Top 10 Running Backs In Oklahoma Sooners Football History ( The All-Time List )

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Check out my latest OU video! Can The Oklahoma Sooners bounce back vs South Carolina??? kzbin.info2c6QzV9Egl8?feature=share

[@jobu88]

If Marcus Dupree had avoided injury and played 4 years he would be the greatest running back ever. At any school. He was from another planet.

[@marlonperryman9551]

Preach

[@Mike-yg8ig]

You ain't shittin!

[@TheSacred55]

... and all those highlights are when he was still a teenager - he was once in a generation genetic superior - absolutely amazing!!!! At least Bo Jackson got to play 4 years of NFL football...

[@Mike-yg8ig]

@@TheSacred55 Yeah Marcus was a freak of nature, best I've ever seen including...everybody.

[@SunPing32]

Yes! Sir! A very hard call for Coach Switzer. Mr.Dupree's family dynamic and too many outside voices messed with his head. Really at that time Marcus was immature emotionally and really needed a different coaching approach. Having a profoundly disabled younger brother and being a "Mommy's Boy", really played a large part in Marcus Dupree's psychological and emotional stability while at OU. If Coach could have moved his Mom and Brother to Norman, we may be having a different conversation. Many Easter's Peace and Happiness of Blessings to All and Many Thanks, For making this Wonderful Easter so much better with OU Football!!! Boomer Sooner!!!

[@williammorris584]

I saw and remember Billy Sims in that Oklahoma - Nebraska game, he was just amazing. Also nostalgia for Keith Jackson and Frank Broyles, the #1 broadcast team for college football all-time.

[@robotunes]

Bama fan here. I go all the way back to the Steve Owens days so I remember most of these guys in their prime. The best was Billy Sims. Won games all by himself. He was liable to go for 200 yards in any game. The highlight of his run against Nebraska, you could see how tired he was but he always gave his all on every play. That fumble inside the 5 against the Huskers broke my heart. I felt so bad for Billy because he carried that team on his back (though he played on some very talented OU squads.) The most ferocious was Adrian Peterson. He had a beautiful wildness to his running. I would have named him the best but he just always seemed to get hurt. I thought he wouldn't last in the pros. Shows how much I know. The scariest was Marcus Dupree of 1982. You knew that he could go the distance on any play. I remember that fake lateral early in the Texas game. I was like, "Whoa, who the f is THAT?" What a season he had. Barry did him a disservice, giving the impression he was an out-of-shape, moody, prima donna. Was glad to watch his 30 for 30 episode to get his side of what those years in Norman were like. The most fun to watch was Joe Washington. That little clip of him against USC showed how elusive and unpredictable he was. I would make the most exciting 3-yard gains you've ever seen. Greg Pruitt was soooo smooth. Loved watching him in the wishbone, the most beautiful offense ever devised. It would flow like water over, around and through defenses. I'd forgotten about Mike Gaddis! He was a man in a boy's body. Used to love watching David Overstreet, Elvis Peacock too. Patrick Collins comes to mind. And Spencer Tillman's leap against Nebraska. That was fresh. A healthy Perine DEFINITELY has a chance to be an all-time OU great. Well now I'm off to look up OU quarterbacks: Thomas Lott, Jamelle Hollieway, JC Watts, even a gangly Jack Mildren. Thanks for the memories. Still, I have to say my #1 back was Earl Campbell, #1a was Bo Jackson. Ironic, huh? Roll Tide!

[@Shahmar]

+robotunes 14:06 Good stuff man. Russell Gary goes to the Y everyday and is still in pretty good shape. Oklahoma is one of the few teams with a greater RB legacy than Nebraska.

[@dbbeach6449]

robotizes. Check out the 1988 OU vs OSU game. It was an epic run battle between Barry Sanders and Mike Gaddis.

[@robotunes]

Brent Parker. That's all I've got to say.

[@hichcoc]

Well written and outlined... You are a true historian of the game. H~

[@Anne-ry1dt]

Thanks for watching OU in those Steve Owens days even if you are a Bama fan ! I remember when we looked forward every year to the Tide playing Ole Miss.

[@gmcummings]

Glad to see Greg Pruitt made your list. One of my personal football heroes!

[@dude999642]

Next to Dupree (Freshman only) Pruitt had the highest yards per carry of any of these guys, and what, 2nd in Heisman voting, so he's one of the best.

