During the summer, ESPN.com is taking a closer look at each scholarship player on Oklahoma’s roster in our Crimson Countdown series. Each day, we analyze each player’s impact on the program since arriving on campus, his potential impact this fall, and his long-term projection. Starting with No. 1 Dominique Alexander, the series follows the roster numerically through No. 98 Chuka Ndulue.
No. 28 Alex Ross, running back, 6-foot-1, 221 pounds, sophomore
Impact thus far: Ross hasn’t made a major impact despite impressing behind closed doors in practice. After a redshirt season in 2012, he played in 10 games in 2013, mostly on special teams, ending the season with three carries for 19 yards.
Impact in 2014: Ross had a strong spring, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him earn some carries this fall. It also wouldn’t be a surprise to see him duplicate his 2013 production with so many talented running backs on the roster. But, regardless of how much talent is on the roster, Ross will be hard to keep off the field if he starts to maximize his potential.
Long term upside: His size/speed combination is hard to match. If he's healthy, he could become a critical piece in the Sooners' offense in the next few years.
Evaluation grade for Ross: C. Even though he’s impressed in practice, Ross has yet to show that potential during his opportunities in spring games or last season. Until he starts to produce, this grade will rise no higher than average.
Development grade for Ross: C. It wouldn’t have been the worst idea to get him more carries in 2013, but he has to play his part in earning those opportunities. Keith Ford’s rise up the depth chart is a sign that the opportunity to play is there if someone is focused on grabbing it.
Quotable: “I paid my dues and waited my time. I felt like I needed time to get acclimated to everything around here. I feel like I’ve matured a little bit just in getting bigger and knowing what to do in my part," said Ross, on the chance to play in 2014.
