Looking back, the Oklahoma Sooners have had some true freshmen emerge to have fantastic seasons for the Sooners. In recent history, CeeDee Lamb comes to mind. Lamb caught 46 passes for 807 yards and seven touchdowns in his true freshman season in 2017.
Ahead of the 2022 college football season, ESPN’s Bill Connelly ranked the top 50 true freshmen of all time (ESPN+), and several Oklahoma Sooners were included on the list.
Adrian Peterson, 2004
Nov. 13,2004; Norman, Oklahoma USA; Oklahoma Sooner runningback Adrian Peterson #28 rushes against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the 1st half of the game at Memorial Stadium. Photo by Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports (c) Copyright 2004 Tim Heitman
Overall: 9
Running Back: 4
What ESPN had to say:
As good as quarterback Jason White had been in 2003, Oklahoma was held back at times by a merely decent run game. That was not a problem in 2004. Peterson not only stepped into the lineup as a freshman but carried a huge load, rushing 339 times for 1,925 yards and 15 touchdowns as the Sooners charged to 12-1 and a third Big 12 title in five years. – Bill Connelly, ESPN
Adrian Peterson’s freshman season might have earned him more Heisman consideration in 2004 had voters been more open to the idea of a freshman winning the award. Traditionally, the award had been handed out to juniors and seniors. Only in recent seasons were freshmen able to breakthrough with serious consideration. Johnny Manziel was the first freshman to win the award back in 2012.
Tommie Harris, 2001
Brian Bahr/Getty Images
Overall: 13
Defensive Tackle: 2
What ESPN had to say:
A ridiculous athlete and one of the top Texas prospects in the 2001 class, the speedy 275-pounder signed for the defending national champions and stormed into a lineup that already featured stars such as Roy Williams, Antonio Perkins and Rocky Calmus. He started every game as a freshman and finished with 18 tackles…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Football | Sooners Wire…