DeMarco Murray, a distinguished figure in Oklahoma Sooners football history, has made significant contributions both as a player and as a coach. His journey from a record-setting collegiate athlete to a respected coach underscores his deep-rooted commitment to the University of Oklahoma.
Collegiate Achievements
During his tenure as a running back for the Sooners from 2007 to 2010, Murray established himself as one of the program’s all-time greats. He holds the school’s career records for all-purpose yards (6,718) and touchdowns (65). His versatility was evident as he amassed 3,685 rushing yards, 1,571 receiving yards, and 1,462 return yards. Murray’s performance earned him first-team All-Big 12 honors in both 2008 and 2010.
Professional Career
Following his collegiate success, Murray was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Over a seven-year NFL career, he played for the Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Tennessee Titans. Murray’s professional accolades include three Pro Bowl selections (2013, 2014, 2016) and being named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 after leading the league in both rushing yards (1,845) and rushing touchdowns (13).
Coaching Endeavors
Transitioning into coaching, Murray began as the running backs coach at the University of Arizona in 2019. In January 2020, he returned to his alma mater, joining the Oklahoma Sooners as the running backs coach. Under his guidance, the Sooners’ running game has flourished:
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2020 Season: The running backs averaged 5.7 yards per carry, contributing to a dominant 55-20 victory over Florida in the Cotton Bowl, where the team rushed for 381 yards.
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2021 Season: Kennedy Brooks rushed for 1,253 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning the title of Alamo Bowl Most Outstanding Offensive Player after a 142-yard, three-touchdown performance.
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2022 Season: Eric Gray achieved second-team All-Big 12 honors, rushing for 1,366 yards and 11 touchdowns. He led the Big 12 and ranked 14th nationally with an average of 6.4 yards per carry.
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2023 Season: The Sooners led the Big 12 in scoring offense, averaging 41.7 points per game. Sophomore Gavin Sawchuk emerged as a standout, surpassing 100 rushing yards in each of the season’s final five games.
Recruiting Prowess
Beyond on-field performance, Murray has demonstrated exceptional recruiting abilities. He successfully secured commitments from top-tier talents, including four-star running backs Taylor Tatum and Tory Blaylock, as well as three-star Xavier Robinson. His efforts have been instrumental in maintaining the depth and competitiveness of the Sooners’ backfield.
Commitment to Oklahoma
Despite interest from prestigious programs such as Ohio State and Penn State, Murray has consistently chosen to remain with the Sooners. His dedication to his alma mater is evident, and he continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Oklahoma football.
In conclusion, DeMarco Murray’s impact on the Oklahoma Sooners is profound. His legacy as a player is firmly established, and his contributions as a coach have further solidified his status as an integral figure in the program’s history. While the title of “best coach” is subjective and encompasses various factors, Murray’s achievements and unwavering commitment to the Sooners make a compelling case for such recognition.
