Early in fall camp, the Oklahoma Sooners running back group is in a much better spot, simply because it’s healthier. Last August, both Gavin Sawchuk and Jovantae Barnes were dealing with nagging offseason injuries, which kept them limited into the season.
As the Sooners prepare for 2024, the two four-star backs from the 2022 recruiting class appear to be healthy and ready to lead the way. But the running back position has better depth going into the season as well, with the development of Kalib Hicks and the additions of Sam Franklin, Taylor Tatum, and Xavier Robinson. Tatum was a summer arrival, but he’s already stood out with his teammates.
“I mean, he came in here day one ready to work,” Barnes said after practice via OU Insider. “You know, just sits in the meeting room. Make sure we don’t skip past anything… just making sure he understands everything. You can tell he’s a guy that’s ready to compete and ready to play.”
Every meeting and practice rep is critical for Tatum to get him up to speed after spending the spring on the diamond. The former five-star running back and No. 1 player at his position also stars in baseball. That he’s been able to make coaches and teammates take notice of his ability in just a few months speaks volumes to his talent.
“I thought he’s been really good,” Jackson Arnold said after Monday’s practice. “And I think Taylor adds a unique passing element to our game. Whether you can line up in empty or do whatever put him in the passing game. He’s very versatile. He’s definitely gonna be a good option for us this year, sort of along those lines.”
Though there may be a couple of veteran players in front of him on the depth chart, Tatum has the speed and athleticism to be a dynamic .weapon in the Sooners offense. Even if he’s not a featured back, Seth Littrell and DeMarco Murray will find ways to get him on the field whether on offense or on special teams.
The sky’s the limit for Tatum, and his Oklahoma career is on the runway, ready to take off.
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