John Shinn
Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson has plenty to worry about. All aspects of the Sooner offense run through him.
But in the wake of Paul Thompson’s return to quarterback and breaking in a young offensive line, there is one position that has his mind racing the most — fullback.
“That, to me, is my biggest concern,” Wilson said. “Can we still line up in the I formation? It’s a bigger concern than the offensive line. Can we still be a two-back team?”
These are questions OU did not concern itself with the last four years. J.D. Runnels arrived on campus in 2002 and locked up the position before the season began. He blocked as well as any fullback the Sooners ever had and became a reliable receiver to boot.
But he’s playing for the Chicago Bears and there’s a void that must be filled.
Matt Clapp, Dane Zaslaw and Ian Pleasant are charged with the job.
Clapp, a junior, will be the starter when OU faces Alabama-Birmingham Sept. 2. But he admits there’s a lot pressure playing in Runnels’ shadow.
“It’s tough coming in at fullback after he came through the last four years,” Clapp said. “I feel like I’ve done pretty well the past couple weeks, but I’m still not where I need to be, especially with my blocking. I have much more to improve on.”
Wilson is counting on the improvement. A dominant fullback isn’t essential to the Sooner offense, but having one to count on opens up the playbook.
“I don’t know what we’re going to run on offense exactly all the time, but I know a fullback makes us more diverse,” Wilson said. “We need him in situations to be a productive guy. Not that that means we’re going to be a two-back (offense), but we’ll be a better team if our fullback plays good.”
But if a capable fullback doesn’t emerge, OU still has options.
In fact, the questions at fullback might be answered by another position — tight end.
Wilson could devise more sets with two tight ends. He may do so regardless, since tight ends Joe Jon Finley, Brody Eldridge and true freshman Jermaine Gresham have all earned praise throughout the preseason.
“It has to do with the way they’re playing.” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “Those guys have been playing in a good way. They’re guys we’re going to use.”
Finley is the starter.
The junior caught 13 passes for 150 yards in 2005 and two of those catches were in the end zone. He has seen his role expand every season. He has the size (6-foot-6, 244 pounds) to be an effective blocker and receiver. Eldridge has also drawn solid reviews for his blocking ability and could also be a factor.
“All three guys are pretty solid,” Wilson said. “They’re good blockers. We have better blocking tight ends than we’ve ever had. We have a chance to do some things there.”
But the biggest reason OU is talking up the position more than past years is Gresham.
“He’s as good a freshman you’ll see in that position at most places and he’s one of the better freshman players I’ve been around,” Wilson said.
He stands 6-7 and weighs 250 pounds. Add in 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash, and the Sooners have a weapon they can exploit.
The Sooners’ questions at fullback could take some time to resolve, but their depth at tight end could redefine the offense and make things a little easier for Thompson.
“It’s been a while since the tight end was a real weapon in the offense,” Finley said. “We’re just trying to get it back where they have to respect us.”
Earning that respect shouldn’t be a problem in 2006.
