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University of Oklahoma Athletics
Chicago Tabs Runnels in Sixth Round
April 30, 2006 | Football
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma fullback J.D. Runnel became the sixth and final Sooner player taken in the 2006 NFL Draft when he was selected in Sunday's sixth round. This draft ranked as the second most plentiful during Bob Stoops' seven seasons as the OU coach. Last year, 10 Sooners were drafted.
Runnels was a four-year starter. Rarely used as a ball carrier (two rushing attempts in his career), he carved out a niche as a receiver and blocker. Three different tailbacks exceeded 1,000 yards during Runnels' tenure, and the Midwest City, Okla., native finished with 51 receptions for 450 yards and five touchdowns.
He had a 17 yard TD grab this season in OU's 17-14 Holiday Bowl victory over No. 6 Oregon.
Runnels was the second OU player taken by Chicago. On Saturday's first day, the Bears took Sooner defensive lineman Dusty Dvoracek. Chicago's roster already includes former Oklahoma players, DT Tommie Harris and WR Mark Bradley, both of whom were drafted last year.
Other Sooners taken in the 2006 draft included OG Davin Joseph (first round, Tampa Bay), C Chris Chester (second round, Baltimore), Travis Wilson (third round, Cleveland) and LB Clint Ingram (third round, Jacksonville).
"Obviously, we're happy for all of these guys," said Stoops. "It is rewarding for our program to see them mature as players and people to the point that they can realize a dream. Now we'll be among their biggest fans as they represent themselves and Oklahoma in the years to come."
Stoops has now seen 32 of his Oklahoma players selected in the NFL draft. Those 32 represent 13 different positions.
Runnels was a four-year starter. Rarely used as a ball carrier (two rushing attempts in his career), he carved out a niche as a receiver and blocker. Three different tailbacks exceeded 1,000 yards during Runnels' tenure, and the Midwest City, Okla., native finished with 51 receptions for 450 yards and five touchdowns.
He had a 17 yard TD grab this season in OU's 17-14 Holiday Bowl victory over No. 6 Oregon.
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Runnels was the second OU player taken by Chicago. On Saturday's first day, the Bears took Sooner defensive lineman Dusty Dvoracek. Chicago's roster already includes former Oklahoma players, DT Tommie Harris and WR Mark Bradley, both of whom were drafted last year.
Other Sooners taken in the 2006 draft included OG Davin Joseph (first round, Tampa Bay), C Chris Chester (second round, Baltimore), Travis Wilson (third round, Cleveland) and LB Clint Ingram (third round, Jacksonville).
"Obviously, we're happy for all of these guys," said Stoops. "It is rewarding for our program to see them mature as players and people to the point that they can realize a dream. Now we'll be among their biggest fans as they represent themselves and Oklahoma in the years to come."
Stoops has now seen 32 of his Oklahoma players selected in the NFL draft. Those 32 represent 13 different positions.
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| Chicago on Runnels The Bears finally addressed their offense with their two sixth-round choices, choosing Oklahoma fullback J.D. Runnels at No. 195. Runnels is a "finesse fullback who can adjust on the move and catches the ball... Oklahoma on Runnels 2005 - All-Big 12 First Team (Big 12 Coaches) ... recipient of the Don Key Award, an OU honor presented each year to a football senior who exhibits extraordinary character, work ethic and dedication... |
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