Finch gets vote of confidence as Murray's heir
Published: 1/19/2011 10:17 AM
Last Modified: 1/19/2011 10:17 AM
I'm trying to caution Oklahoma fans that the Sooners are going to miss DeMarco Murray more than they'd like to admit. This won't help:
Rivals college football writer Olin Buchanan has named Roy Finch "next season's breakout offensive player" in the Big 12 Conference.
"The diminutive true freshman demonstrated some flashy moves and rushed for 398 yards in a backup role to DeMarco Murray," Buchanan wrote. "Murray has moved on, so the loaded Sooners need someone to step in and replace his production at running back. Finch should be the guy."
Prediction: Finch will be the lead guy. But he'll get plenty of help.
Trey Millard didn't do much in Josh Heupel's first game as OU play-caller at the Fiesta Bowl. Bet that changes come September.
Brennan Clay, overshadowed by his good friend/classmate Finch last season, will play a more prominent role.
Jonathan Miller, coming off a redshirt year and a knee injury, will get a shot.
And don't sleep on Brandon Williams. The prep All-American from Brookshire, Texas, is already attending classes. That puts him in spring ball in just over a month, which gives him a huge head start on his freshman season.
Remember the impression early enrollee Kenny Stills made last spring when the Sooners were looking to add wide receiver depth? Williams could repeat that feat in the OU backfield.
-- Guerin Emig
Written by
Guerin Emig
Sports Writer
