High schools: Norman quarterback Zach Long is Player of the Week

But in addition to his rushing production, Roberts' leadership is absent, now that the running back is a freshman at Arkansas. And that's where Long has made the most difference.

“Donovan had always been that guy leading us,” Long said. “I've been a lot more vocal this year than the past two years. I'm trying to take that role.”

In his third year as the Tigers' starting quarterback, Long hasn't been asked to run much until this season. He totaled 308 rushing yards during his sophomore and junior seasons. Long has blown past that number through four games.

He had more than half that total last Friday against then-No. 9 Mustang. Long finished with 159 yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries during the 56-35 win to earn The Oklahoman's Player of the Week honor.

Coming into the season, Long knew the job to replace Roberts' yardage would be a collective effort of strong blockers and a triple-threat backfield, which included Imond Robinson and A'erion Hines.

“With the three of us in the backfield, we thought the option would be a good tool for us, and I knew I'd have to take some of the runs,” said Long, who had never run the option offense before this season. “We're not a team that's gonna throw 20 times a game. But when we throw, we want to be as effective as we can, short and efficient throws, and maybe hit that big play down the field.”