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University of Oklahoma Athletics
2003 Season Preview: Running Backs
August 06, 2003 | Football
Over the next two weeks, SoonerSports.com will present a position-by-position preview of the 2003 Sooners complete with analysis and photo galleries. This is the third installment with a focus on the 2003 Sooner running backs.
Running Backs
Players with starting experience at the position: Renaldo Works
Short yardage back. Goal line personnel. Backup. Kejuan Jones was all those last season. But unlike the implied status of the labels, Jones rushed for more than 600 yards while scoring 14 touchdowns. Not only that, but he managed to squeeze out those numbers while another player on the team, Quentin Griffin, rushed for 1,884 yards and 15 TDs of his own.
The Sooners also can look to Renaldo Works, the hero of last season's win over Alabama; Jerad Estus, a talented player still seeking his first big break, and Donta Hickson, whose stock rose with several strong practice efforts last season.
At fullback, J.D. Runnels returns after a stellar true freshman campaign. Much of Jones' success could be attributed to Runnels' work as the lead blocker.
Griffin's departure can hardly be ignored. After all, he rushed for more yards as a senior than he did in his first three seasons combined. He also finished as OU's all-time leading receiver. And those are just the tangibles.
[ View 2003 Running Backs Photo Gallery ]
Next: Receivers
Running Backs
Players with starting experience at the position: Renaldo Works
Short yardage back. Goal line personnel. Backup. Kejuan Jones was all those last season. But unlike the implied status of the labels, Jones rushed for more than 600 yards while scoring 14 touchdowns. Not only that, but he managed to squeeze out those numbers while another player on the team, Quentin Griffin, rushed for 1,884 yards and 15 TDs of his own.
The Sooners also can look to Renaldo Works, the hero of last season's win over Alabama; Jerad Estus, a talented player still seeking his first big break, and Donta Hickson, whose stock rose with several strong practice efforts last season.
At fullback, J.D. Runnels returns after a stellar true freshman campaign. Much of Jones' success could be attributed to Runnels' work as the lead blocker.
Griffin's departure can hardly be ignored. After all, he rushed for more yards as a senior than he did in his first three seasons combined. He also finished as OU's all-time leading receiver. And those are just the tangibles.
[ View 2003 Running Backs Photo Gallery ]
Next: Receivers
| 2003 Football Preview | - |
| Monday, Aug. 4 | Season Outlook |
| Tuesday, Aug. 5 | Quarterbacks |
| Wednesday, Aug. 6 | Running Backs |
| Thursday, Aug. 7 | Receivers |
| Friday, Aug. 8 | Offensive Line |
| Monday, Aug. 11 | Defensive Line |
| Tuesday, Aug. 12 | Defensive Ends |
| Wednesday, Aug. 13 | Defensive Backs |
| Thursday, Aug. 14 | Linebackers |
| Friday, Aug. 15 | Special Teams |
Thursday, July 23
Tuesday, July 21
Thursday, July 16
Tuesday, July 14
