2004 Season Preview: Running Backs

Running Back
Players with starting experience at the position: Kejuan Jones, J.D. Runnels

Two years ago, Kejuan Jones was OU's short-yardage back. Last season, while sharing time with Renaldo Works, he evolved into a more typical role. Works' graduation leaves Jones, who has quietly rushed for 1,532 yards in two seasons as either a reserve or part-time starter, as the Sooners' most seasoned back.

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The only other running back on the roster that has seen game action is shifty Donta Hickson, a junior. Beyond that, redshirt freshmen Tashard Choice, Courtney Tennial and Jacob Gutierrez will all vie for playing time.

A pair of true freshmen present even more options. Adrian Peterson, a fall arrival, was thought by many to be the top high school back in the nation last season. D.J. Wolfe, a highly regarded prep player, graduated high school at semester and was in camp for spring practices.

At fullback, Oklahoma returns J.D. Runnels, easily the most underrated player on the team. Primarily a blocker, he has also proved himself a capable receiver. Runnels is reliable, smart and as tough as they come. His back-up may be Dan Townsend, one of the more pleasant surprises on last year's team, or Dane Zaslaw, who moved from linebacker during spring practices.

	Quarterbacks Stories don't come much better than that of Jason White. Two reconstructive knee surgeries and a Heisman Trophy all in the span of three years is the stuff of legend. And now a curtain call?
	Running Backs Two years ago, Kejuan Jones was OU's short-yardage back. Last season, while sharing time with Renaldo Works, he evolved into a more typical role. Works' graduation leaves Jones...
	Receivers Speed, elusiveness, strength ... they all reside at Oklahoma's receiver position. In fact, the only commodity that may be in better supply is experience. The Sooner receiving corps will be a strength...
	Tight Ends This coaching staff has produced three players who are now tight ends on NFL rosters. Their appreciation for the position is well-documented. The productivity dropped somewhat last year as...
	Offensive Line All five starters return. Three of the five have been starters for three seasons and all five have been starters for all or part of two seasons. The group owns 133 combined starting assignments...
	Defensive Line Dusty Dvoracek is not the biggest defensive tackle in college football, but few are better at getting from point A to point B. And point B is usually in the opposing backfield. Dvoracek is a playmaker...
	Defensive Ends The unvarnished truth is that the defensive end position will likely be one of the strongest on the team. Dan Cody and Jonathan Jackson have played in a combined 70 games at Oklahoma...
	Linebackers If there is such a thing as a blessing in disguise, the blessing's name is Lance Mitchell. OU's physically imposing middle linebacker went down with a torn ACL in the third game of the 2003 season...
	Secondary It took a mighty big spotlight to capture Oklahoma's secondary last season. Cornerback Derrick Strait was nailing down the Nagurski and Thorpe Awards, while former All-American Brandon Everage...
	Special Teams With the exception of holder Matt McCoy, anyone who handled the ball on Oklahoma's special teams last season is back. Replacements for McCoy's job will be auditioned. Otherwise, it's the same cast...

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