Marcus Dupree 1982 highlights at OU

Highlights from Marcus Dupree's 1982 debut and only complete season with the Oklahoma Sooners. *(video clips taken from ESPN)

[@johngoldsmith6819]

He was a comet, plain and simple. If you blinked, you missed it. Watching him at that time, you swore he was destined for the hall of fame. The lesson here is there are no sure things in life. With all the talent in the world, 18 and 19 year old kids still need the right people in their corner to realize that potential.

[@miri9885]

Incredible to think in 1982, You had Dupree at OU, Walker at Georgia, Dickerson at SMU, and Bo at Auburn, and probably a couple I didn't mention....

[@ningxiawolfberry]

Dickerson had Craig James with him to share the carries at smu. Both backs had great nfl careers.

[@WalterWhiteFootballSharing]

Once in a while the stars align in a position group. Its too bad RB is so devalued that you'd much rather want to be somewhere else. Its crazy, if you're 5'11 athlete you have to work harder to be RB and get thick, instead of taking it easier with the weights; becoming a shifty corner with a long career. Or more likely a Safety

[@melvinsprewel8287]

That's one hell of a running back class

[@melvinsprewel8287]

Even worse bro, two of those all time grates never reach their full potential due to injury.

[@regg32457]

Those were some special backs during that time. Waiting in the wing you have Emmitt, Thurman, Barry

[@billturner4427]

I have watched OU since 1963, Marcus ran like he wasn't even moving. He was so smooth. Unbelievable.

[@jpkillibrew1638]

My dad and I were at the K State game. Marcus broke a long TD run and my dad described his running style as water rolling down hill. It looked effortless. It was a thing of beauty.

[@kerwynpalmer509]

Of all the great running backs that went to Oklahoma, he was the first running back to make Barry Switzer scrap the wishbone and go exclusively with the "I formation". That right there says it all. One of the greatest talents, to ever play that position.

[@jaygamble6131]

Video of Marcus Dupree gives me goosebumps each time I watch him. Possibly the greatest power runner in college football. He was king in Norman for a while. I met him and he's the nicest guy you'd ever meet.

[@roscoelewis7428]

so cool that you met him

[@0luvshawn]

My dad was his friend

[@josephgutierrez2928]

Jay Gamble yes he is, when I met him I was with my preacher who’s from Mississippi and we were there eating at a McDonald’s and he started bringing out copies of his movies for us and even signed posters of him, we even had a Texas sucks chant led by him, all in a McDonald’s in crystal springs, Mississippi

[@josephgutierrez2928]

I also met his friend Malcolm Taylor who was a defensive end who played in the NFL for a little bit

[@dafishyboyyt1963]

ive met him to he will take pictures with u autograph for u and sign one of his pictures from oklahoma

[@soylentgreen5596]

Marcus Dupree is, in my humble opinion, the greatest athlete to ever play football and the greatest college football player of all time. One season, records broken, ran for around 240 yards on 19 carries in ONE HALF of the Fiesta Bowl while 10 pounds overweight and not in shape at all. That record still stands for the Fiesta Bowl. Broke Herschel Walker's record for touchdown's scored by a high school running back and the only way, the one way, any team could stop Dupree was to play dirty and try to injure him, which Texas succeeded in doing. The first time he ever touched the ball in high school (on a kickoff return) he ran for a touchdown. He was made to play the game. Watching Dupree's short highlight reel (all of his greatest plays could probably be watched in under 15 minutes) is indescribable. It's like watching an instrument created by God to play the game of football. His run looks effortless and his vision of the field (where to cut, when to sprint, etc.) is so innate that it looks like he's not even trying. At OU, he would simply outrun cornerbacks down the field like he wasn't even tired. Corners would take angles that would tackle any running back and just be left in the dust. They simply couldn't catch him, corners that ran 4'3 forties wouldn't even come close to touching his shoelaces if they dived. It's almost holy watching the amount of God-given talent he had. A lot of people have been saying that there's one Dupree every season, a plethora of high school and college kids who all could have been the greatest, but fade for various reasons. The reason why Dupree is different and is aptly titled in his 30 for 30 doc "The Best That Never Was," is because he is simply the best player who never made it big, and I think, the best athlete that ever played the game. After watching Dupree play, no other running back can really compare, in my opinion. I've simply never seen a running back run for 50 yards and smoke corners at the 20 yard line, score, and do it over and over again. The way he ran at OU and in high school is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in sports. Anybody says that some new up and coming running back is the greatest ever, or the next Adrian Peterson, Sanders, Payton, Smith, I might give them the benefit of the doubt. If they said Dupree, I would never believe it.