[@Mike-yg8ig]

"Do it Pruitt".

[@Mike-yg8ig]

@Gary Garrison LOL, good one. Yeah Pruitt could accelerate man. Hey, you named after #27 on the Chargers? The Ghost?

[@TRE601]

But too low. Dude should have won two Heismans. Averaged 8 yds per carry for a career and and 10 yds per carry as a Jr. in my opinion he is number 2 behind Billy Sims. And Dupree was the most talented of the bunch - but his limited body of work puts at about 6-7.

[@lksseven]

Barry Switzer said "Oklahoma has had 7 Heisman winners, and 150+ All Americans. A lot of truly great players have come through here. But no one compares to Billy Sims. There will never be another one like him". Barry's call is good enough for me.

[@gmandersonjr]

Looney

[@steve2713]

Joe Don Looney? I go way back but very young when I heard my brothers throwing around Looney’s name. I was about 6 yrs old and remember my older brother pointing at a black and white pic of a Notre Dame player racing down the field with the ball, breaking OU’s 47 game winning streak, and Tony saying, “ Notre Dame, we don’t like Notre Dame!” It was like yesterday.

[@jsteed3]

Good to hear Bob Barry Sr.’s voice on here. Demond Parker would have been a Heisman Trophy if he were on better OU teams

[@lawrencegarrison3792]

Dupree AVERAGED 8 yards per carry, That's sick. Loved watching the Kansas player run all the way across field to catch up with Dupree, only to get tossed aside like a ragdoll.

[@dude999642]

Isn't that 8.0 yards per carry as a FRESHMAN!? Heck, if he'd stuck around (and not got fat, as well) he'd probably have bumped that up to around 10 yards per carry as an experienced/stronger/faster Senior.

[@govchal]

Barry switzer ruined Dupree. criminal.

[@jpm4444]

great list. Billy Simms was something special. So many great Rb's at OU.

[@michaelallport5816]

Joe Washungton was the greatest running back who ever graced a football field. By the way, I am USC! Wherever you are, thanks for the memories, Joe!!!

[@philbrown1474]

Washington. Like the state.

[@mikecreger9702]

Joes still around Norman and OU.

[@michaelallport5816]

Oh, I am so happy to know that!!! Thanks for letting me know.

[@willardcormier8849]

Well,i saw jpe Washington in HS (fans waited all day to see him practice (je always went full bore (/what a display of cuts and dives he never let up ).…

[@michaelallport5816]

​@@willardcormier8849I would have waited to see him practice as well😊

[@bobjohnson3356]

Look at Murray's stats, man he could do it all! Loved watchin that guy,

[@Mike-yg8ig]

No one compared to Dupree, ever, in any league, on any planet. He wasn't human. Size and speed like no one else. He looked like a 747 going down the sideline, his strides ate up huge chunks of real estate. Billy Sims was one of my faves, so disappointed when he hurt the knee early in his NFL career. But Dupree was from another world. Hasn't been anyone close to this day.

[@safetyscrewmarket]

Bo Jackson?? lol

[@Mike-yg8ig]

@@safetyscrewmarket No.

[@chihuahuamom1500]

thanks for sharing this video I really enjoyed it.. Hope to see an updated version soon.. Boomer Sooner baby!

[@cblake9453]

The one season of Marcus Dupree was more impactful than whole careers of many others on the list. He was so good he made Switzer "break the bone" i.e. abandon he beloved wishbone set for the I-formation featuring Marcus.

[@robonini1]

If switzer had better people skills he would have kept marcus.

[@JamesSwanson-l9r]

Imagine Dupree in the backfired with Aikman and Keith Jackson, and others. Would have been great but not to be.

[@JamesSwanson-l9r]

​@robonini1 Marcus dupree was a mama's boy. He wanted to be babied and that wasn't Switzer

[@lgokie891]

Nice video. My pick is Marcus Dupree.

[@haydenrussell7206]

I’m a Sooners fan in his 20’s so I grew up with demarco Murray and AP and man oh man these guys made me fall in love with OU football.

[@garrison6863]

Marcus Dupree was one of the greatest wastes of talent ever. What a combination of size, speed and strength.

[@john84896]

I think he busted an acl but ya full package...what a back

[@tonycrabtree3416]

@@john84896 Completely hyperextended his knee in the USFL playing for the New Orleans Breakers. I saw the play live on TV. Terrible injury.

