How RB Marcus Major is Battling For a Larger Role in His Fifth Year at Oklahoma
NORMAN — Oklahoma got a glimpse of life without Eric Gray in the Cheez-It Bowl.
Gray opted out of the contest against Florida State, turning the backfield over to a pair of freshman running backs in Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk.
As it turns out, the kids are alright.
Both Barnes and Sawchuk ran for 100 yards, combining for 208 rushing yards and two scores.
Oklahoma running back Jovantae Barnes led the Sooners with 108 rushing yards against Florida State in the 2022 Cheez-It Bowl.
Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA TODAY Sports
Understandably, there has been plenty of excitement for what the duo can deliver for the Sooners in 2023 — but there is another experienced back who is primed to contribute.
Redshirt senior Marcus Major is healthy through fall camp and intent on finishing his Oklahoma career on a high note.
Throughout his four years in Norman, Major has carried the ball 116 times for 525 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s also caught 11 passes for 102 yards and another touchdown, providing more versatilely.
To play a role in 2023 Major knows he has to do one simple thing — stay healthy and available.
“It's all on me really,” Major said after OU’s practice on Tuesday. “… Just stay in the training room, man. Just being available for my team. Just doing the best I can with that.
“… We've got a new recovery facility and I've been using that a lot. Just really been trying to take care of my body a lot.”
If Major can stay available, he’s got a big supporter in Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby.
“I think everyone knows I’m a fan of his,” Lebby said at local media day before fall camp kicked off.
“A guy that’s incredibly talented. We’ve gotta keep him on the field. He’s gotta be able to stay on the field.”
While Major works to stay healthy for the entire 2023 season, he has still taken on more responsibility off the field.
He’s the veteran in DeMarco Murray’s running back room now, tasked with helping to lead Barnes and Sawchuk as well as true freshmen Kalib Hicks and Daylan Smothers.
Marcus Major
Daniel Dunn / USA TODAY Sports
“It's been some learning experience,” Major said. “But I'm still learning. But it's been all fun. I've just been enjoying these guys. It's a lot of talent in the room just to see.”
The youth movement around Major at running back has kept him sharp, too.
Barnes has already shown he can handle the duties as OU’s second running back, and he’s looking to ascend to be the Sooners’ primary back.
Sawchuk got a taste of college football in the Cheez-It Bowl, and is battling for more snaps every practice.
“Great competition, man,” Major said. “They've progressed so much since they've been here. And it's only made me better.
“… Iron sharpens iron. I appreciate them for being here, making me go every day and making me be my best every day. And the competition is fun. I love it.”
With a little over a week until OU’s 2023 season opener, Major has continued to stay firmly in the mix to help Lebby realize his dream of a dominant rushing attack to control contests throughout the year.
“Marcus, he’s a guy that’s had 14 good practices and a guy who’s had really good toughness in the room,” Lebby said. “He’s had really good leadership. So again, we’re looking for big things out of Marcus. Continue to keep him healthy and get him on the field every Saturday.”
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