Oklahoma Sooners running back Adrian Peterson will projected to get between 35-40 touches per game this year? If you were an NFL general manager, how much would that concern you? Peterson is a hoss at runninng back and has the wheels to produce over 1,900 rushing yards per season. But take in an injury from last year that kept him sidelined for part of the season and a potentially lethal passer in Rhett Bomar who was dismissed from the team after taking payments at a local car dealerships. Many predict Peterson to be a first-round draft pick after this or the 2007 season. So if Peterson gets between the predicted amount of carries, how much would it shorten his NFL career, as well as his draft status. Feel free to respond -David Wolman Traveler Sports Editor
I am sure that AD will get a lot of touches this season, but I doubt that Stoops is going to wear him out with 35-40 per game. I also read about this and think it's a ploy by Stoops to take the pressure off of his new quarterback Paul Thompson until Thompson gets more comfortable running the team. Stoops has always shown a desire to throw the ball a lot more than previous Sooner coaches and this team will eventually be the same.
If AD is to have a shot at the Heisman, he is going to have to carry the ball a lot but the more you expect him to carry, the more likely he is be subject to injury which really hurt the Sooners last season. I think Stoops will wait to see how his offensive line gels early before making Peterson the workhorse.
