Dominique Whaley's numbers are similar to OU great Adrian Peterson

That play, the 64-yard touchdown dash in the third quarter, also illustrated some of the qualities that have vaulted the junior running back to No. 1 on the Sooners' depth chart — and made him the subject of national attention.

Whaley is even being considered this week for the cover of Sports Illustrated, which is focusing on walk-ons contributing for major FBS programs. Whaley is the prime posterboy for that, given his rise.

The most decorated non-scholarship player in the country has now rushed 83 times for 462 yards and eight touchdowns in the No. 3 Sooners' five victories.

Whaley had been stuffed by Texas until what was his longest run of the season. He hit the right side, got good blocks from tight end Austin Haywood and receiver Ryan Broyles – and then he hit the jets, speeding into the end zone to increase OU's lead to 48-10.

A national reporter wondered aloud Saturday morning why one of the country's best teams would need to rely on a walk-on at a skill position. Answer: Because this is not your average walk-on.

OU coach Bob Stoops mentioned about a month ago that Whaley's workout numbers were similar to one of the program's best pure athletes of all time, Adrian Peterson.

Monday, OU revealed those numbers. Stoops wasn't exaggerating, either.

Whaley was just behind the All-Pro in some categories – the same measurables factored into NFL scouting evaluations. He was better than Peterson in several areas, including broad jump, vertical jump, power clean, squat and bench press.