[@ss_whole]

Lol, play dirty? That was a clean hit that Longhorn Richard Peavy put on Dupree that ended his career.

[@ccamerondixonc]

+Soylent Green Bo Jackson.

[@johnaguilar7915]

+Super Kyle he still played after

[@johnaguilar7915]

+Super Kyle he still played after

[@johnblack8036]

No, you're right. I've been watching college football since 1980 and he was the most naturally gifted runner I've ever seen. That's saying a lot considering the era he played in. Walker, Allen, Dickerson, Jackson, Rozier. The list goes on. Although when Dickerson broke one, that was a thing of beauty. Dupree's runs combined power and elegance. The first time I saw him was the game against Kansas. I'll never forget that 75 yard run. Those corners had the angle on him and he just obliterated it in a few strides. For that one season, he was really was something. I don't think we're ever going to see anything like that again. Not with that size and speed.

[@polopopolo2197]

There are a few moments in life that I remember. Watching Marcus Dupree for the first time is one of them. The most gifted amazing running back I’ve ever seen in my whole life

[@RalphWR14]

My favorite RB OF ALL TIME AT ANY LEVEL OF FOOTBALL!!! He was simply a beast!!! And a damn good runner

[@timberman1045]

I know him personally, great guy. My brother played against him , LOUISVILLE high . We won the game 6-0 no touchdowns that night for him. My brother said head up he was like hitting a wall and stated if he ever got outside you wouldn’t catch him. They just contained him between the tackles that night. Awesome game 1981 I believe.

[@wombatparade1264]

I wasn't alive to see this great running back but that 30 for 30 made me sad.

[@rosswood6181]

wombatparade i was there im 54 , have seen games live 1971/2017 , the most talented rb i ever saw

[@feulman65]

Marcus was AD part 1, a mack truck that could run like a Ferrari, I read that he was a Mommy's boy, he was homesick and he really missed his mother. I don't mean that in a negative way, the coaches and even Barry tried to help, once Marcus shut down, that was it. What might have been....

[@someperson8151]

@@feulman65 it was hard to stay in touch with family back then. Thirty miles was considered long distance and the calls probably cost 50 cents per minute when minimum wage was $3.35. No such thing as the internet and people still sent letters to each other back then. Times have changed.

[@Crunchysopa52]

@@someperson8151 yup

[@dougsfavorites2578]

@@someperson8151 Now with NIL, they could fly their family in. LOL

[@davidjr3355]

The best that never was. Awesome documentary about Marcus Dupree

[@MegaChacha33]

Probably the most talented running back to ever play the game.

[@cannonrogmatt]

Jeff Davis Joe Don Looney was another one that was the “Greatest that never Was”. He had unlimited talent I saw him play at Cameron Junior College I also worked with him during the summers at a moving company in my hometown.

[@jaydee0187]

Bo Jackson was also pretty good

[@harrisonball3339]

Facts bro facts

[@richb1653]

No way. Barry Sanders was far and away the most talented. To do what he did at his size was incredible. Marcus Big and Fast. Bo bigger and faster than them all. Barry' had better one season numbers than them all his Heisman year.

