Top 10 OU Running Backs of the Last 10 Years

More pre-season football talk. Using the same rules as for the quarterbacks, here are my top 10 Oklahoma running backs from the past ten years.

1. Adrian Peterson (2004 – present) – In two seasons at OU Peterson has rushed for 3,029 yards and needs only 1,090 yards to become the all-time leading rusher at OU. Barring serious injury he will leave Oklahoma, most likely after this season, as the best running back to ever play on Owen Field.

2. Quentin Griffin (1999 – 2002) – Who can forget his six touchdown performance against Texas? A dangerous back who could burn you running the ball or by catching it he scored the only touchdown in the 2000 Orange Bowl victory over Florida State.

3. De’Mond Parker (1996 - 1999) – Think about this for a minute. If Parker stays for his senior season (99) Quentin Griffin doesn’t burn his redshirt that year and is at OU and plays in the 2003 Sugar Bowl against LSU.

Parker rushed for 3,403 yards at OU in three seasons and provided many highlights during a dark period for the Sooner Nation.

4. James Allen (1993-1996) – Allen provided a memorable moment by rushing for over 100 yards in the second half of the OU/Texas game and scoring the winning touchdown in overtime. It was the biggest win of John Blake’s career.

5. Kejuan Jones (2002 – 2005) – Maybe overvalued but definitely underappreciated Jones provided spark and leadership on some very good Sooner teams.

6. Renaldo Works (2000 – 2003) – Almost single handedly beat Alabama in 2002 and provided Sooner fans with enough highlights in that one game to create his legacy.

7. Donta Hickson (2002 – 2005) – Good speed but had trouble keeping the ball and spent more time in the doghouse than most players could stand.

8. Jacob Gutierrez (2003 – present) – Has become a crowd favorite but will get lost on the depth chart behind Peterson and Patrick.

9. Allen Patrick (2005 – present) – Forced to switch from defensive back to running back because of injuries to the position Patrick showed flashes in 2005 of being a more than solid back.

10. J.D. Runnels (2002 – 2005) – The only fullback to make the list Runnels was a punishing blocker and had the ability to beat a team running or receiving.

Top 10 quarterbacks.