Classic Tailback - Marcus Dupree Oklahoma Highlights

A compilation of some of Marcus Dupree's highlight's at the University of Oklahoma. Bursting onto the scene as a freshman, his talent was so incandescent that Mr. Wishbone himself Barry Switzer installed an I-formation offense so he could better-feature his star tailback. The man is called "The Best that Never Was" for a reason. He destroyed defenses in little over one season in college before injuries and bad decisions ruined his football career.
PS: Some clips did not have sound in them, so I inserted a crowd noise effect over it. It may not be the best, but it's better than nothing but silence.
The games I used to take the clips from can be found on Stephen Barnett's youtube channel (and there were a few other channels I used as well that you can find if you look around): / sbbarnet. .
"Gymnopedie No. 1" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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All Rights Reserved. No Copyright Infringement Intended. This video is non-profit, made for entertainment and archival purposes only.

[@hotcarl3854]

Rewatched his 30 for 30 today. Man, pretty emotional stuff, Dupree could of been the best RB to ever live.

[@reidx512]

EVER.. YES YES... Earl Campbell was strong but this dude seemed like he had unbelievable strength....

[@19thnervousbreakdown80]

Yes. With a little more discipline and a lot more smarts he would have been. One of those things he controlled. The other was just luck of the draw unfortunately.

[@PockyCandy]

I'd like to thank the Oklahoma Historical Society for uploading almost every game that Marcus Dupree played in. That made this video awesome.

[@fonzarelli6804]

Think about this.....239 rushing yds on only 17 carries during the Fiesta Bowl while being out of shape and gassed out only playing 49 snaps...as a FRESHMAN. That was nuts. This dude was next level and it was a shame to never see him reach his full potential. The best there never was, very fitting in his case

[@chrisoakley5830]

And if I'm not wrong, he still holds the record for rushing in that bowl game to this day. An absolute beast, should have been one of the all time greats.

[@fonzarelli6804]

@@chrisoakley5830 you're spot on my guy!! That record holds to this day. Beast was an understatement. His documentary was on point if you've never seen it. "The best there never was"

[@chrisoakley5830]

@@fonzarelli6804 Oh yes, I've seen it. It was kinda a bittersweet story. Greatness and tragedy both in his life.

[@hotcarl3854]

Great 30 for 30, rewatched it today. What could have been. Pretty sad stuff.

[@RK-um9tu]

Keep in mind ASU had the #1 defense, not just running defense but total defense, in the country...

[@lesgobrandon9444]

Marcus was one of the best college running backs of all time . All the great backs out of OU but to me Marcus was special like no other

[@jeffreynapisa122]

The greatest that never was.

[@paulelliott3220]

Just watched the 30 for 30 'best that never was' Hard to watch, as remember all the press at the time Seems like a genuine guy Needed better guidance at his age, and, of course, needed to avoid that knee injury in the USFL Awesome running back and a timely reminder of how fantastic he was

[@PockyCandy]

He had some really bad luck and advice, for sure.

[@paulelliott3220]

PockyCandy the scrum for attention and all the nonsense around his college choice No wonder the young man was pretty messed up Needed the advice and support of coaches - Switzer admitted he'd handled it all badly USFL was a good fit for him but the hamstring issues/knee issue really ended his prime years Did amazingly to come back in 1990 with the Rams Man was he awesome in that handful of games for the Okies Great channel by the way

[@nodabot]

This guy was special for sure. Similar to Lawrence Taylor. This cat could have been a star at any position on a football field maybe a lil heavier or lighter depending the position but I see a slightly slimmer version of Lawrence Taylor running the ball here

[@bradley8867]

Worst advice he got was from that opportunistic/scumbag Reverend,that guy destroyed his career

[@brycewilson1909]

legend has it there's still an imprint on the field where dupree ran over the mizzou db

[@beaudanonstork8855]

Seriously thank you for this video. Truly one of the greatest to ever bless the gridiron. Terrific documentary and a remarkable comeback. What an athlete, what a guy.

[@TheCoachJacks]

Dude ran like this as a freshman and out of shape! I went to KU and he did us dirty! What a sensational running back he was! I enjoyed every moment and experience he brought to college football.❤

[@acewilliams7917]

Best running back I ever saw.