[@reginaldharrison7423]

Marcus dupree

[@madmize48]

@@tonycrabtree3416is there no video of it? Thought the injury came from that texas game

[@tonycrabtree3416]

@@madmize48 There is video of it somewhere, but he never got injured at OU. He did quit the OU team after issues with Switzer. He tore up his knee playing for the USFL New Orleans Breakers in game 1 of the 1985 season.

[@johnmckeown2605]

Billy Sims is it, he is all Sooner. Best back and most loyal to OU. Others are Great, but he is IT!

[@k102290]

This is a great video and list regardless of where you had them ranked! Thanks for the memories!

[@thebigokie6.4_392]

Billy Sims not only was great. But when you talk to him in person he is a truly nice respectful genuine man.

[@mambamentality5729]

Mike Gaddis is my uncle I don’t see him often though

[@mitchconner2021]

Gaddis was a great. Just don't think OU was as good his years and didn't have as many televised games. Back then not many games not on TV and not many people saved the tapes

[@scotthyde6557]

Switzer said Gaddis was his best looking RB ?? Prettiest looking the way he ran ?? I don’t remember his exact words but you understand then had a torn ACL !!! Gaddis was at OU the same time Barry Sanders was at OSU !! It was the Battle of the two best Running backs !!

[@shaunbrown5162]

I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone move like him. Dudes legs had to be powerful, moving and changing direction like that.

[@larrykile3190]

Marcus Dupree could have been one of the greatest all-time runners in CFB....

[@k102290]

Larry Kile even he admits he screwed up and should have listened to Switzer about conditioning etc. You are right, a could have been who should have been one of the greatest.

[@chriskirby2334]

+Larry Kile In high school, they couldn't even let him practice because he injured too many of his teammates trying to tackle him. That might have had something to do with his poor training habits.

[@depaola63]

" Unsung"

[@lawrencegarrison3792]

I would have included Dupree on sheer talent. He and Bo Jackson were the two most unstoppable backs I ever saw. Dupree gain more than 200 yards in ONE half against the #1 run defense in the country in the Fiesta Bowl - with a hamstring injury!

[@Rudisailejoe]

Of coarse I agree that Dupree had freakish talent but you cannot say he was in the class of Bo or even Billy. He had some pretty subpar games as well & the holes in that "#1 defense" in the Fiesta bowl were huge.He hated practice & doing what the great ones do to be great. I would of loved to see what Gaddis would of become if not for blowing out his knee his freshman yr. He was big ,fast & shifty,practiced hard & ran with purpose like AD. When he came back 2 yrs. later he had lost so much speed even the coaches didn't think he would make it off the bench with the much faster youngsters entrenched as the starters. But everytime he come in a game for a play or two to give starters a breather or mop-up time he would make some really great runs. So much so the coaches the coaches finally realized he had such a feel for where the hole was gonna be he always made positive plays and he was their best back. He ended up winning his starting job back & having some fantastic games in an era where it was unheard of to play after a serious knee injury. js

[@Bellthorian]

I have always wondered how great Marcus Dupree could have been.

[@rickplot9358]

Man was Murray smooth, his acceleration looks effortless.

[@patrickbates3228]

Wow, what a great video. I can't argue with the guys on the list. I might rank them a little different, but fantastic job, especially with the Billy Vessels and Steve Owens stuff. It is just obvious when you see Vessels, he was just the biggest, strongest and fastest on the field. Oh, for the love of Marcus Dupree...what could he have been? Thanks for this, from a lifer. Boomer Sooner!

[@scottmoore2731]

Only at Oklahoma could Adrian Peterson be the #3 back all time.

[@TakoNekko]

+Scott Moore Agreed. And being just behind Joe Washington and Billy Sims is an honor!

[@Shahmar]

+Scott Moore Exactly.

[@JLeMay25]

maybe USC

[@dionsanchez3131]

Nah. The only back that can compare is OJ. Sorry. OU's list tops USC's.

[@NkrumahTure]

I don't think so. How many OU running backs won the Heisman? How many went to the NFL and made an impact?

[@kensterling3195]

Nice Job on the Vid. !! Now that's Tradition. Just subscribed, saw one on Holiway , Best Option QB of all time.

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Thanks man, I really appreciate it.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Nope. Jack Mildren.

