We've already checked in on the quarterbacks, so why not delve into what's new with the running backs of the Big 12.We'll start at Texas, where the biggest question mark of the spring is who will replace Jamaal Charles? Charles led the Big 12 in rushing in 2007 on the strength of a fantastic second half of the season. Three backs will fight it out over the starting running back gig in 2008.
Sophomore Vondrell McGee will get first shot at the starting job after serving as Charles' understudy a year ago. When Charles was having consistency problems at midseason in 2007, McGee actually got more playing time, specifically on short-yardage and goal-line plays. He gained 297 yards overall and scored eight touchdowns.We'll look elsewhere in the Big 12 after the jump.At Texas Tech, a familiar name tries to work his way out of a familiar place – Mike Leach's doghouse. The familiar name is Shannon Woods, who finally appears to be on the right track. That's good news for the Red Raiders and for Woods, who found himself on the scout team in 2007. Woods will be trying to return to his 2006 form, in which he rushed for almost 1,500 yards. So far, so good.
Redshirt freshman Fozzy Whittaker and McGee share the same, low-to-the-ground build. Both resemble miniature linebackers.
Whereas McGee prefers the I-formation, Whittaker is more comfortable running out of the shotgun. That's how he made his yardage at Pearland High School, where he finished with the sixth-best rushing total in Class 5A history.
The third member of the committee is Chris Ogbonnaya, a well-known offensive commodity. The Longhorns often turned to Ogbonnaya on third-down situations last fall because he was as adept at running pass routes as he was at picking up the blitz. He caught 21 passes a year ago. To prepare for this season, the fifth-year senior dropped 12 pounds to improve his speed. He's now at 215.
"Everything. Everything,'' Littrell said. "He has 18 (spring-semester) hours, making As and Bs. He hasn't missed class one time. He's been up here. He's been respectful. He's done everything we've asked of him so far. He's just got to continue to work and do it.Nebraska appears to have its starting running back in Marlon Lucky who passed up the NFL Draft and is the top returnee in 2008 in terms of rushing yardage in the Big 12. Behind Lucky, however, the picture is less clear.
"Shannon's a good kid. I mean, he really is. There's a lot of speculation with what goes wrong and our relationship. Some of it's speculation. With me, it's all going to stay in-house.
"But he's done a good job. He's doing everything we've asked him to do.''
Cody Glenn who's shown flashes when healthy (a rare occurrence) recently made the move to linebacker.
"I don't know much. I know a little bit, still trying to learn and get things done," said Glenn, who got minimal reps. "It's hard to really do anything when you're thinking as much as I'm trying to think, getting everything down."The move is interesting given the fact that Glenn is a senior and seems unlikely to redshirt. He'll have the spring to learn some things, but better be ready to go by August if he hopes to see the field on the defensive side of the ball. Nebraska will be replacing all three of its starters at linebacker from 2007, so Glenn could get a chance to contribute.
"It all comes down to me just trying to help the team out, wanting to win. I can't say we've won a lot of games since I've been here. So really, this is my senior year. Basically I just want to win. Whatever it takes, that's what I want to do."
Part of the reason behind Glenn's move could be the emergence of sophomore running back Roy Helu. Helu might be the most complete back on the team, and looks to have grabbed the backup RB spot with a strong spring.
Finally, Oklahoma has the their own concerns at running back, but they will likely be short-lived. The Sooners are missing their top two running backs - DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown – who are sitting out the spring with knee injuries. That has opened the door for guys like sophomore Mossis Madu.
"He's a guy not everybody has really had a chance to see a lot of. I made this comment to a lot of people: Mossis Madu can play for a lot of people," running backs coach Cale Gundy said. "I'm fortunate to be a coach at a position that has a lot of depth. It's good for him to get a chance to go through the spring with the No. 1 offense and show people what he can do."
