University of Oklahoma Athletics

Freshman Peterson Fuels Oklahoma

Sports Illustrated Ranks Peterson No. 1

June 15, 2005 | Football

By: Athletics Communications

NORMAN, Okla. -- Sports Illustrated ranked the top 10 running backs for the 2005 season and picked Oklahoma sophomore Adrian Peterson as the best in the nation.
 
The photo-essay, located at SI.com, picked the running backs most likely to make a run for the Heisman Trophy.
 
Oklahoma had two players finish in the top three of the Heisman voting in 2004. Quarterback Jason White, the 2003 Heisman winner, finished third while Peterson finished second -- the highest finish ever for a freshman. He was also the first-ever freshman finalist for the Doak Walker Award. 
 
Peterson was selected as Freshman of the Year by The Sporting News and was a consensus All-American along with Oklahoma offensive tackle Jammal Brown, the 2004 Outland Trophy winner.
 
Sports Illustrated wrote, "The Heisman hasn't gone to a running back since 1999. SI.com ranks the top 10 RBs who could break that streak in 2005:
 
1. Oklahoma RB Adrian Peterson (So.)
"Peterson was a prime candidate for the award in 2004 and is aiming to crack the 2,000-yard barrier in his sophomore campaign. Few defenses have found a way to stop his rare blend of power and speed."
 
2. Reggie Bush (Jr.) - Southern Cal
3. DeAngelo Williams (Sr.) - Memphis
4. Michael Hart (So.) - Michigan
5. Laurence Maroney (Jr.) - Minnestoa
6. Leon Washington (Sr.) - Florida State
7. LenDale White (Jr.) - Southern Cal
8. Gerald Riggs (Sr.) - Tennessee
9. Michael Bush (Jr.) - Louisville
10. Marshawn Lynch (So.) - California
 
  Watch Peterson Run Against Bowling Green in 2004
  Watch Peterson Run Against Oregon in 2004
  Watch Peterson Run Against Texas in 2004
 
Additionally, FoxSports.com ranked Peterson as the No. 1 running back in all of college football. Fox Sports wrote, "Peterson is ready for the NFL today, but the NFL won't be ready for him for another two years. 
 
"Last year's Heisman runner-up nearly eclipsed the 2,000-yard barrier, making him the best thing in a true freshman since Herschel Walker landed in Athens. At 6-2, 210, Peterson runs like a gazelle and sheds tacklers better than any young back in recent history. Hit him low, and he keeps his balance. Hit him high, and he'll leave tread marks. 
 
"The best defense is to gang tackle Peterson, and that's a heck of a burden on a defense. It's way early, but barring injuries, he has the physical characteristics and personal makeup of an all-time great."
 
Read Complete Article at FoxSports.com

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