[@slowhand8301]

@@richb1653 gale sayers by far

[@jaygamble6131]

Everytime I watch this I get emotional. What a great football talent to watch. Its very artistic to me.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

With A great offensive line! Even I could have run through some of those holes! He had a very poor work ethic. But was very impressive in yards after contact. He trusted and listened to too many people that didn't have his best intrest at heart. Like the show said, the best that never was.

[@marcm8062]

As much raw talent a football fan has ever witnessed

[@bigdummy5574]

One of the handfuls or players who was ready at 18 to be in the NFL

[@crobertmayes5541]

Along with Earl Campbell and Herschel Walker…..as said by one Barry Switzer

[@MrEOM41]

Randy Moss

[@gsummit1]

I watched him when he was a young boy in Philadelphia, Mississippi. He was participating in the, "Ford, Pass, Punt and Kick," competition. Everyone was standing around and talking about how special he was, even then.

[@pamle1]

1:23 You very rarely see a stiff-arm like that.

[@williamtaylor5193]

2:00 That last burst of acceleration to get to the sideline is a jaw dropper.

[@willielittle9301]

You would not believe that this great OU RB played only two years at OU...Just incredible...

[@traviswest5733]

This dude was a freshman at the time ❗❗❗❗❗❗

[@Sir_Robin_of_Camelot]

2:00 ACCELERATED through that cut damn

[@gaittr]

Greatest running back of all time in my opinion. I played running back through college football so I know a little something about the position. That's just my opinion

[@Mike-yg8ig]

I agree totally.

[@jamezkpal2361]

What do you think of that blocking opening up those gaping running lanes, RB?

[@idontknow6354]

I’ve never seen the ball run so gracefully, power, speed, and any other back you could ever want in one

[@keithnorton1966]

A Combination of Herschel Walker and Eric Dickerson in one running back.

[@mayankingrevisited8815]

🎯🎯🎯

[@tonyfontana8222]

Earl Campbell

[@anthonymitchell8745]

I knew then I would never see another like him.. and I never have NEVER 😐 not at that size with that speed and quickness as well those moves and most of all GREAT PERSONALITY 💜

[@dreamchasermosesmosescoton550]

this man was fast for his size

[@dwightlove3704]

Dream Chaser Yes he was a 4.4 guy

[@Mike-yg8ig]

He was fast for any size.

[@PopO51968]

I always gone back & forth with Marcus Dupree vs Bo Jackson vs. Hershel Walker. I've always been a Big Back fan. Imagine if all 3 came out in the same draft!!!!!!

[@kch7051]

The amount of legendary running backs we bared witness too in the early 80's was astounding. We still haven't seen anything like that since. Bo Jackson, Hershel Walker, and Dupree were specimens with unmatched balance, speed, and power. Traits, that i've come to realize at 53, that are very very rare. We also had Eric Dickerson at SMU, Mike Rozier at Nebraska, and Marcus Allen from USC. What an amazing array of talent.

[@kiwanishinton9410]

he was unreal for that one year

[@Marshal-ek8xp]

A man among boys.

[@blissfulprincess1051]

The smiles and excitement he was able to make people have was the best thing!!! His linemen doing cartwheels and shit as he accelerated away towards the end zone was awesome!!!!

[@tntkop]

There haven’t been a lot of failures as a coach by Barry Switzer, but I think Marcus Dupree was his biggest, and most regrettable. There was plenty of blame to go around on both sides of the ball, but today, I think Marcus Dupree respects and appreciates Coach Switzer every bit as much as Coach Switzerland appreciates and respects Marcus Dupree. Marcus Dupree truly was the best that never was. And he will always, ALWAYS be a member of Sooner Nation and our OU family.

[@johnblack8036]

I remember seeing that run against Kansas live on TV. I was a kid and had just started watching football. Even watching it now, it's hard to wrap my ahead around how someone so big could run that fast. He just shifts into another gear after the 50. That is unreal. I still haven't seen anything like him since.