[@carsonyoung9965]

Marcus was headed for greatness. Bad people around him, and injuries derailed that

[@madmize48]

Yeah didnt even have to play right away at OU but did and dominated lol

[@TheSacred55]

just an aside Markus, Hershall Walker, Bo Jackson, all from the 80's, have the best college tailback highlights

[@dwightlove3704]

Eric Dickerson

[@adeenbenyasharal5412]

Barry Sanders as well. The 80's were loaded with tailbacks.

[@Davidthorough]

Thanks for what you are doing! I really am enjoying and appreciating these great football players you're showcasing!!! No music... no comments... it's beautiful!!! You just let THEIR athleticism tell the story and they DO tell a story for each player!

[@thescatman5029]

I still remembering Switzer switching out of the wishbone, and going eye formation, because of this dude! This was a complete Robo-Back!

[@WISHBONEL7]

That was a mistake , Barry overworked the freshman .

[@96tolife]

I appreciate the way he handled himself in the End Zone. Very little celebration. Unlike today's Broadway productions after each score.

[@fitzhugh7463]

@Dr Beyonder what are you talking about

[@fitzhugh7463]

@Dr Beyonder something about how different this generation of football players acts compared to the past?

[@billlockett1818]

After each score? You mean each play. I see D backs celebrate an incompletion on a bad pass.

[@u.sgrant7526]

If a player starts singing shipoopi every time they score, it'd be a bit annoying, but it's also nice watching actual humans who get some joy out of what they do and are happy if the team wins. Better than watching a robot doing what it has to do to pick up a paycheck while having 0 emotional investment in how they perform and the team plays.

[@arturoorlando6306]

9.5 100 yards (like a10.3 100 meters) and could bench 400 LBs 10 times- in high school!

[@lesgobrandon9444]

Greatest Running back I ever saw in person . The size of his legs and his flexibility was amazing

[@Riles3152]

Watching his running style, he reminds of a more elusive version of Herschel Walker. Not quite as fast or fit, but more of an ability to make defenders miss.

[@arturobarajas9094]

Not quite as fast? Dude ran a 9.5 100 yard dash!

[@makenomist8aboutit43]

Levels of a athletes life changes with high expectations and the coaches and players around a great athlete, which measure up or down. It all depends on the player himself !

[@feetfunkerson1312]

He ran a 4.3 but on some of these plays, it looks like he was faster than that.

[@planetzr3]

He definitely had a second gear

[@98slime86]

Sometimes 40s don’t reflect true speed on the field there’s pads first off amd you cant run sub 4.3 with shitty form out the blocks etc

[@callmefreeze]

this man's power is unreal along with the speed only other person I've seen seamlessly run through defenders as if they weren't there was Bo Jackson.

[@PockyCandy]

He could've been the next great running back.

[@bigezg]

And Earl Campbell.

[@biglebowski923]

Best running back in college was Hershel Walker.

[@peteralestra719]

@@biglebowski923 Herschel was the best college RB ever but Barry Sanders had the best season EVER. 2,850 yds 44 total TD. They didn't count Bowl gms back than but i do.

[@biglebowski923]

Peter Alestra No argument with that . I will say Barry Sanders was the best pro back I ever saw . Being from the South I didn’t get to see him much in college but was fascinating to watch with the Lions. If I were a college team I would be happy with either one.

[@formallyknownasjojoemc3174]

Could have been a Derrick Henry type RB in the NFL. Would've been OU's #1 RB all time if he stayed. Unfortunate.

[@bryanburnap4537]

I like the bond he had with his little brother who was disabled I believe. And with his family - he seems like a really nice guy. To everyone else he was just a commodity. I was actually a tiny USFL fan in 83 cause the Boston Breakers were ok at that time and the Patriots were not ok. And I remember being bummed that he was playing for the Breakers - but in New Orleans

[@brettk9316]

Man what a beast. He was a special talent for sure like freaking Derrick Henry today.

