Murray continues to impress; no true leader at quarterback

NORMAN – Oklahoma's pressing quarterback question — Sam Bradford or Joey Halzle or Keith Nichol? — will carry on through the spring and summer and perhaps beyond.

The Sooners' annual Red-White spring game revealed no definitive leader in that competition, although Bradford produced better numbers and better moments for the second straight Saturday.

What did emerge, however, is another developing drama: DeMarco Murray or who else at running back?

Before a crowd of 20,020 at Memorial Stadium on a sunny, yet chilly afternoon, Murray continued his impressive spring, rushing just four times, but gaining 103 yards. And his early 18-yard touchdown run, featuring a pair of knee-buckling cuts against the grain, provided the offensive highlight of the day, won 53-30 by the offense in an elaborate scoring system devised by the coaches.

"I just saw grass,” said Murray, who glided into the end zone with little resistance. "The offensive line did a great job and I saw grass.

"I made a cut or two, it was good.”

Murray, who romped 68 yards for his long run Saturday, has been more than good this spring. He's been "special,” as described by everyone from Bob Stoops to defensive coordinator Brent Venables. And with uncertainty and inexperience a given at quarterback, a dose of special elsewhere will serve the Sooners well come next fall.

Saturday's numbers pushed Murray's rushing total in three major scrimmages to 327 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries. That's 11.3 yards a carry.

"He's a talented guy who really just has a knack for making plays,” Stoops said Saturday. "We're excited about him.”

OU coaches have been excited about all their backs, with good reason.