[@jk1802]

I was at the Missouri game at 2:54 in this video. From my seat I could see that hole open and that poor linebacker tried to fill only to get planted. The DB was all ready at speed but still couldn’t catch Marcus. That’s when I knew I was watching the best running back OU ever had.

[@Meni69]

I got on the credits on the ESPN 30 for 30, cuz they used my clips.

[@georgesouthwick7000]

Had Marcus stayed at Oklahoma, he would still be the leading rusher in school history and probably have won the Heisman.

[@Killahertz360]

He had such an efficient stride.... dude was 6'3, built like Brandon Jacobs and was the fastest man on the field

[@kennycarlson9996]

sub 4.3 speed

[@franklinbolander1916]

BEST RB I'VE EVER SEEN!!

[@garrison6863]

Man, if Switzer had started him from the start of the season, who knows what this guy could have done.

[@addem1891]

his story is sad but inspirational.

[@ohUredneck]

Best RB OU ever had!

[@s.hudson7524]

Adrian Peterson was no slouch nor Mike Gaddis or DeMarco Murray.

[@windbagjones2081]

Dupree was the greatest in terms of God-given ability. He just wasn't willing to put in the tough work.

[@ohUredneck]

@@windbagjones2081 Bingo!

[@ohUredneck]

@@s.hudson7524 Fun to watch, all of them. My favorite Heisman? Steve Owens. In pee-wee football, I got to try to throw a block on Steve. He said, ''damn boy''. I hit him as hard as I could!

[@ohUredneck]

@Out of Control He really was special, wasn't he!

[@naturewatcher64]

Marcus Dupree was the perfect specimen of running back, football player and athlete. He was BIG FAST and STRONG!

[@anthonymitchell8745]

Every offensive lineman really loves a gamebreaking tailback.. he makes their efforts meaningful 💪

[@theobserver3346]

We sure enjoyed him here in Norman while we had him .. ..One of the top players to ever play the game, for sure..

[@jacquiegordonpalmer2]

Wonderful athlete and also a terrific businessman that truly loves his fans. Yes, a legend

[@Greg-pj4ik]

A runner all his own! The best that never was by far IMO. Great 0 to 60 and cut ability! He would of smashed records today.

[@Head318Hunter]

+gomojo107 The one at 1:46 gets me every time. I call that one the "THERE HE GO"

[@yesiraguilar2364]

This is my favorite video on KZbin

[@nickbeef4824]

One of the beautiful Runners ever

[@MrOccyc]

Marcus and Hershel were the best college RBs I ever saw. But what is crazy is, look at how the Oklahoma O line just decimates these defenses. Marcus is like a freight train with Ferrari speed. And he can change direction on a dime. Thanks for posting the video.

[@craigodem3815]

I was about 4 when Dupree was a freshman at OU so I obviously don't remember it. But the best freshman back I've ever seen was another guy from OU. A guy they called "All Day." Best I've seen... and I'm a Bama fan.

[@carsonyoung9965]

A career's worth of highlights in one freshman season

[@clintcoop5717]

249 yards in one half and he had all kinds of injuries.... 💯💯💯💯💯

[@philb.1502]

Marcus Dupree was the most physically gifted running back I've ever seen. 6'3 230 and blazing fast!! Ran a 4.3 or maybe faster! He reminded me of Bo Jackson combined with Eric Dickerson!

[@jameshunter3068]

Even an old, but good, VHS tape. You can see the speed and acceleration of Dupree. Billy Sims had just left in "80. Very sad story after football but he's alive and healthy enough to work. God is STILL GOOD

[@MustangMike012]

I still remember my age group wearing Oklahoma hats. That Christmas we all got Oklahoma Sweatshirts and Marcus Dupree's 22 t-shirts.

[@CJinsoo]

An amazing runner, faster than Dickerson and he get up to top speed in a blink of an eye, and also had excellent vision. I rmember seeing an ESPN special on him after his career and it sounded like injuries did him in. If I recall correctly they pointed out how he had an amazing growth spurt and implied that his knees were his weak link.

