can slow any D-line down.
The O-line looked good at times and sloppy and slow other times. Could be a conditioning issue, but I doubt it since they were usually strongest late in games. Unfortunately those games were close because we werent able to run the ball early and move the chains. I think its mental for those guys, I think they take plays off. Now, as Cecil said, WVU showed how slow Loadholt can be. However, he is excellent against big, strong, bullrush type ends like Miami's Calias Campbell. Unfortunately, the trend is towards smaller faster ends in college and NFL.
Loadholt faded as the season went on and his slow feet were exposed by West Virginia big time. It's "neato" that he is so big, but if that means "slow", I'd rather have someone 4 inches shorter and 40 pounds lighter who can efficiently block a speed rushing DE.
I agree with you William. Last season there was so much talk about the great line. I saw way to many false start penalties. Some at very crucial times. How many were there in the Fiesta Bowl. Seems like there were 5 or 6 on the same lineman.
Everyone keeps talking about how good the offensive line is. I really think they played well below their potential last year. They need to get it together this year and this spring is a good time to start.
OU announces other scrimmage time 03/27/2008 The Sooner football team will hold their second open scrimmage a week from Saturday on April 5, which will begin at 1 p.m. at Owen Field. This Saturday's...
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Boomer Sooner