[@kensterling3195]

Almost every poll or article I have seen is different. Like this one, Holiway #1, Jones #2, Mildren #3. Don't agree with that. Jones had passing records but he had happy feet under pressure, which didn't do him any good. Respect your opinion on Mildren, but I would have to say Holiway. Nobody could scamper like Holiway. As of all time, all around passing and running, Dual-Threat it's Mayfield. Who is Definitely better then Johnny Manziel.

[@jakecantrell5542]

Steve Davis was the best opinion qb of all time . boomer sooner

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I don't think Marcus Dupree played 2 full seasons. Over 1,700 yards with 16 touchdowns with only 209 carries! 7.8 average! That's pretty darn impressive!

[@tupperlake100]

I saw Billy Sims play with the Detroit Lions. If he could not finesse a player, he ran over him. Billy was a much better receiver than most running backs. And wonder of wonders, Billy could block. The only reason you don't hear his name as much is due to the fact an injury ended his career after 4 years. I think with the exception of finesse, he was a better runing back than Barry Sanders. In one of his first NFL games he dominated the LA Rams. That Detroit Lion team was on the doorstep of greatness. Injuries and poor management brought aboout a decline.

[@dalspartan]

thank you for putting this together. I loved watching defenses try to adjust to Pruitt's speed. OU's DNA is great running backs

[@hadibae]

Honorable Mention: Elvis Peacock

[@michaelobrien6094]

When you needed a yard you got it, if you needed four, you got it. OSU 77

[@jbwc]

I liked all of y'all's Running Backs

[@mane1551]

That Billy Sims highlights I watched that game I was like 10 or 11 amazing player he was

[@EmerickMunoz33]

Marcus Dupree was probably the best, if he extended his career he would’ve won the heisman and been a great record breaking rb

[@norrispg6085]

if he had played anywhere other than Oklahoma for the stupidest human ever to coach he would've been the greatest ever

[@Saidakine]

norrispg Switzer was an idiot but so was Dupree. What happened is what happens when 2 idiots collide . Dupree got in the way of himself . He was so much fun to watch and so talented. Dupree should have stayed in Mississippi close to his mama and played for Ole Miss.

[@scottbaker1800]

Adrian Peterson... wow ! Power speed. Agility.. my God... what a human

[@Footballfansblue]

I think Chris Brown should have been an honorable mention. 42 rushing TDs. 4.7 ypc. 3 receiving TDs. 2,923 yards.

[@SoonerBorn1895]

I don’t disagree. Thank you so much for watching

[@skepticalmonkey7263]

Demond Parker was the highlight of my years at OU. Those were some dark times for Sooner Football, but Demond was a gem.

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Probably my personal favorite RB along with Murray

[@tomloft2000]

That punt return by Washington was incredible.

[@DEIONCARTER21]

Marcus Dupree would've been the greatest of all time!!! This kid was 6'1 220 in the 8th grade the speed and power he had was extraordinary

[@tylerguilbeau3029]

+aaron mcgee ....BUT shoulda, coulda, woulda... when push came to shove - he lacked the mental faculties and the fortitude to stick to what was needed and required to capitalize on his greatness. Anyone who is naturally gifted says this, in any field, be it professional, sports, art, you name it... Raw talent and ability only gets you so far. It didn't help the Barry S. was a dick to him. But, still...

[@DEIONCARTER21]

+Tyler Guilbeau (I totally agree mentally he didn't have it)

[@themadlad8540]

Black Jesus 6'3

[@brianstark2219]

Saw a documentary on Marcus Dupree. And from just looking at the film, my conclusion is that what did Marcus Dupree in was that he was so good in high school that he never needed to learn how to finish a run. And so when he needed to finish off a run he would do it in a very dangerous manner, leading with his head. This led first to a very serious concussion in a game against Texas. He really should have spent a few days in a hospital after that one. In another incident when he was playing in the USFL, this led to a horrific knee injury that ended his career. Seriously, if you're a fan of Marcus, dont ever look at a video of this injury -- awful thing to see.

[@elhombrenegro4999]

Tyler Guilbeau But he still was great and he finally got that at the end of his story that's what counts, he did make a come back in life and in the NFL after a very bad injury

[@doylekennedy3326]

Billy Sims will always be my favorite. He really did believe he could fly.

[@Bigfishfun333]

You did an incredible job on this.

[@kevinwalker9924]

I know they aren't top 10 but James Allen and Jerald Moore deserve some recognition as really good backs on some bad 90s teams at OU.

