Should there be concern that the Sooners didn't add a running back in this recruiting class?
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No. Since they added three highly regarded running back prospects a year ago, the position wasn't a priority for the Sooners this time around. OU coaches would have only taken an elite back. And they took a shot at a few, going to the wire on Texas prep standout Lennon Creer.
The Sooners are well-stocked for 2007 with senior Allen Patrick, sophomore Chris Brown and freshmen DeMarco Murray and Mossis Madu. They'll push harder to find running back additions for the '08 class.
"It'll be a premium next year,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. "With Allen back and people got a chance to see him this year. With some of our other guys, maybe it wasn't as attractive to some.
"But next year it will be. And it will be a major priority that we sign some next year.”
Were there any other key positions left unattended in recruiting?
The Sooners did not sign a defensive tackle, again focusing on more pressing needs — linebacker, defensive end — on the defensive side of the ball.
Dependable starters Cory Bennett and Steven Coleman return, as does DeMarcus Granger, who improved throughout the '06 season as a redshirt freshman. Set to join the mix are Gerald McCoy and Adrian Taylor, two touted prospects from last year's recruiting class who excite coaches with their potential. Both redshirted last fall, so the position has some youth, although depth will need to be addressed.
Why is wide receiver Eric Huggins transferring?
While Huggins is still young — he would have been a sophomore — he never made much of an impression on coaches or made a move up a crowded depth chart.
Consider him an example of the uncertainty of recruiting.
Coming out of Conway, S.C., two years ago, Huggins was rated the No. 8 receiver in the nation, close behind No. 6 Malcolm Kelly in a class that also featured Manuel Johnson and Juaquin Iglesias.
All three of those wideouts have clearly outplayed Huggins, who was also chasing Quentin Chaney, Adron Tennell and Brandon Caleb on the depth chart.
What's the latest on Adrian Peterson's NFL Draft stock?
According to ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr., Peterson is hot, hot, hot.
Kiper has Peterson rising to the Cleveland Browns at No. 3 or 4, depending on their coin flip with Tampa Bay. But Kiper doesn't rule out other teams making a move up to get A.D.
Kiper said Peterson's NFL combine workouts could produce eye-popping numbers.
By John Helsley
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