Oklahoma State football's Ollie Gordon II named a Doak Walker Award

Top-Rated Oklahoma State Running Backs You Don't Want To Miss

Oklahoma State football's Ollie Gordon II named a Doak Walker Award

Who is the backbone of Oklahoma State University's football team?

Oklahoma State University running backs are the driving force behind the team's success on the field.

They are responsible for carrying the ball, gaining yards, and scoring touchdowns. Running backs need to be strong, fast, and agile, and they must have excellent vision and ball-handling skills.

Some of the most famous Oklahoma State running backs include:

Name Years Accomplishments
Barry Sanders 1986-1988 Heisman Trophy winner in 1988; NFL MVP in 1997
Thurman Thomas 1984-1985 NFL MVP in 1991; Pro Football Hall of Famer
Emmitt Smith 1987-1990 NFL MVP in 1993; Pro Football Hall of Famer

These are just a few of the many great running backs who have played for Oklahoma State University. They have helped the team achieve success on the field and have made a lasting impact on the program.

Oklahoma State Running Backs

Oklahoma State running backs are a crucial part of the team's success on the field. They are responsible for carrying the ball, gaining yards, and scoring touchdowns. Running backs need to be strong, fast, and agile, and they must have excellent vision and ball-handling skills.

  • Speed
  • Agility
  • Strength
  • Vision
  • Ball-handling skills
  • Experience

These are just a few of the key aspects that make Oklahoma State running backs so successful. They are a talented group of athletes who are dedicated to winning. They are a major reason why Oklahoma State is one of the top teams in the country.

1. Speed

Speed is one of the most important physical attributes for an Oklahoma State running back. They need to be able to accelerate quickly to get past defenders and reach the open field. They also need to be able to maintain their speed over long distances to gain yards and score touchdowns.

  • Facet 1: Acceleration

    Acceleration is the ability to increase speed quickly. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to get past defenders quickly and reach the open field. They also need to be able to accelerate quickly to avoid tackles.

  • Facet 2: Top-end speed

    Top-end speed is the maximum speed that a running back can reach. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to outrun defenders and reach the end zone. They also need to be able to maintain their top-end speed over long distances to gain yards and score touchdowns.

  • Facet 3: Agility

    Agility is the ability to change direction quickly and easily. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to avoid defenders and make quick cuts. They also need to be able to change direction quickly to gain yards and score touchdowns.

Speed is a crucial component of success for Oklahoma State running backs. They need to be able to accelerate quickly, reach their top-end speed, and change direction quickly and easily. By developing their speed, Oklahoma State running backs can become more effective and help the team win more games.

2. Agility

Agility is one of the most important physical attributes for an Oklahoma State running back. They need to be able to change direction quickly and easily to avoid defenders and make quick cuts. They also need to be able to change direction quickly to gain yards and score touchdowns.

  • Facet 1: Lateral movement

    Lateral movement is the ability to move quickly from side to side. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to avoid defenders and make quick cuts. They also need to be able to move laterally to gain yards and score touchdowns.

  • Facet 2: Change of direction

    Change of direction is the ability to change direction quickly and easily. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to avoid defenders and make quick cuts. They also need to be able to change direction quickly to gain yards and score touchdowns.

  • Facet 3: Balance

    Balance is the ability to maintain equilibrium while moving. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to stay upright while avoiding defenders and making quick cuts. They also need to be able to maintain their balance to gain yards and score touchdowns.

  • Facet 4: Flexibility

    Flexibility is the ability to move your body through a wide range of motion. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to reach and stretch to avoid defenders and make quick cuts. They also need to be able to be flexible to gain yards and score touchdowns.

Agility is a crucial component of success for Oklahoma State running backs. They need to be able to change direction quickly and easily, maintain their balance, and be flexible. By developing their agility, Oklahoma State running backs can become more effective and help the team win more games.

3. Strength

Strength is an essential physical attribute for an Oklahoma State running back. They need to be able to generate power and force to break tackles, gain yards, and score touchdowns.

  • Facet 1: Lower body strength

    Lower body strength is the strength in the legs, hips, and glutes. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to generate power to push through tackles and gain yards. They also need to be able to use their lower body strength to accelerate quickly and change direction.

  • Facet 2: Upper body strength

    Upper body strength is the strength in the arms, chest, and back. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to break tackles and stiff-arm defenders. They also need to be able to use their upper body strength to catch passes out of the backfield.

  • Facet 3: Core strength

    Core strength is the strength in the abdominal and lower back muscles. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to maintain their balance and stability while running and making cuts. They also need to be able to use their core strength to generate power and force.

  • Facet 4: Explosive strength

    Explosive strength is the ability to generate power and force quickly. This is important for Oklahoma State running backs because they need to be able to accelerate quickly and change direction. They also need to be able to generate power to break tackles and gain yards.

Strength is a crucial component of success for Oklahoma State running backs. They need to be able to generate power and force to break tackles, gain yards, and score touchdowns. By developing their strength, Oklahoma State running backs can become more effective and help the team win more games.

4. Vision

Vision is one of the most important mental attributes for an Oklahoma State running back. They need to be able to see the field clearly and make quick decisions about where to run and how to avoid defenders.

There are two main types of vision that are important for running backs:

  1. Field vision is the ability to see the entire field and understand where all of the players are. This is important for running backs because they need to be able to see where the holes in the defense are and where they can run to gain yards.
  2. Peripheral vision is the ability to see things out of the corner of your eye. This is important for running backs because they need to be able to see defenders coming from behind and to the sides. They also need to be able to see open receivers when they are looking downfield.

