Peterson might fly solo in the spread

NORMAN - Some secrets about Kevin Wilson’s OU offense aren’t secrets at all.

Adrian Peterson will run the football. A lot.

Question is will it be more with a lead blocker in the I-formation, or as the solo back in the spread?

There is a difference, often requiring different kinds of backs.

“Maybe in a spread offense, sometimes you’ll have a little smaller scat back who can hide and run the zone plays and hide behind the blockers,” said Sooners offensive line coach James Patton.

In the case of a player as talented as Peterson, Patton said, it doesn’t matter.

“Obviously, A.D. is a pretty special player,” Patton said. “We can be multiple with him. No question.”

With battering-ram blocker J.D Runnels moving on to the NFL, Sooners coaches have struggled to get comfortable with the cast of possible fullback replacements: Matt Clapp, Dane Zaslaw and Ian Pleasant.

Clapp recently earned the tag of starter, although that doesn’t guarantee him extensive playing time. There’s even been talk of shifting a tight end into the fullback spot.

Either way, the spread may be the formation of choice.

For Peterson, that means searching out his holes rather than following a fullback plowing a hole for him.

“It’s not like coming straight downhill out of the I-formation,” Peterson said. “When I’m coming straight down, I get to get my speed and see things clear. I’ve got an opportunity to make a lot of different cuts.

“Coming out of the shotgun, you’re not moving as fast and your momentum’s not the same. You’re running sideways. There’s more to reading the techniques and keeping your eyes on the line, just trusting that the quarterback will put the ball in your pocket and you’ll find the holes.”

A problem?

“Nah,” Peterson said. “I can run either way.”