[@dude999642]

The OU offensive lines were not as good during the 90's, so if those two guys had 1970's, or mid 80's lines, they would probably have made this list.

[@necroranger6665]

Such a Dope Vid, Bro Bro.....Excellent

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Thanks man

[@dude999642]

Simms didn't seem like a REAL standout until his Junior year or so, but Dupree was "the man" as a mere FRESHMAN.

[@luv2bbq]

Tom Brady didn’t seem like an nfl quarterback in the draft so he went 6th round. Your point is moot

[@billlake2814]

One could argue, but overall a good list. Well done.

[@claytonbearden7793]

Man Murray was smooth as silk he didn't look that fast or he was fast and he was just smooth!!

[@trevordon819]

Billy Sims was my idol in high school, even down to wearing #20 like him. He is still one of my all time favorite Sooners and football players, in general.

[@makestoms]

I can't argue with your list at all. A lot of people think Dupree should have been higher, but he had a much smaller body of work. He was a freak of nature, nobody that size should be able to move like that. OU had so many other talented backs such as Lydell Carr, Horace Ivory, David Overstreet, Buster Rhymes, etc.

[@donaldsachse4817]

Joe Washington was my favorite but all the running backs you have shown are ,were great!

[@dude999642]

Joe was the most spectacular....by far.

[@mikec.9130]

All I can say is (true story) -- I was 15 Yrs old and a buddy and me were walking past the OU jock dorm a few hours after a game in 1979-80. It was a barren sidewalk, nobody else in sight. I looked up and Billy Sims was walking toward us in his #20 jersey and blue jeans, big afro -- tough to miss. This was AFTER the Sports Illustrated cover when he beat Ohio State, after he'd won the Heisman as a junior. It was like seeing God....

[@asphyxi8ion]

I grew up in Norman and it was pretty much the same for me, but it was Bosworth right after his McMahon cover, he walked out with new colors in his hair. I was a big defensive guy and him and Tony Casillas were my heroes. My grandfather was a booster at he time. I was fortunate enough to see J.C. Watts, Billy, Buster Ryhmes, Lydell Carr, Keith Jackson,Troy Aikman the day his leg got broke against Miami. Jamelle Holieway coming in and taking OU to the NC. Again being the defensive guy, loved Torrence Marshal and Rocky Calmus in the 2000 NC. Sooner Born, Sooner Bred. I bleed Crimson.

[@georgejohnson3579]

I thought you were going to say Billy Sims was going to throw his jersey to you just like the Mean Joe Green commercial!

[@gregorylashley4985]

As Husker Fan I have to say Marcus Dupree was the greatest talent I have ever seen. Any position, any level of football.

[@Mike-yg8ig]

Hell yeah.

[@hammer2596]

Nah

[@Mike-yg8ig]

@@hammer2596 Uh...yeah.

[@gregorylashley4985]

@@hammer2596 That sir or madam is a great argument.

[@hammer2596]

@@gregorylashley4985 you old enough to have watched BO Jackson?

[@Zachary917]

is it difficult to find old Billy Sims highlights?

[@dude999642]

So many great running backs that a HEISMAN winner is wallowing down in SEVENTH place!

[@joeseddit]

Nice list. I like Joe Washington at #2. I'd put Pruitt at #1. But I'm probably a bit biased. There's nothing like watching football as young kid and I was enthralled with the 70s Oklahoma wishbone teams. If I remember right, Washington's team was on probation and Oklahoma games couldn't be televised. Didn't matter all that much, though. Back then, you only got a few games a Saturday, so you pretty much had to rely on Sunday morning highlight shows to find out about players/teams anyway.

[@igorslocks]

Gaddis gets overlooked when you consider just how many top tier RBs the Sooners have had theu the years. He was damn good. Adrian Peterson was probably the best, although Im too young to remember Billy Sims in college. Do remember him real well with the Lions as Im a Bear fan and those matchups with Walter Payton were epic,the buildup all week to those ballgames. But definitely want to say Gaddis was an all time great and at any other school would have a statue or at least jersey retired.

[@amandajoford7216]

I was born in 89 so i didnt get to see all the rbs my dad spoke about. i was fortunate enough to have season tix my whole life. From 2000 on. I couldn't imagine a better rb than AD. It's cool to hear about yall oldtimers pov. I got to meet marcus dupree and joe washington when i was little. I wish i could go back to those days. I remember Marcus Dupree asked me who he was. I named off all the good things besides my dad telling me he was the best who never was. This vid was awesome

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Amanda Jo Ford thank you for watching! Glad you liked it.

