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Oklahoma beats Texas (again): Tennessee transfer Eric Gray picks Sooners over Longhorns

By Alicia de Artola

Nov 30, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Eric Gray (3) runs for a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Eric Gray (3) runs for a touchdown against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tennessee transfer running back Eric Gray committed to play for Oklahoma over Texas.

Oklahoma has found the running back they needed to refresh their backfield. And notched a recruiting victory over a bitter rival in the process.

On Wednesday, Eric Gray announced his commitment to the Sooners as a transfer from Tennessee.

The running back had also been considering Texas as a destination.

Eric Gray is looking for a new start with Oklahoma in the Big 12

As the leading rusher for Tennessee in 2020 with 772 yards, Gray picked a program with serious need at the top of the depth chart.

The Sooners lost top back Rhamondre Stevenson to the NFL Draft while backup T.J. Pledger is transferring to Utah. Seth McGowan, a freshman, was set to be the returning leading rusher with 370 yards and three touchdowns.

Lincoln Riley and company will look to Gray as a new all-purpose option in their offense. He had 30 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield last year.

Gray was a four-star prospect coming out of Memphis in 2019. He ranked third among all-purpose backs, per 247Sports. He had been incredibly productive at the high school level, winning the Mr. Football Award in Tennessee three times and the Gatorade Player of the Year title twice.

Despite his roots in the Volunteer State, Gray was one of a slew of players who opted to leave Tennessee after the program fired head coach Jeremy Pruitt amid an NCAA violations investigation.

He is one of several Tennessee players who have since chosen to move to Norman. Offensive tackle Wanya Morris and safety Key Lawrence are also set to become Sooners.

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