OU RB Marcus Major asking for one healthy season
There is no way OU running back Marcus Major would have thought he would have only rushed for 525 yards and seven touchdowns in four years.
No way. Yet here we are.
The reasons vary for his lack of production, but the end result has been the same. Major just has never been able to showcase what he can do for a full season.
Now in his fifth year at OU, he’s hoping for one healthy season. He’s asking, pleading to go through one year where he can know he was able to give it his all.
A lot of it will come down to luck, of which Major has had virtually none since arriving in Norman. But Major is doing all he can to control what he can control
“No, it’s all on me really in the recovery room, like I said,” said Major earlier this week. “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.”
He has shown flashes, which is why it might be even more frustrating. It’s not that Major cannot get the job done. But as head coach Brent Venables loves to say – your best ability, sometimes, is availability.
Major rushed for 227 yards on 56 carries (4.1 average) with a career-high four touchdowns last season. He also caught a touchdown in the win at Nebraska. He did most of his damage in September. A lower body injury limited him in October. When he attempted to come back, he still wasn’t the same. He was never a factor down the stretch run.
He missed the second half of spring with an injury. But knock on wood, Major has been there every step of the way this month.
“Marcus, he’s a guy that’s had 14 good practices and a guy who’s had really good toughness in the room,” offensive coordinator Jeff 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.”
It has been a grind and a struggle for Major. He credits the support system at OU for keeping him mentally engaged throughout his issues.
Teammates have stood out. However, when you ask about running backs coach DeMarco Murray, Major cannot stop talking about what Murray has meant.
“Big role, man,” said Major when asked by SoonerScoop. “Not only for me, but he’s been doing that for the whole group. And that’s what’s great about him. He knows how to keep us on edge and how to keep our head up. We mess up or something, just go forward from it. Never look back.”
Major is in a much different role this season. He has needed to step up and be more vocal. It feels like a stellar room. Between Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk coming back to new guys like Daylan Smothers and Kalib Hicks, there’s a whole bunch to like.
Major has never been that type of guy. But he understands his time at OU is running out, and he’s still got a lot more to give. A lot more memories to create.
“Real crazy, man. Went by fast,” Major said. “For me being a fifth year, it’s all about staying focused. Obviously taking care of my body. Just take it each day.
“I feel like I’ve got more responsibilities. Not just only trying to carry the load but trying to bring the guys with me. Just keeping up. Taking it day by day. It’s been some learning experience. 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.”
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