OU’s unsung backfield glue guy with hands, toughness, and captain energy
In the 2005 season, J.D. Runnels was a first-team All-Big 12 fullback for Oklahoma and a team captain, standing out less as a pure ball-carrier and more as a reliable weapon in the pass game and a tone-setting blocker[5][10]. He finished that OU career with 51 catches for 450 yards and 5 touchdowns, a strong indicator of versatility and trust in big moments[10]. If you want a rugged, high-IQ, team-first back who brings leadership and can fit multiple roles, Runnels is the kind of player coaches love and defenses notice even when the stat sheet doesn’t shout[5][10].
