OU's Murray To Return To Norman For 2010

Oklahoma junior running DeMarco Murray has decided to hold off on starting his NFL career and return to Norman for his senior season as a Sooner. Oklahoma has already lost quarterback Sam Bradford, defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and cornerback Dominique Franks as early entries for the 2010 NFL Draft.

"I felt I wasn't done here," Murray told ESPN. "I still had some more things I wanted to get accomplished with my teammates and become a better player as well."

Ironically, it was reported last season that Murray might have declared for the 2009 NFL Draft as a red-shirt sophomore had he been healthy. Durability has been the biggest hurdle for Murray during his college career. Murray was held out of one game and missed time in others in 2009 with a midseason ankle injury. He finished with career lows in rushing with 705 yards and eight touchdowns.

With senior Chris Brown off to the NFL, Murray will be counted on as a feature back and will likely be asked to carry a heavier load in 2010. This Boomer Sooner is powerful runner with breakaway speed and nose for the end zone, who could work himself into the first round of 2011 Draft with a big senior campaign. In three seasons, Murray has run for 2,471 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Photo Courtesy of OU Athletics Department