Former LSU running back Tre Bradford leaves Oklahoma team, rumored to eye return to Tigers

Following preseason camp position battles can sometimes lead to confusion and a lack of clarity.

For example, if you think that there is uncertainty at LSU at the running back position, the Oklahoma backfield depth is in a complete flux.

The No. 2 ranked Sooners are coming to New Orleans for a September 4 battle with Tulane at Yulman Stadium to open the 2021 season. Their passing attack is loaded, led by quarterback Spencer Rattler. Their rushing attack is, however, a big question mark.

The Oklahoma backfield took yet another hit when, as first reported by the OU Daily, LSU transfer Tre Bradford decided to leave the team after missing some practices recently. Bradford ended up at Oklahoma in June after transferring, and the 5-foot-11, 211-pound sophomore out of Lancaster, Texas appears ready to move again.

Bradford was a four-star signee with the Tigers in the 2020 class, selecting LSU over Ohio State, Wisconsin, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Houston, Arkansas, SMU, USC, TCU, Missouri and Nebraska. He totaled 10 carries for 58 yards, with nine of them for 53 yards coming in the season finale against Ole Miss.

Speculation out of Oklahoma is that Bradford may try to find his way back to Baton Rouge. There have been early concerns about the health and availability of LSU incumbents Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery, Jr.

The Sooner backfield is manned by starter Kennedy Brooks and Tennessee transfer Eric Gray. Deeper on the depth chart lies sophomore Todd Hudson, who has only eight carries for 20 yards in his Oklahoma career, and junior Jaden Knowles, who has yet to see the field.

The Sooners also are without three additional backs who accounted for 25 game appearances in 2020. Redshirt sophomore Marcus Major was ruled ineligible for this season. Redshirt freshman Seth McGowan and freshman Mike Henderson were both dismissed from the team in the offseason following robbery and assault charges.

In all likelihood, the OU staff maybe forced to move a player from another position in order to give more depth. Of course, it remains to be seen whether Bradford reverses course again or not.