[@markwood5486]

No one could get to full speed like Dupree. That's the biggest difference between him and the other great backs. He had it all. Even after he knocked someone off their feet he'd be back to full speed in a couple steps.

[@jamesbluestone1231]

Dang that was awesome. My favorite against Nebraska, almost pulled the upset.

[@lesgobrandon9444]

He played about half the game and rushed for over 200 yards if I remember correctly

[@RWildekrav66]

This guy was incredible! Man, what could have been .

[@arturoorlando6306]

Dupree, Bo Jackson, Herschel Walker, and Earl Campbell are on the Mt. Rushmore of 70s and 80s power backs with unbelievable speed. Jim Brown was like 30 years ahead of his time and played in a different era. Any thoughts?

[@Ginga]

Fully agreed. All four of them were just freaks with their combination of size, power, acceleration and long speed. You almost wish they could transported to modern football where they would be managed better and not face loaded boxes al the time.

[@Ginga]

Fully agreed. All four of them were just freaks with their combination of size, power, acceleration and long speed. You almost wish they could transported to modern football where they would be managed better and not face loaded boxes al the time.

[@baibangura9654]

Spot on

[@johnmanning4097]

this guy had it all, size, speed and strength. The ONLY thing he lacked was maturity. He quit the Oklahoma football team in the middle of his sophomore year when he could have possibly won two heisman trophies.

[@marksheppard6498]

John Manning , Switzer Made life hell for the kid, out of sheer ego and jealousy. Switzer believed HE was Oklahoma football. Resented the notoriety of Dupree.

[@johnmanning4097]

@@marksheppard6498 That is Bullshit. Did he make life hell for Joe Washington Billy Sim's JC Watts Jamelle Holieway or Lydell Carr. NO

[@nubatama0789]

actually- both of you are correct. because of his talent marcus was handled a lot differently than your average 17-18 yr old freshman. mentally he wasnt ready to be BMOC- and as a frosh he never should have been starting- phenom or no. and definitely not getting 25-30 carries per game. he had the same talent level- but didnt have the composure of bo and herschel. im sure he frustrated switzer. nowadays- we work him in in spots- keep his carries down. psychologically- it was too much too soon for a small town kid like marcus.. i wondered why bobby bowden kept warwick dunns carries so low as a freshman when he was such an obvious beast. u have to save them from themselves sometimes..

[@il9621]

@@nubatama0789 ego and being young. All the guy had to do was play football, hell the coach could of hated him all he wanted, just play the game and don't get too big for your own cleats. Youth is a funny thing, it comes along with arrogance with being great at something. You walk around as if you'll be as fast, strong forever. It's not the case.

[@dwightlove3704]

@@nubatama0789 Switzer wanted to get his hands on Eric Dickerson but his grandmother put that idea to a stop saying that she trusted Switzer as a far as she could throw him

[@boogiejonz]

He had the perfect scamper!

[@makenomist8aboutit43]

Something we may never understand. He reminds me of Bo Jackson a player we all may have thought would be a sure Hall of Famer in the NFL the same with Bo Jackson, but injuries ended Jackson career !

[@bigh9884]

A great running back that never was.

[@madmize48]

But was tho

[@bigh9884]

@@madmize48 Outside influences destroyed this man's career. I honestly believe that if he had attended one of the major colleges in his home state, he would have been a more dedicated player. He talked about how he was homesick and bored being in Oklahoma. Look at most of the great college running backs and you would see that they all stayed home to attend school. Bo Jackson, Herschel Walker, Tony Dorsett, Eric Dickerson, Marcus Allen, Archie Griffen, Earl Campbell and many others.

[@madmize48]

@@bigh9884 yeah sad he was so fragile in a way but switzer did say he handled him wrong. I meen as a freshman you usually get eased in but dupree was just to good and had to play.

[@smoothoperator7023]

Marcus, Bo, Herschel, Earl, Barry - best ever college RB's

[@nubatama0789]

..you might be on to something there. but lets stick tony dorsett ricky williams and adrian peterson in there and make it official..

[@williampscott3539]

Ernie Davis Syracuse

[@smoothoperator7023]

@@nubatama0789 cant be mad about that....