[@TheMidrangeking]

When you see guys like Jackson Dupree and Walker it let's you know its a higher being that created us. 230 plus with speed of guys half his size. It's a thing of beauty

[@freeworld2275]

So beautiful to watch

[@Lightsaglowllc]

That burst is crazy

[@clarencenarcisse5617]

I remembered Marcus, he was a great player who was searching for guidance. Too bad he didn't received it. He would have been the best like Herschel, and Bo

[@SeanP7195]

That juke on the Colorado player on the kick return was insane. He’s flying at full speed and just shifts like nothing and leaves the dude with air.

[@philb.1502]

Yes, and Dupree was a 6'3 230 lb guy doing that on a kickoff return? Dupree ran 4.29. Dude was a monster.

[@tanksherman9875]

Basically a faster version of Derrick Henry, in 1982. He’s bigger than half his OL. Dude was truly before his time.

[@raquelhardy6415]

Marcus burst and explosion was ridiculous. Those few "dislkes" must be Texas short horn fans.

[@IronCurtian1]

I really wish the Rams kept him. This guy is the fucking man in and out the football field. Best

[@WillA8]

One if the best if not the best, tailback I've ever seen play the game

[@JD5293]

Marcus, Herschel, and Bo in short order. What a time

[@samoaduke6098]

His only year at Oklahoma. One and done should be consider for CFB players like him. Marcus Dupree was a grown man amongst boys….again he’s only 18 yrs old in these clips.

[@zacoriahiii]

His size and speed was phenomenal. His game speed for his size is unbelievable!!! Just watch how quickly ten yards go by.

[@alandthekidd]

At 6-3 230, MDP was Lawrence Taylor with the football in his hands. DuPree and Taylor together in the NFL at the samectime makes me imagine the possibilities. Met DuPree at a music conference in the late 89s when he was promoting a rap group from Mississippi.

[@klh3244]

Could of been the best Sooner running back ever!?😢

[@johnphillips716]

Yes.switzer just did not know how to coach this kid. A poor kid from Mississippi with lack of a father and Switzer was a hard ass on him.Maybe he needed a different type of comfort level from all the Ou coaches.

[@colinjacobs4136]

People in the comments talking about how stupid he was and talking about wasted talent. He made some dumb choices, who hasn't, but ultimately it was injuries that ended his career, not his choices.

[@boomer13ish]

Nah. anyone with a brain who knows the story knows thats incorrect, lol.

[@s.hudson7524]

He tore his ACL playing for the Portland Breakers of the USFL.

[@windbagjones2081]

The injuries were a consequence of being out of shape. By late '82, Dupree had already gained weight and lost some speed.

[@jamaahlwilliams5224]

He could have been da best RB in history

[@dwl3016]

Needed something maybe (character) his inside feelings didn't fit his ability to play.

[@tsouth5510]

They said dude speed was was under 10 sec. flat in high school...ran 4.2 40s in college practice..and he was 230 lbs..dude was a trackstar for a freshman too

[@SeanP7195]

Still to me is the best running style I’ve ever seen. He looked like he had skates on. For someone to be that fast, big, strong and to be so graceful was amazing. Unfortunately, super human athletes have a short shelf life.

[@philb.1502]

Dupree was the most physically gifted running back I've ever seen until this day! He was 6'3 230lbs and ran a 4.29. Just unbelievable speed for a guy 230. Bo Jackson is the only guy I can compare him to as far as the size and blazing speed.

[@gregory5347]

I've watched videos of all the great college running backs.If Marcus and Switzer could have seen eye to eye,he could have sat records that would have never been broken,he was the biggest and the best of all the backs,Bo,Walker and Dickinson were great but Marcus was special

[@user-ln7yq2do4d]

😮 WHOA.. AMAZING

[@OUfootballAuthority]

Man, he is a beast. He don't care who you are he just lowers that shoulder and plows. Nice!

