Roy Finch, Sophomore
While he was sidelined for the first 5 games of the season, Finch was an immediate spark plug and had the potential to create big plays anytime he touched the ball. He also proved himself to be a rather capable blocker despite his size, something that should only improve as he gains experience. He was able to use his burst to get to the outside as well as hit the hole and gain tough yards. However, in the few games he did play, Finch's small frame led to him taking some big hits on those inside runs. These hits, on top of multiple stress fractures, leads me to wonder how much of the workload he will be able to carry. But if he remains healthy, he has a chance to be a weekly highlight reel.
Brandon Williams, Freshman
The player I am the least familiar with. Williams was a highly sought after recruit who was able to come in early in hopes of making a big impact this season. Many were abuzz this Spring about his play, but in the Red/White Game, he failed to impress. Since the defense has a great advantage in that game, that point is rather moot. As the Summer goes on, Williams will see a lot of looks as he continues to learn the system, and if the talk about his potential is accurate, he could very well become the feature back this upcoming season.
Jonathan Miller, Sophomore
While he sat out the 2010 season to repair the knee he hurt the year prior, Miller looks to become a real impact player this Fall. In 2009, before his injury, he showed flashes of speed that didn't look too different from that of DeMarco Murray's in his Freshman year. Miller, in a theme that is common with all of these backs, has never had to shoulder the bulk of the workload. While it is most likely the beginning of the season will be running back by committee, he could most certainly become an integral part if he is able to show signs of his former self.
Jermie Calhoun, Junior
Like Miller, he also suffered a serious knee injury, and has been recovering throughout most of the offseason. Some (me) have been critical of his knack for turning over the football, and he most certainly has yet to live up to the hype surrounding his 2008 signing. While it is expected he will be able to play this season, one has to wonder how confident he will be running the ball on his surgically repaired knee. If he is able to play, and be effective, he has certainly shown the capability to be a hard-nosed, between the tackles running back.
Brennan Clay, Sophomore
Clay was able to play for a good portion of last season, and while he was never a showstopper, he did prove that he could hold his own in the Sooners' fast-paced offense. With another year to grow into the system, he should have the opportunity to see significant time on the field. Hopefully he will provide a solid option for running backs coach Cale Gundy when called upon.
One last note regarding the running back situation. With Kevin Wilson now at Indiana, it will be interesting to see whether or not new offensive coordinator Josh Heupel decides to keep the "backs formation" that became a very effective look for the Sooners late in the 2010 season. I know many fans, myself included, hope that he will, as it provided a unique way to get the ball to the various playmakers that the Sooners had in the backfield. And in a season where no running back has a clear hold on the starting position, that formation could become even more useful in divvying up the workload amongst the many backs currently on the roster.
(credit images - soonersports.com / holyturf.com)
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