[@jeffreynapisa331]

Already knew Billy Sims had to be the greatest for OU

[@duwaynestevenson9200]

Spencer Tillman, Patrick Collins, Lydell Carr.. I could go on and on! We are Running Back University!Boomer!

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Duwayne Stevenson top 20 video coming soon!

[@melbacollinsross1993]

Patrick Collins yea baby

[@Ynkno]

Amazing Marcus Dupree is mentioned so much

[@carlpabst6506]

I had the privilege to have seen most of these guys play from Greg Pruitt on out. The quickest, most versatile, and by far most exciting player I've ever seen was Joe Washington! I thought Elvis Peacock deserved an honorable mention too. Loved Billy Simms, AP, Pruitt, Murray, and I just wish Marcus Dupree had a bit more fortitude.

[@seanprenter7967]

I vaguely remember Keith Jackson covering an OU game.He described Joe Washington as Dynamite In A Bottle.I loved Thomas Lott and The Oklahoma Sooners in High School..not a dull moment watching that high octane Wishbone offense.

[@dude999642]

Hehe, and **I** remember Keith Jackson catching the go-ahead touchdown in the Orange Bowl to seal the 1985 national title. 😃

[@cedricraywilliams]

Marcus Dupree is one of the most impressive RBs I've ever seen. He was the best RB to ever play at OU.

[@The1Kraken]

No he wasn’t. He COULD have been- but, he lost his love for the game somewhere along the way.

[@truthpeace5197]

Billy Sims is the best running back to play for Oklahoma and should've won Heisman 2 years in a row

[@kabbey30]

Great video. Thank you.

[@RayCharles444]

thanks for the upload!

[@PERRYNKELLY]

Fantastic video! Billy Sims was DEFINITELY the best RB of all times.. not only at OU.. but arguably in NCAA history. . He had no weakness. The complete RB! (Long distance, goal line, receiving, blocking, toughness, elusive ) If he woulda played the whole game (too many 1/2 game blowouts) at OU ..he woulda set records even Barry Sanders wouldn't have touched. . (Barry played the whole game- every game.) SIMS was picked 1st overall in the draft and he was the best football player in the world .. college or pro .. from his junior year to his 3rd year in NFL. .. and most importantly. . If you give him the "eye test"... there would be maybe 4 guys in history you MIGHT take over him. GALE SAYERS, OJ SIMPSON, WALTER PAYTON, JIM BROWN... ....

[@lawrencegarrison3792]

I would agree. Speed, power, agility, lateral movement, leaping ability. Sims was superman. Had he not blown out his knee, he probably would have been one of the top NFL backs of all time.

[@snotzboy]

his ONE weakness....FUMBLE!!!! he put the ball on the carpet a lot..but he was the GOAT at OU

[@aburtzflr]

PERRYNKELLY , Herschel Walker almost single handedly won a National Championship at Georgia.

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Great comment! Thank you so much for supporting this video.

[@dieseldon1921]

PERRYNKELLY Billy was great but I will go with Parker as my running back. No running back in OU history did more with less offense talent around him

[@Bigfishfun333]

In 1985 the Sooners won the National Title. They COULD have had on that same team Marcus Dupree, and Troy Aikman, and DID have tight end Keith Jackson, Boz, Holieway, Ricky Dixon, etc. Holy crap!

[@seandobson6221]

I grew up in the 80s and I watched the King coach OUr beloved Sooners. Now though I was young I mainly remember watching Mike Gaddis and Jemelle Holloway. When I picked my college there was no way I was gonna go anywhere but OU. I was a freshman in 1995 and it began as the worst era of our school’s time. Demond Parker and James Allen were a great tandem in those days. We had a very shaky offense at best and e ball every time Eric Moore had the ball in his hands we all collectively held our breath when he’d drop back to pass. I was in the Pride of Oklahoma and it was depressing knowing that we were the most exciting thing about OU football games. I was so disappointed and I’ll be damned if the season after my last year Bob Stoops got us a winning season.

