J.D. Runnels Online Journal: Week 11

NORMAN, Okla. J.D. Runnels records the eleventh installment of his online player journal to take Sooner fans behind the scenes. It was another victory for the crimson and cream as the Sooners beat the Cowboys, 38-35, in a shootout. This week, J.D. recalls the annual bedlam game against Oklahoma State and answers some of your questions.

There is also a link at the bottom of the page so you can submit questions for J.D. to reply to in his next entry.

J.D. Runnels

Journal Entry No. 11 (Nov. 2, 2004)

I thought we came out pretty well offensively and the defense stepped up to the challenge right away. It took the offense a little time to get going, but when it did Mark Bradley made some humungous plays for us.

2004 Video Feature on Runnels | Sooner Player Journals

For the O-line, it was probably their best game of the year. Everything that enables the rest of the team to play so well starts in the trenches.

All those big plays come from their efforts. Jason White could stand all day in the pocket without being hurried and there were huge holes for the running backs.

We overcame a hostile environment in Stillwater. Although there were some drives we didn't finish, we felt like we could score every time we were on the field. It turned into a shootout in the second half, but when you have 10 of 11 guys returning from the nation's most powerful scoring offense, you know you have the edge. We felt confident during the second half, even with the game so tight.

Our playmakers showed up and made plays. What's great is that it isn't the same person every game. Some games it's Jason. Some games it's Mark Bradley. Some games it's Travis Wilson. Mark Clayton, Adrian Peterson, Brandon Jones and the list goes on.

I don't think Adrian has had a breakout game yet. I think he's had some great games, but in my eyes, a breakout game for a tailback like him is 300 yards. That's my goal for him. I have a lot of pride being in front of him and I want him to excel and improve with each game. I think I may be satisfied when 300 happens.

Do former players from the past attend practices or games and give pep-talks or instruction?

Joe from Ewing, N.J.

They usually don't do too much of that. But, they do come back and we do recognize them when they're around. It's a great feeling to have those guys around and know that they feel like there part of the program because they are. They are our football idols and it's amazing to have them standing on the sidelines watching you.

How do you keep from being so worked up during the hours before a game?

Brad from Weatherford, Okla.

Persistence drives me to do well. I'll just reflect on the values my family gave me, knowing that I will perform with all my heart during the game.

J.D., do you have any certain something that you take on plane rides with you? And, if so, why?

Mindy from Tuttle, Okla.

Actually, I don't take anything except for a jacket and I use that as a blanket. I always fall asleep on the plane. I think they're the most relaxing thing ever.

I love your approach and attitude to the game. I often show my son replays of your blocking so he can see how you do it. My question, however, has nothing to do with football. What in the world is that tattoo on Jason White's left bicep? My son says it's a burrito.

Scott from New Orleans, La.

Your son isn't the first person to think that it's a burrito. It's actually a cross and it's a pretty nice tattoo, although you can usually only see half of it. If you ever see Jason, ask him to show it to you.

You guys seem to have a lot of fun on the football field. Do you have any practical jokers on the team?

Terry from Shawnee, Okla.

Many practical jokers and many practical jokes. This team's a big family. There's a lot of fun to be had and there are many guys that have it.

Until next week, Boomer Sooner!

#38 J.D. Runnels

Jammal Brown
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