OU junior running back Lloyd Avant has been eager to strengthen OU’s run game.
Following his first scrimmage with OU, Avant made clear that there’s improvement to be made and emphasized the importance of improving the Sooners’ ground attack.
“I felt (the scrimmage) was great. … A lot of things, we need to do better, but demanding the run is going to be a big aspect of our game this year,” Avant said.
Avant has climbed his way up the ranks through the transfer portal after starting his college career at the University of Tulsa. He finished his freshman season at Tulsa with 259 yards and a touchdown off 3.4 yards per carry. Following his season at Tulsa, at Colorado State, Avant notched 417 yards and five touchdowns with 4.63 yards per carry.
After transferring to OU, Avant quickly bonded with his teammates.
“It was pretty smooth coming from Tulsa (and Colorado State), … just working hard, keeping the team comradery and coming together,” Avant said at media day on March 9.
He then landed in Norman for his junior season, where he is not the only newcomer from Fort Collins, Colorado. Redshirt senior tight end Rocky Beers made the move with Avant, and the running back has high praises for his transfer companion.
“Rocky’s a great guy,” Avant said. “He’s the same on this level and at Colorado State, … a hard worker, straight-forward guy, and he (makes) plays in the pass-game and the run game.”
The Sooners were ranked as the No. 2 run defense in the nation before the College Football Playoff, only allowing 77.3 rushing yards per game.
Avant voiced how the D-line makes him better.
“Iron sharpens iron,” Avant said. “Danny (Okoye), Trent (Wilson), Jayden (Jackon), Taylor Wein, they’re doing a great job … helping our offensive line, helping us get better and seeing the schemes. And it's going to help us down the line.”
Avant stated his appreciation for the offensive linemen as well; he values their character and mindset.
“When I got up here on a visit, … I fell in love with those guys,” Avant said. “They demand respect, and they demand hard, physical football. As soon as I walked in, they said, ‘Thank you God,’ and ‘we’re (going to) work every day.’”
Between past success and bonding with new teammates, Avant is ambitious for a bolstered run game and team comradery.
This story was edited by Joshua McDaniel.