[@albrickman3096]

What happened to Spencer Tillman Heisman finalist

[@user619tlsdca5]

Even thou this Katt not a labeled RB, his highlights flash every time I see the Sooners on TV. His name was Jamel Holloway ( not sure exact name , didnt get drafted or played nfl) It was when the 80s Wishbone come back from Switzer s great grand daddy s days of his All Color Unit they used for practice's,( just kkk folklore) lol. Kid was a 17 year old Freshman at QB leading the way from his rushes I believe leading Nation.

[@SoonerBorn1895]

*Jamelle Holieway. He’s the reason Troy Aikman transferred to UCLA after breaking his leg and then Holieway led them to a national championship

[@user619tlsdca5]

@@SoonerBorn1895 ESPN Favorite of showing his highlights every week. He inspired a lot of high school QBs to be better runners but he is likely the godfather of the RPO off the wishbone which evolved around WRs on those sets. He was fun to watch and him not getting drafted in NFL educated me as a 18 year older on the NFL preferred prototype players. Lost track of him and wondered if he went to CFL. He is from Compton I believe.

[@hyattsweezy9152]

Update this after next season, Perine should already be in the top 5, but let's see how he does this season

[@philbrown1474]

@MysteriousOklahoma exactly.

[@Huck9000]

#1 Marcus Dupree: the most gifted I ever saw. Maybe the best running back ever or just behind Barry Sanders. #2 AD: Only injuries held him back. #2 Billy Sims: Won Heisman #4 Steve Owens: Won Heisman with little talent around him #5 Greg Pruitt: Should have won the Heisman. #6 Joe Washington: The most exciting but was too small to play every down. Great return man. #7 DeMarco Murray #8 Billy Vessels

[@gossard56]

Gaddis was on his way to the Heisman until he got hurt against UT. He had been unstoppable to that point!

[@mambamentality5729]

gossard56 Gaddis is my uncle

[@philbrown1474]

I was at the Texas game when he tore his knee up. I think he had over 200 yards and OU was on their way to a big W. It was a freak thing. No Texas players within yards around him. The momentum switched big time and OU lost. Texas had no answer for Gaddis. After the game the Texas fans (we were sitting in their end zone) showed their true colors - raining down bottles and cans on the 4 of us OU fans. I figured they could’ve just mailed Gaddis the Heisman that day til the injury.

[@raprunsmusic1973]

Legendary video!!!!

[@georgejohnson3579]

It is a very good list of running backs, but the rule changes through the years makes it tougher in categories and games played per season.

[@captainfootlong8313]

Peterson’s run at 11:25 will always make me tear up I have no idea why 😂😂

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Dillon Toole Incredible run!

[@kendrickjones3115]

some of the dudes on the list are actually honorable mention!!!

[@nativekiowa9488]

Parker was definitely the entire offense during his time

[@kevinrichards4136]

The 🐐

[@herehere3184]

When AD Lowered his head he was pushing the Turbo button .. and he is # 3 its crazy how talented OU has been on Offence the past decade .. sure wish we had and resemblance of a defence

[@dude999642]

If they had the '86 defense (5 or 6 shutouts), and the '75 offence (or better yet the 2008 offense that lead the nation with 51.1 points/game AVERAGE), they'd give New England a run for their money.

[@TRE601]

1. Billy Sims 2. Greg Pruitt 6-8 Marcus Dupree - what he did in 1 1/2 seasons is the stuff of legend. Pruitt finished second in the Heisman twice and should have won in a landslide his Jr. year. Lost one of the closest votes ever as a Sr. His average per carry his Jr. season was almost 10 yds.

[@mike-il4dg]

I like your list except, although you did make him an honorable mention, I do not agree with your choice to leave Quentin Griffin out of the top 10. He helped his school win a national championship in 2000, he finished fourth in school history in career rushing yards (3,756), third in touchdowns (44), and second in all-purpose yards (4,973). He had an Oklahoma-record six rushing touchdowns against Texas in 2000. The guy was awesome and deserves a top-10 spot.

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Very understandable. He was a great player for us

[@blueticecho5690]

Here in Nebraska I seen a lot of these great running backs.. We use to joke on how Barry would just renig every year.

[@1185AspAve]

Demond Parker was the best player on the darkest times @ OU. Very underrated amongst OU backs.

[@markdavis3306]

It's tough to compare Billy Sims and Adrian Peterson because the Sooners were still running the wishbone with Sims and Peterson was running out of the I formation. Both Sims and Washington were exciting to watch! If you were too young, then you missed out on those great backs!

