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Fri November 17, 2006

Freshman latest running back to answer call for Sooners
OU football: Chris Brown

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OU’s Chris Brown gets past a Texas Tech defender on a touchdown run in the second half during the Sooners’ win over Texas Tech on Saturday in Norman. Brown started the season as the fourth-string running back but has gained playing time because of injuries. by NATE BILLINGS, THE OKLAHOMAN
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By John Helsley
Staff Writer
NORMAN — Chris Brown readied himself for the charging pass rusher, then whiffed on the block, leaving quarterback Paul Thompson to absorb the blow and a sack by Texas Tech defensive end Seth Nitschmann.



That's what you get with fourth-string rookie running backs.

Two plays later, Brown broke around the left side and bolted for a 40-yard touchdown run, beating a would-be tackler with a swift cut-back move toward the end zone.

That, too, is what you get. At least from the talented backs.

And the Sooners have them — four or more deep.

"We're loaded at running back right now," Oklahoma center Jon Cooper said. "Even the guys who aren't playing are great players.

"We could get hurt five, six deep and we'd still be moving the ball."

So with Adrian Peterson nearing a return to health, and amid all the anticipation of his possible return to the field, is there any real reason to rush him back?

Not against Big 12 basement-dweller Baylor this week. That's been ruled out. And maybe not against Bedlam rival Oklahoma State next week, despite Peterson's history of carving up the Cowboys.

At this point, Peterson's status remains wait-and-see. It's the same for backup Allen Patrick, who tested his sprained ankle in practices again this week, yet remains questionable to play at Baylor.

"He's getting better, improving all the time," Bob Stoops said of Patrick. "We've been through this. It's kind of like Adrian last year. You eventually get over the hump, like he did.

"I'm not saying it's just like that, it isn't. I'm not trying to be elusive. It's just hard to say."

Still, the Sooners seem unconcerned.

Since Peterson went out, the Sooners have rushed for 166, 231, 224 and 139 yards in consecutive wins.

That's because someone — Patrick, Brown or Jacob Gutierrez — has answered the call every time in four straight wins since Peterson was sidelined by a broken collarbone late in a victory over Iowa State.

Brown, a true freshman from Alexandria, La., is the latest.

One of three touted running backs from the February recruiting class, his size (5-foot-10, 195 pounds) and rugged running style moved him from redshirt status onto the depth chart when Peterson was lost.

Now with Patrick a bit gimpy, Brown could be in line for his first career start after rushing for 84 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries against the Red Raiders.

While this time could be seen as an audition for next year, when Peterson is expected to be running in the NFL, Brown said his focus isn't on himself.

"Basically, it's stepping up for the team at the position," said Brown, a 110- and 300-meter hurdle champion in high school. "I want the team to be able to believe in me and have faith in me when I step in."

Consider that done.

"He's kind of feeling, learning his way through," offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson said. "But he has a substance about him when he runs. And he can run through trash, he goes forward. He's a very calm kid, plays within himself.

"He has a nice little natural feel."

So do the Sooners.

Much credit belongs with an OU offensive line that has come of age with four sophomores and senior Chris Messner.

But the rugged running of Peterson's replacements makes for quite a combination.

"This has given us a lot of pride," Cooper said. "We're kind of like the (Denver) Broncos, whatever back they've got — 1,000 yards.

"Anybody you put back there, if they run hard, they're going to get their yards."

Brown even feels better about himself, despite the blown block, thanks to Thompson.

"At first I was quiet about it," Brown said. "Then I admitted it: "That's me. That's me.' I apologized.

"I blocked it out of my mind and tried not to think about it. It was hard."

The touchdown run helped.

"Then (Thompson) came down and patted me on my head," Brown said, "so I was like, ‘All right, he's all right.'"

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