[@Wolverine479]

Hard to believe he was a freshman/sophomore with that kind of size, speed and power. Smh...mind boggling.

[@windbagjones2081]

I got a chuckle out of the punt return against Colorado, because Dupree didn't ordinarily return kicks. Barry Switzer just decided to see what would happen, and Dupree took it 77 yards to the house!

[@JL-ec1by]

As a young player learning to carry the football, I grew up with awesome RBs to try to emulate. I would say I most resembled Marcus Allen.

[@bob11002009]

He looks like he’s jogging out there. Like he’s running half speed. Natural runner

[@dustinrose8488]

my two favorite things in the world football and Michael Jackson

[@carsonyoung9965]

If not for terrible con artist advising him, Marcus really could have been an all time great. Size, speed, strength, vision. Total package

[@MrDeaconify]

best college football player ever. explosiveness, speed, strength.

[@jwiese100]

Marcus well clearly an incredible but give credit to the OU offense for being able to successfully switch over to a different offensive scheme so quickly.

[@JayZPimpin101]

One of my favorite 30 for 30's he Is a very inspiring guy. These are the reasons why I look to sports, not because of stupid gambling or just for entertainment or other dumb stuff.

[@mikecausey5860]

I had a class with him at USM. He looked like a Defensive End.

[@gregj831]

Running wild and free with Marcus Dupree!

[@Craigster45]

i will not call him the best running back i've ever seen in college because of his heart, he quit when his team needed him. and if he would have stayed, he would have had a national championship and an amazing pay day at the next level, which is what he always wanted.

[@half-assedgaming6193]

Is it possible that Marcus was faster and more powerful than BO at that point?

[@mayankingrevisited8815]

Yes

[@anthonymitchell8745]

I must admit when I was young and I first saw him play in a game.. my thought was he is the 1 he is a superhuman running back the best I had ever seen 🙂

[@chrisearls1866]

A bigger, faster version of Herschel Walker. A real tragedy that Switzer and Dupree's own uncle screwed him up so bad.

[@44pachino71]

This dude was a real phenom sad how it turned out.

[@timallen609]

They best I have ever seen .........too bad he just wasn't ready to be on his own. Norman is a unique atmosphere. All the great backs out of OU this dude had it all. I am a Viking fan so seen plenty of AP but no comparison in my mind.

[@jamesburris4]

Smith may have the NFL rushing record but everyone knows Barry Sanders would have crushed that record if he hadn’t retired. Imagine Barry running behind that Dallas line. He did all he did in Detroit mostly running for his life.

[@garrison6863]

This guy was up to full speed in about two steps. Switzer actually discarded the wishbone for him and went to an I formation

[@marcamerine7941]

He was Bo Jackson B4 Bo was Bo.!! Loved Marcus Dupree & I'm a PSU FAN.. Shame Al Davis didn't scoop him up & teach him how 2be pro

[@davekekacs5816]

My personal favorite back of all time!! A really kind human being, Switzer should be ashamed of himself and how he failed to support a generational talent that was just a kid at the time!!!

[@hichcoc]

Wow...this guy was an absolute beast!!!! H~

[@karlwithak12]

he be workin' as a groundskeeper fo' city of Philedelphia, Ms nows...

[@spikebaduccino6613]

I remember that the Arizona State team incredibly kept him out of the end zone. He only played about half the game and still had over 200 yards!

[@windbagjones2081]

Dupree had 17 carries for 239 yards against ASU, before getting hurt and not playing almost the entire 2nd half. As outstanding as those numbers are, Dupree was out of shape by that point. He broke into the clear twice against ASU for what looked like easy touchdowns, but both times an ASU player ran him down and tackled Dupree from behind. That would have never happened earlier in the season, and Barry Switzer was quick to publicly point it out after the game. Switzer should have kept the criticism private (and he has since admitted that), but he was trying to inspire Dupree to work harder. Instead, Dupree got his feelins hurt and eventually quit.