[@SeanP7195]

OU was trying to help out the Lions but that awful field at Tiger stadium and the Pontiac Silverdome turf ruined both legends in Owens and Simms. Finally had to go to OSU to get a great one who avoided injury. Oddly, my Father who was not a huge Lions fan happened to be at both Tiger Stadium when Owen’s essentially had a career ending injury and at the Silverdome when Simms did the same. Luckily, Barry Sanders didn’t have that plow them over mentality and was able to avoid injury. I could never understand that take a huge hit for an additional 3 feet when you just got a 1st down that RBs did.

[@nellbowie7986]

You know it's a great list when Marcus Dupree is honorable mention and Elvis Peacock isn't mentioned

[@Eagle8]

Unfortunately the the Thomas Lott backfield was so balanced none made the list. King, Ivory, Peacock. (1977).

[@Grandizer8989]

This reminds me the Top Ten race horses of all time video. Like the thoroubreds (sp?) each one has a different style and played in different eras and enjoyed a rabid fan base, while watching their legend status grow over time.

[@SoonerBorn1895]

Thanks to everyone who has watched and shared this video!

[@albertjimenez7896]

Marcus Dupree had the trifecta because he could run past you and run over you, but he could also shake, bake, and fracture your ankles, something Bo Jackson could never do.

[@dillonhamilton1997]

gotta add mixon and perine to this list now

[@teddrickswanson3890]

Perine idk about Mixon and Perine ONLY because of the 427yd game idc who your playing if its a power 5 D1 school thats IMPRESSIVE

[@josephcameron537]

My favorites include Kenny King, J.W. Sims, Pruitt, Peterson, Sims. And on and on and on.

[@josephcameron537]

And more Sims

[@rykemerrill1164]

Did I miss Samaje Perine? He actually had more yards than anyone, and still holds the current yards in one game!?

[@SoonerBorn1895]

I made the video when he was a freshman I think

[@mrrida503]

Marcus Dupree...honorable mention??? That's it??? GTFO. But other than that, those were pretty good picc's & highlights. @3:19 De'Mond Parker's stride is like a smooth explosion, and somthin' to appreciate.. What ever happened to him???

[@nyyankee488]

billy sims ran like people were chasing him.

[@tylerguilbeau3029]

+nyyankee488 because they were

[@nyyankee488]

Tyler Guilbeau oh

[@Antbeast23]

Two Cents lol what an interesting analogy

[@georgesouthwick7000]

You could take all the good Oklahoma running backs who didn’t make this list and still have one heck of a team.

[@daviddaiker9400]

Based solely on college, Sims and Pruitt should have been #1 and #2. With possible exception of Billy Sims, Greg Pruitt was the best I ever saw

[@hdhowa]

Pruitt really was the best. His yard per carry average is sick! He only played full games his senior year and had well over 900 yards. He was faster than all the others. Joe Washington only ran a 4.6 forty.

[@dude999642]

@@hdhowa But running SIDEWAYS I bet Joe could run a 3.9 forty! :-)

[@michaelobrien6094]

Pruitt was the start of the real roll

[@tomitstube]

long time sooner fan, this is great video. agree with sims at number 1, marcus dupree was probably the best athlete of them all, greg pruitt had a great nfl career. i think kennedy brooks has a good chance to fight for a spot on this list, and another great team in 2019, great crop of recievers too with ceedee lamb, a top draft pick no doubt... and who knew all of the sudden o.u. would be quarterback u. with sam bradford, baker mayfield, kyler murray, and now jalen hurts? and of course thomas lott, jc watts, jamelle holieway...and i can tell you i have always rooted against troy aikman, and he's a lousy announcer too. go o.u.!

[@brentcole309]

Switzer said Dupree had the most potential ever - I'll go with what the Coach said. 235# and outran every player on the OU squad in the 40 yd dash and 100 yd dash and ran over people

[@JAMESGANG-f5u]

11:55 Did Joe get back to the line of scrimmage?? 😬🤣😂 Great run, BUT...

[@SoonerBorn1895]

🤣

[@themadlad8540]

Demond Parker number 9.? I may be partial to him being a Tulsa boy and all but he is in my top five for sure he carried those teams.

[@Bigfishfun333]

Pruit's 7.5 yard average, over 3 years, and only missing the Heisman to the electric Johnny Rogers, should make him #1. However, his team, especially that O-line, was incredible, so not terribly hard to look great in that offense at the time.