[@freeworld2275]

Derrick Henry now

[@trippsmith8766]

Best college running back ever. Switzer called him lazy. But when it came time to play he played

[@dwightlove3704]

Too bad there was no transfer portal in his time Duper should have left for Nebraska or Texas

[@Patriot751]

Dupree lit up like a Christmas Tree on game day !

[@marcusdupree8209]

NEVER seen a man that big return a punt for a touchdown! EVER!!

[@sjnorthmusic]

A 6'3 229 lbs guy that runs a 4.3 wow

[@gibbycash9180]

The sudden talent he nice saw his documentary was nice he remind me of Jim Brown a little 🏉

[@williamodonnell2582]

Thanks for the great memories!

[@OspreyFlyer]

Thanks for posting. 👍

[@ronmorgan5086]

I got his autograph working on his house in Hazlehurst, ms

[@buster60341]

It is a damn shame that Barry Switzer treated Marcus Dupree like a asshole

[@adeenbenyasharal5412]

Instead of letting Marcus' talent speak for itself, Switzer wanted to nag, "be able to say "he made Dupree a better player". Some guys you just don't have to coach as much, the skill and talent's already there.

[@chadborklund2171]

I know he's playing against Big 8 competition here but...that stiff arm might be the finest any running back has ever had.

[@smedleybutler8787]

Power and speed.. bo, Herschel, Marcus.

[@Bigfishfun333]

7.2 YPC is impressive. What's even MORE impressive was Greg Pruitt's 9.3 YPC in the 1971 season.

[@arturobarajas9094]

This is why it is so imperative that football players get paid while they can still play. They have such a short shelf life and one play can end it all. This is America and these players should have the freedom to go pro if they want.

[@tytiger7176]

Barry Switzer kept playing games with him. He's to blame also.

[@sschirmer22]

Funny how OU used to run the fullback out of a four point stance. I had forgotten about that.

[@boogiejonz]

He had the greatest scamper!

[@dwightlove3704]

DuPree was 6-3 220 4.38!!!!

[@ShawnC.T.]

Dwight Love More like 230, and 4.33...

[@kylegoodreau2170]

6'3 235 LB's

[@TheSacred55]

at the age of 19-20 an absolute genetic gift, shame he had to put with a A-hole for a coach. MD Did not strict A-holism from his couches during practice - he - like all the great ones - just need the ball on gameday. Didn't OU also have the BOZ on the team during MD's tenure. PS : These highlights are amazing and MD truly was - THE BEST THAT NEVER WAS

[@dwightlove3704]

@@TheSacred55 I think he was gone before Biz arrived on campus.I saw high school footage of Duper and it was just like watching a GROWN MAN play with preschoolers.

[@williamjordan5554]

Bo was 4.13 and almost as big.

[@markdunnministries2384]

Oklahoma’s coaching staff mishandled this guy. PERIOD!! He was a large talented guy, but he was still a student in need of guidance. He left because of the ill treatment and it’s sad. Good to see that Sooner Nation is still behind him.

[@kevincloonan9787]

Barry Switzer wouldnt play him as a freshman "cuz he was too good" WTF was he thinking ? Biggest waste of talent ever !

[@johnmanning4097]

@@kevincloonan9787 what are you talkin about didn't play him as a freshman majority of these highlights are off his freshman year

[@kevincloonan9787]

@@johnmanning4097 At the beginning Switzer wouldnt play him then eventually Switzer changed the offense and played Marcus. Yes he did end up playing his freshman year

[@madmize48]

@@johnmanning4097yeah lot of freshman backs get eased in or sit a year. Marcus was just to good literally

[@manncarter1376]

Awesome Video. #22 Beast!!!!

[@joeywalker6827]

That crowd noise loop gets kinda annoying after a while, but other than that..great video or compilation or highlight reel or whatever these are called. I love it when players say screw trying to get around you...I'm gonna lower my shoulders and go through you

[@PockyCandy]

Yeah, sorry about the looping crowd noise. It was either that, silence, or a film projector reel noise that got old after about 10 seconds. And I'm glad that you liked the rest of the video. You were one of my original subscribers, so it's always good to hear from you :)

[@dwightlove3704]

+PockyCandy Ppl who saw Dupree in high school said that they thought they were watching JIM BROWN!!!!!!

