Javonte Barnes helped his case for early taking part in time by enrolling early and arriving to Norman in January. Since then, the gifted freshman operating again has made a deserved push for enjoying time.
Throughout the offseason, each DeMarco Murray and Jeff Lebby sang Barnes’ praises on a number of events. It was clear that the extremely touted recruit was gifted on the sector. His expertise would possibly’ve been on show even earlier if not for a late preseason hamstring harm, however nonetheless, Barnes is right here, coming off his breakout recreation and prepared for extra.
“I can definitely see that I’ve gotten way better from high school,” Barnes stated Tuesday evening after observe. “Just knowing that this is my dream, just one step closer to what I’ve always dreamed of since I was three years old.”
“Just getting the ball and getting more carries, it was truly a blessing and something I feel like I worked hard for ever since I came in in January. Something I feel like I deserve.”
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For any other freshman running back coming in, Oklahoma’s backfield could’ve looked daunting.
At the time of Barnes’ commitment, the Sooners already had veterans Eric Gray and Marcus Major set to return and a commitment from a highly ranked recruit in Gavin Sawchuk. Barnes obviously wasn’t afraid of the competition, so it’s no wonder he’s been expecting a bigger role. As the team struggled, though, it’s clear he’s focused on doing his part to help.
“I’m starving,” Barnes said. “I’m focused on getting the team together. I’m a team player. If it wasn’t for the O-Line playing so great I really wouldn’t have had what I had, 100 yards, and it goes all to the O-Line. You can take back the tape and watch what they’re doing, I’m just going under it. I’m a team player like I said, just ready for the next one.”
After recording his first 100-yard recreation final week, Barnes understands the influence he can have going ahead this season. Both Gray and Major will nonetheless be key focal factors of the offense, but when Barnes can profit from his touches, it’s simply one other playmaker for Lebby and the offense. He’ll have a possibility to proceed carving out a task due to his distinctive operating fashion.
“I don’t fear anybody on the field. I go out there and I do my thing. I focus on what I have to do. I get the play and I know who’s blocking who, I know where I’m supposed to go and I just feel way more confident.”
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