Oklahoma football: Sooner coaches need to put the football in Trey Millard's hands

Seniors-to-be Damien Williams and Brennan Clay each emerged as solid options in the backfield; Williams displayed tough, inside running ability, plus serious home-run capability.

But Millard — with his size, speed and athleticism — looks like a potential 1,000-yard NFL rusher.

“Some people say that I'll play more of a running back,” Millard said. “I've heard a bunch of different things, more of a W or a tight end that doesn't necessarily have his hand down on the line.”

Stoops said he doesn't know how high Millard could climb in the draft with another college season — “I don't know where he was gonna go this year, so how am I gonna know next year how much it's gonna improve?” — but said another year of training is important as anything.

“You're gonna be running into Ray Lewis'; you need to be ready for it,” Stoops said. “I think another year in the weight room — he's a true junior — is gonna help him. Getting more experience, those kinds of things.”

Millard offered Oklahoma — which lost its two leading receivers and four-year starting quarterback — a gift by opting for another college season.

It'd benefit the team, Millard's future — and would be a gesture of appreciation — if coaches would put the ball in his hands more often.