Practice report: Mossis Madu separates himself as the No. 2 RB

Who will get the No. 2 carries behind starter DeMarco Murray?

It’s looking like Mossis Madu.

Offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said after Monday’s practice that the senior from Norman High has separated himself in the congested competition for backup running back.

“Mossis has been really good,” Wilson said. “Been explosive, made plays. He’s separated himself a little bit.”

Madu is battling Jermie Calhoun, Jonathan Miller, and freshmen Roy Finch and Brennan Clay for the backup role. The other four backs have had their moments, but Madu seems to be the guy who will be Murray’s primary relief.

“He’s stepped up,” Murray said. “He’s working hard. Gonna make some plays for us.”

It’s unclear how Madu’s summer DUI arrest will factor into all of this. But because it’s the first time Madu has been in trouble, he’ll likely be held out of the opener, then resume his role Week 2 against Florida State.

Madu, remember, was moved to wideout last year in an effort to get him more involved in the offense, with Murray and Chris Brown figuring to get the bulk of the running back work. Instead, Madu got less involved and barely played while struggling to pick up the nuances of playing receiver.

But Madu is comfortable again back at his natural position.

“I really like the way he’s played,” Wilson said. “He’s been impressive.”

Other news and notes from Monday’s practice:
* WR Kenny Stills is back practicing with the team, after basically missing all of last week and then some with a groin pull. Wilson said that injury limited Stills’ progress.

“I do think as a young guy that was a critical miss,” Wilson said. “That’s a lot of time. Nothing against him because he was hurt, but that was a scrimmage, some good foundation time he missed.