Spring football flashes
Spring football flashes
Published: April 7, 2007
Redshirt freshman running back DeMarco Murray has been a major story this spring, thrusting himself into the competition to replace Adrian Peterson at running back.
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•Don Pfrimmer: A walk-on transfer from Division III Trinity, where he barely played, Pfrimmer caught the eye of coach Jim McKenzie in 1966 and became a starting linebacker.
•Prentice Gautt: As a sophomore, Gautt gained all of 11 yards. But in a spring scrimmage in 1958, Gautt ran for 194 yards on 17 carries, setting the stage for him to become the offense's go-to guy the next two years.
•George Cumby: In 1977, Cumby stood far down the depth chart at fullback. But a spring switch to linebacker revealed an immediate star. Cumby would become a two-time All-American and a first-round NFL Draft pick.
•Rick Bryan: After Richard Turner graduated, the little-known Bryan established himself as a defensive tackle replacement in the spring and became a star. He'd be a two-time All-American and a first-round NFL Draft pick.
•Derrick White: Buried on the depth chart at halfback in the wishbone days of 1985, White moved to cornerback and became a three-year starter for some of OU's greatest defenses.
Here ... and gone
•Eric Mitchell: A fan favorite as a backup quarterback and a former touted recruit, Mitchell provided many spring highlights running the wishbone of the late-80s. His opportunities in games, however, were few with Jamelle Holieway and Charles Thompson always blocking his way.
•Shaq Brown: Arrived from junior college as a much-needed answer for the defensive line in 1996. He had name, but not much game.
•Brandon Daniels: With John Blake committed to a return to the wishbone, Daniels became OU's quarterback starter in 1998 after a spring spent dicing up scout team defenses. But the offense flopped. And only after Bob Stoops arrived and used Daniels as a wide receiver and kick returner did he flourish.
•Brent Rawls: One of the most highly touted recruits of Stoops era, Rawls out-played Jason White in the 2003 spring game. But Rawls fell into disfavor with coaches and never took a snap as a Sooner, before leaving the program.
•Jerad Estus: With OU's running back slot available for 2003 following the departure of Quentin Griffin, Estus was a star of the spring, but nothing more.
By John Helsley
Related Topics:
Sports, Football, College Athletics, College Football, NFL Draft, Professional Football
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