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30 college football players with big shoes to fill in 2017

By Brad Weiss

Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers quarterback Kelly Bryant (2) after faking the pass during the first quarter of the spring game at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Rodney Anderson (24) runs with the ball after a kickoff during the spring game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2017; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Rodney Anderson (24) runs with the ball after a kickoff during the spring game at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rodney Anderson/ Abdul Adams

Running Back, Oklahoma

The combination of Samaje Perine and Joe Mixon dominated the Big 12 from the running back position last season, as both players rushed for over 1,000 yards. Their performances led the Oklahoma Sooners to the Big 12 title, and into the conversation of a possible berth in the College Football Playoff. Both players have since left for the NFL, leaving a huge hole at running back this season for Oklahoma.

Beginning the season as the team’s starter at the position will be Rodney Anderson, who is coming off a neck injury that robbed him of the 2016 college football season. He will share carries with Abdul Adams, a good-looking running back who saw a bit of playing time last year for the Sooners. Adams finished the season with nearly 300 yards, and with Baker Mayfield back at quarterback, this Oklahoma offense should have no problem putting up points once again in 2017.

Also gone from the offense is Dede Westbrook who, like Mayfield, was a Heisman finalist last season. The Sooners will have a tough time replacing his production, but the combination of Anderson and Abdul in the backfield should soften that blow. The Sooners should once again be at the top of the Big 12 this season, as Mayfield attempts to end his storied career with a possible national title.

Oklahoma is a running back factory, and head coach Bob Stoops knows how to get the best out of his backs. Perine and Mixon put up incredible numbers last season, and Mixon was actually picked in the second round on Friday, despite his horrible incident off the field in 2014. It will be interesting to see how Anderson bounces back from his injury, as some believe he could be one of the best backs in the Big 12 this season.

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