OU's Mossis Madu just wants the ball

Learning two additional positions in the span of a few months, however, hasn’t been easy.

"It’s a big learning curve, so big I almost feel like I’m a freshman all over again,” Madu said. "There are times when I get so frustrated. But I know once I get the whole system down it’ll be all right.

"I’m excited about becoming a guy who can do a lot of different things.”

During last year’s Big 12 Championship, Madu showed why the coaches are eager to find ways to get the ball in his hands.

After starter DeMarco Murray injured his hamstring on the opening kickoff, Madu shouldered the rushing duties with Chris Brown.

In a coming-out performance, Madu dazzled with 114 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and repeatedly evaded Missouri defenders in the open field.

Yet with Murray and Brown returning and destined to command a majority of the carries, Madu’s touches still would’ve been sparse had he strictly remained a running back.

As a triple threat, Madu will have more chances with the ball in his hands.

"He has a chance to be a great receiver this year,” quarterback Sam Bradford said. "Everyone saw the type of football player he is towards the end of the year last year in the Big 12 Championship.

"I think we realized, the more the ball is in his hands, the better the offense will be.”