Running backs with good vision are able to make quick decisions and avoid defenders. They are also able to find open receivers and make big plays. Vision is a crucial component of success for Oklahoma State running backs.

Here are some examples of how vision is important for Oklahoma State running backs:

  • In 2018, running back Justice Hill had a 75-yard touchdown run against Texas. Hill was able to see a hole in the defense and make a quick decision to run through it. He was also able to use his peripheral vision to see a defender coming from behind and avoid him.
  • In 2019, running back Chuba Hubbard had a 48-yard touchdown run against Oklahoma. Hubbard was able to see a hole in the defense and make a quick decision to run through it. He was also able to use his field vision to see an open receiver downfield and make a pass to him for a big gain.

These are just a few examples of how vision is important for Oklahoma State running backs. By developing their vision, running backs can become more effective and help the team win more games.

5. Ball-handling skills

Ball-handling skills are essential for any running back, but they are especially important for Oklahoma State running backs. The Cowboys' offense relies heavily on the running game, and the running backs need to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield, protect the ball from defenders, and make quick decisions.

  • Catching the ball out of the backfield

    Oklahoma State running backs need to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield in order to be effective in the passing game. The Cowboys often use their running backs as receivers, and they need to be able to make catches in stride and protect the ball from defenders.

  • Protecting the ball from defenders

    Oklahoma State running backs need to be able to protect the ball from defenders in order to avoid fumbles. The Cowboys' offense is based on ball control, and they cannot afford to give the ball away. Running backs need to be able to keep the ball high and tight, and they need to be aware of defenders who are trying to strip the ball away.

  • Making quick decisions

    Oklahoma State running backs need to be able to make quick decisions in order to be effective in the running game. The Cowboys' offense is fast-paced, and the running backs need to be able to make quick decisions about where to run and when to cut. They also need to be able to make quick decisions about when to pass the ball and when to keep it.

Ball-handling skills are essential for Oklahoma State running backs. They need to be able to catch the ball out of the backfield, protect the ball from defenders, and make quick decisions. By developing their ball-handling skills, Oklahoma State running backs can become more effective players and help the team win more games.

6. Experience

Experience is one of the most important factors in the success of an Oklahoma State running back. Running backs with more experience are more likely to be successful because they have a better understanding of the game and are more comfortable in the offense. They are also more likely to be able to make quick decisions and avoid mistakes.

There are several reasons why experience is so important for running backs. First, running backs need to be able to read the defense and make quick decisions about where to run. This is a skill that can only be developed through experience. Second, running backs need to be able to protect the ball from defenders. This is also a skill that can only be developed through experience. Finally, running backs need to be able to stay healthy. This is important for all football players, but it is especially important for running backs, who are often the most physical players on the field.

There are several examples of experienced running backs who have been successful at Oklahoma State. One example is Barry Sanders. Sanders was one of the most successful running backs in college football history. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1988 and led the Cowboys to a national championship. Sanders was a very experienced running back, and he had a great understanding of the game. He was also very comfortable in the offense and was able to make quick decisions.

Another example of an experienced running back who was successful at Oklahoma State is Thurman Thomas. Thomas was a three-time All-American and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He was also a very experienced running back, and he had a great understanding of the game. He was also very comfortable in the offense and was able to make quick decisions.

Experience is a key factor in the success of an Oklahoma State running back. Running backs with more experience are more likely to be successful because they have a better understanding of the game and are more comfortable in the offense. They are also more likely to be able to make quick decisions and avoid mistakes.

FAQs About Oklahoma State Running Backs

Oklahoma State running backs are a vital part of the team's success. They are responsible for carrying the ball, gaining yards, and scoring touchdowns. Running backs need to be strong, fast, agile, and have excellent vision and ball-handling skills.

Question 1: What are the key qualities of a successful Oklahoma State running back?


Answer: Successful Oklahoma State running backs are typically strong, fast, agile, and have excellent vision and ball-handling skills.

Question 2: Who are some of the most famous Oklahoma State running backs?


Answer: Some of the most famous Oklahoma State running backs include Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, and Emmitt Smith.

Question 3: What is the importance of experience for an Oklahoma State running back?


Answer: Experience is very important for Oklahoma State running backs because it allows them to develop a better understanding of the game and become more comfortable in the offense.

Question 4: What are some of the challenges that Oklahoma State running backs face?


Answer: Oklahoma State running backs face a number of challenges, including staying healthy, protecting the ball from defenders, and making quick decisions.

Question 5: What is the future outlook for Oklahoma State running backs?


Answer: The future outlook for Oklahoma State running backs is bright. The Cowboys have a number of talented running backs on their roster, and they are expected to continue to be a major part of the team's success in the years to come.

Summary: Oklahoma State running backs are a key part of the team's success. They are responsible for carrying the ball, gaining yards, and scoring touchdowns. Successful Oklahoma State running backs are typically strong, fast, agile, and have excellent vision and ball-handling skills.

Transition: Oklahoma State running backs are a talented and dedicated group of athletes. They are a major reason why the Cowboys are one of the top teams in the country.

Conclusion

Oklahoma State running backs are a key part of the team's success, both past and present. They are responsible for carrying the ball, gaining yards, and scoring touchdowns. Successful Oklahoma State running backs are typically strong, fast, agile, and have excellent vision and ball-handling skills. Some of the most famous Oklahoma State running backs include Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, and Emmitt Smith.

The future outlook for Oklahoma State running backs is bright. The Cowboys have a number of talented running backs on their roster, and they are expected to continue to be a major part of the team's success in the years to come.

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