OU freshman Tory Blaylock proving he's 'tough as nails'

NORMAN — Tory Blaylock had some goals when he arrived at Oklahoma in the spring. He put on 15 pounds before the season started, a result of working with OU strength and conditioning coach Jerry Schmidt. He wanted to watch more film and help the game slow down for himself.

But mainly, Blaylock just wanted to become a better football player. Through two weeks, it’s hard to argue with the results.

The true freshman running backs leads the Sooners’ backfield in carries (17), yards (66), touchdowns (1), yards per carry (3.9), receptions (3) and receiving yards (22). He’s also second among running backs in snaps with 45, barely trailing Jovantae Barnes.

Even in a backfield with more-experienced guys like Jaydn Ott, Barnes, Xavier Robinson and Taylor Tatum, Blaylock has been able to stand out and earn a real spot in the rotation.

“It’s meant a lot,” Blaylock said. “It was a lot of preparation to prepare for these moments. Film study with the older guys, who helped me a lot in the room. Jaydn Ott, Jovantae Barnes, everybody in there pitched in, helped me to get ready. They know how hard it is to play as a true freshman. Everybody contributed, made it easier for me.”

It hasn’t just been the explosiveness that has stood out. Blaylock’s also showcased a toughness to his running ability — he’s averaging 2.65 yards after contact per rushing attempt, which leads the running back room. Even with the additional 15 pounds, the 5-foot-11, 203-pound running back still trails behind Ott and Barnes, but has found a way to play bigger than his size.

“Consistency. Toughness,” OU offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle said about Blaylock. “Getting extra yards on runs. I think we ran an option play (against Michigan), and the safety springs down really, really hard, and he found a way to split the corner and the safety, and ended up getting seven yards on what probably would have been a two yard gain. It’s stuff like that. It’s consistently finding ways to get a little bit more than maybe you’re supposed to.

“But again, the kid’s tough as nails. He’s been consistent. His jaw is set every single day we go out to practice. Like he’s ready to work. And so I think all of that stuff put together with him being a great kid and being talented, that’s put him in a position to have moments of success and so really proud of him.”

But outside of his running ability, Blaylock has impressed in other areas. He has a pass-blocking grade of 75.0, per Pro Football Focus, in a limited sample size. And while he’s sure to be tested more in that area as the season goes on, Blaylock has been ahead of the curve compared to most freshmen running backs.

“Especially with a young running back, I think something you always worry about is pass protection,” Arbuckle said. “There’s a lot that goes into it, all the different looks, the set up the defense can present, all the different calls from the offensive line and understand where you’re supposed to be. And he understands the game plan. When he’s in there, he understands his assignment and the situations.

“I think that’s really, really good for a kid who this time a year ago was playing high school football. So, yeah, that’s been impressive.”

There’s been a lot to learn for Blaylock, but he’s grown a lot in his first couple of games. The main thing for Blaylock has been to take his growth off the field and translate it to games.

“I feel like I’ve always been a tough player,” Blaylock said. ” Just going out there, giving it your all on every play because everybody is out here putting in the work. Fall camp, summer workouts is hard. They build us to be tough here, so every situation that I’ve been in so far, even with everything that I’ve gone through, having two backs in fall camp and stuff. Summer workouts, four-quarter drills in the winter, everything prepares you for moments like that.”

The Sooners have a crowded running back room, and the schedule will only intensify once SEC play begins. Blaylock is going to be tested and expected to produce in a variety of ways.

But the game has already slowed down for Blaylock, who has proven he’s already capable of playing a big role.

“You know you have that adrenaline rush, you’re a freshman, one of the youngest players on the field, but the game will slow down with preparation,” Blaylock said. “Each week I try to prepare myself. Every day I’m preparing myself like I have a game tomorrow. I’m just trying to get as ready as possible so the game will slow down.”

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