Oklahoma RB Gavin Sawchuk Motivated by Opportunity to Replace Eric Gray

After a breakout performance in the Cheez-It Bowl, OU running back Gavin Sawchuk is excited to take on a much larger role in 2023.

NORMAN — Gavin Sawchuk has had all offseason to think about his Cheez-It Bowl exploits.

The true freshman got his only real chance to show his skills after Eric Gray opted out of Oklahoma’s bowl game, and Sawchuk dazzled.

When the dust settled in Orlando, Sawchuk rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown, averaging 6.7 yards per carry.

He did have a crucial fumble late in the contest, but the performance has only served to fuel the young running back as he enters his second year on campus.

“Just being able to have that experience of actually being out there on the field,” Sawchuk said this past Tuesday, “especially against a team like Florida State, (there’s) a lot of confidence.

“Same thing preparing for the offseason, still building that confidence and building the skills necessary to perfect my game and be ready for Week 1. So it’s helped a lot.”

Despite only playing a significant role once in 2022, the expectations for Sawchuk are sky high this year.

He’ll be tasked with carrying the load in Oklahoma’s backfield alongside Jovantae Barnes and Marcus Major — providing Major and the others can stay healthy.

Though OU will undoubtedly miss Gray’s production, Sawchuk said the running back room is excited at the possibility of working to replace Gray in fall camp.

“Somebody’s gotta step up,” Sawchuk said. “… I think it’s a great thing to be able to have that opportunity open for somebody to really chase and be like, ‘OK, now we have the opportunity to go get that starting job.’ So it’s a little bit of motivation. It’s a great opportunity.”

The loss of Gray, who caught 33 passes last year, paired with uncertainty at wide receiver, adds yet another avenue for Oklahoma’s running backs to impact the offense.

Catching the ball out of the backfield has been an emphasis for every running back this offseason, as it could help get Sawchuk’s speed into the open field to flip momentum at any time this season.

“They’ve worked their butt off on the (jugs machine),” OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel said of the running backs. “So that’s … just putting in the work and then seeing the results. So just continue to do that so when it’s game day, we can reap the benefits.”

With Sawchuk’s speed and Barnes as more of a bruising presence, the young duo’s running styles should complement each other, allowing OU’s rushing attack to press on even without Gray.

Oklahoma running back Gavin Sawchuk averaged 6.7 yards per carry in the Cheez-It Bowl against Florida State.  / Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

And while Sawchuk had to bide his time until the bowl game, Barnes was able to log key experience as Oklahoma’s number two runner a year ago.

Experience in tow, Sawchuk is looking forward to taking on Big 12 defenses in 2023.

“It’s a lot better now that we’re a little bit on the older side,” Sawchuk said. “We know what we’re doing.

“… Jovantae looks great out there, really explosive. I’m excited for the year we have. And it’s good competition as well. Everybody’s feeding off each other, everybody’s pushing each other to be better and it’s just continuing to grow the room.”

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