Sooners Get Big in the Backfield

Oklahoma's recruiting has been heating up over the past few weeks and today got news of another big moment with the commitment of Dayton (Ohio) Dunbar three-star running back Tavion Thomas. The 6-foot-2, 227-pound athlete is seen as a running back for the Sooners.

And with that in mind, there is no denying Oklahoma's running back history caught his eye.

"(I chose Oklahoma) because of their history of running backs and they show mad love to their running backs," Thomas said. "I'm just really excited.

"I want to be the next Joe Mixon.

"I want to continue the legacy of backs."

The big back, along with offers from Oklahoma, also had scholarship opportunities from Alabama, Louisville, USC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, and Texas amongst many others.

But part of what won him over to the Sooners is his connection with Oklahoma's running backs coach Jay Boulware.

"He really is a great guy. He loves his player like one of his own kids and he really does have a deep passion for football."

Boulware's role in Thomas' recruiting was an obvious one but just as obviously one Sooner staffer has become a much more key piece to that recruiting effort. That coach, is, of course, Oklahoma's new head man Lincoln Riley.

"I'm really happy for him, that he got the job. I think he will be a wonderful coach," Thomas said.

"I think I fit in great (in Riley's offense), my play style is like the running backs that they have have.

"So that being said I'm going to come in ready to work hard and learn more about the game, the plays and continue the legacy."