[College Sports News]

The Sooners, you see, have another special player - another `A.P' to taunt opposing defenses with - and no one in Norman seems all that concerned about life without Adrian Peterson.

Last season, Allen Patrick was given the opportunity to start when Peterson was propped up on a stretcher. In games against Colorado, Missouri, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma State (the last three of which were on the road), Patrick exceeded the expectations of his coaching staff, and got better with each passing week. His end-of-season numbers were very respectable (761 rushing yards, 4.5 yards per carry), and Patrick may have out-performed Peterson in Oklahoma's bowl loss to Boise State.

Patrick relishes his new role - not as projected starting tailback, but as a leader of a young batch of backs.

"I've been a vocal guy (in the locker room) ever since high school," Patrick said. "This season we have a lot of young guys. I've taken upon myself to be a leader, not just for the backs but the entire team."

His ability to lead and his blistering speed are two big reasons why Patrick is the early frontrunner in the race for Peterson's heavy workload, and why many have tabbed him as a preseason all-Big 12 selection.

Patrick, however, wants to keep his mind focused on the task at hand.

"I'm just out here to play football," he said. "If the statistics and all of that come with it, then fine."

Oklahoma Reloads at Running Back