[@nodabot]

This dude wasent 9.5 100 meter but he was a fast guy who happened to also be a truck. Beast for sure

[@brianmyers4444]

Yards not meters…..

[@marlonperryman7129]

The greatest

[@jeremymccage9213]

I remember to bad it was 90's he got there terrible ou team's those years plus sanctions didn't help. He was probably the best. Definitely one of the best his short time playing.

[@SydneyGreenstreet1227]

Way before the 90s.😂

[@jeremymccage9213]

@@SydneyGreenstreet1227 yes it was.usfl time

[@andrewsmith1908]

Derrick Henry before Derrick Henry

[@marlonperryman7129]

The greatest

[@lemontadams3029]

There's levels to this ISH...like a bigger Eric Dickerson

[@LIVdaBrand]

We not gonna say nothin’ bout the ref running wit him at 1:10? 😅

[@Cornbread-gi6kt]

Bigger than Hershel Walker, faster than Bo Jackson.

[@poning8184]

Another Joe Don Looney. Could've been great.

[@mikegillaspy1721]

5 yrd runs arent highights

[@SapphicTwist]

Barry Sanders, Bo Jackson and Marcus Dupree. That's it.

[@professorpauls7362]

ever heard of eric dickerson or walter payton ! 🤣🤪😂🃏

[@SapphicTwist]

@@professorpauls7362 College only. I don't know if I've ever even looked at Payton at Jacksonville State.

[@philb.1502]

Hershel Walker was dominant as a college running back. Was definitely the best of all the guys you mentioned if you're just talking college.

[@brianmyers4444]

@@SapphicTwistJackson State…..not Jacksonville…..

[@SapphicTwist]

@@brianmyers4444 Gotcha. My mistake. Thanks.

[@wasteofoxygen2198]

Why didn’t he go to the NFL

[@mitchconner2021]

Injuries and person issues with misguided family and coaches not helping him.

[@kevincloonan9787]

He left OU cuz he hated Barry Switzer then got terrible advise from a friend when he transferred to Southern Miss, they didnt realize he would miss a year of eligibility and then he couldnt go to the NFL either cuz he was a sophomore so he went to the USFL and blew his knee out. Eventually played in NFL but by then he wasnt the player he once was

[@madmize48]

Had to play some years before that. They tried to have nfl change the rules. Usfl did for him

[@chriscollins3261]

Ap is this guys clone

[@thescatman5029]

I think both were relatively the same size (both around 6-1 or 2 and 220-225), I think Dupree was a but stronger!

[@juandoe9694]

The coach ruined his career!

[@groupersti]

He was such a better player than barry S was a coach

[@stefanomagaddino6868]

I still hate swather and his staff for how they mishandled and used Marcus.

[@Maal7432]

What a shame.

[@scottjordan7104]

There’s no way In Hell a freshman should have been carrying the ball that many times in a game weekend week out

[@WISHBONEL7]

Agreed

[@brianmyers4444]

Nonsense…..

[@scottjordan7104]

Barry Switzer ruined his career by running him into the ground and trying to bully him wouldn’t let him be a kid

[@WISHBONEL7]

I definitely agree wiith the overworked part .

[@brianmyers4444]

Bologna….barely averaged 15 carries a game for career and only 12 as a freshman….overwork was not an issue…..get your facts straight….

[@WISHBONEL7]

@@brianmyers4444 There was to much emphasis on him , especially for a team that had other options . Plus , he was only 18 years old , and clearly needed to mature .

[@brianmyers4444]

@@WISHBONEL7 coaches play their best players….so they can win….bottom line….he was fine and not overworked….look at some other freshman rb during that time….much worse….

[@WISHBONEL7]

@@brianmyers4444 I remember watching a couple of those games , and I believed that the fullback Stanley Wilson was the more complete back . Plus Barry had a stable of tailbacks that he probably should have shared more of the load with . As great as Dupree was , it was to much , to soon for the young Man . Plus , are you familiar with what Marcus was dealing with off of the field ?.