Trey Millard: The most interesting man … in the backfield
CAMPUS CORNER — Trey Millard set a lesser-known NCAA record this season (breaking his own record from a year ago, I believe).
The sophomore He-Man set the mark for words-written-per-yard-gained. We talk a lot about Millard, in large part because Bob Stoops talks a lot about Millard.
But, this season, the Missourian accounted for 275 of OU’s 6,385 yards (4.3 percent) — 148 rushing and 127 receiving. And 61 of the rushing yards came on one long TD run, to cap the blowout at Kansas State.
Now, don’t read this wrong. I’m not saying Millard is overrated. I’m saying, and we’ve been saying, that Millard is underused.
What’s new? Remember the Fiesta Bowl last year, when Stoops had to remind Josh Heupel at halftime that Millard was on the roster?
How about this year’s bowl game, now that the running back position has been whittled down to Roy Finch (unless he faces a suspension for his reason run-in with the law) and Brennan Clay? Dom Whaley is rehabbing his broken ankle. Brandon Williams has a neck injury (and could be transferring). Are there any Whaleys in the wings?
Turn to Millard. He’s the kind of tough-nosed runner OU could use against Iowa (he’s 6-2, 250!) — and in 2012. Imagine a backfield with Millard, Blake Bell and powerlifting fullback Aaron Ripkowski (also out of the bowl, because of a back ailment). Good luck stopping that. Opponents already haven’t, knowing Bell’s probably going to run.
I bring this up because I’m writing for tomorrow about the five players the bowl game could be huge for – one of them being Millard. Give him the rock 10 times, I say. And with the tight end position about to be nuked, let him line up more at H-back and tight end, too.
Why not? It’s a long-held question with Millard, seems like.
= Trav
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