BREAKING: Former Oklahoma football players Adrian Peterson, Tommie Harris, and Samaje Perine were named among the 25 players listed in CBS Sports’ top 25 true freshmen of the century this week they also send shocking message to Head coach Brent Venables concerning…..see more…

In a major announcement this week, CBS Sports unveiled its highly anticipated list of the top 25 true freshmen of the century — and three former Oklahoma Sooners stars, Adrian Peterson, Tommie Harris, and Samaje Perine, were proudly included among this elite group. This recognition not only highlights their extraordinary impact as freshmen but also reignites conversations about the legacy of Oklahoma’s football program and its role in developing young talent.

The Top 25 True Freshmen of the Century

True freshmen are players who make significant contributions to their college football teams in their very first year of eligibility — a rare feat in an era when many freshmen redshirt or play limited snaps. CBS Sports’ list, spanning players from 2000 to the present, focuses on those who burst onto the scene with immediate impact, setting the tone for their careers and often altering the trajectory of their programs.

Adrian Peterson, Tommie Harris, and Samaje Perine, all of whom starred at Oklahoma, represent three different eras but share the common thread of dominating from day one.

Adrian Peterson exploded onto the scene in 2004, rushing for over 1,900 yards and 15 touchdowns as a true freshman. His electrifying speed and power made him one of the most feared running backs in college football history and set the foundation for a legendary NFL career.

Tommie Harris, a force on the defensive line in the early 2000s, quickly established himself as a dominant presence. His freshman year showed glimpses of the disruptive player he would become, earning him All-American honors and a first-round NFL draft selection.

Samaje Perine carried the legacy forward more recently, breaking the NCAA single-game rushing record with 427 yards in 2014. Perine’s powerful running style and durability made him a standout from his first snap and helped Oklahoma maintain its tradition of elite running backs.

The Message to Brent Venables

Alongside this celebration of Oklahoma’s storied past, these former stars delivered a surprising and candid message to the current head coach, Brent Venables. Venables, who took over as head coach following Lincoln Riley’s departure, has faced scrutiny amid the team’s efforts to regain dominance in the fiercely competitive Big 12.

Peterson, Harris, and Perine collectively expressed both respect and concern, urging Venables to recalibrate the program’s focus on developing true freshmen talent. The trio’s message stressed the importance of balancing immediate impact players with long-term growth and team cohesion.

They emphasized:

• Patience in player development: While true freshmen can change games, rushing their progression without adequate support can lead to burnout or injuries.

• Embracing Oklahoma’s identity: The Sooners have thrived historically by fostering a culture that blends physical toughness with strategic innovation — a balance they feel must be re-established.

• Listening to veterans and alumni: The former stars encouraged Venables to engage more deeply with Oklahoma’s rich history and leverage the insights of past greats to shape recruiting and training philosophies.

What This Means for Oklahoma’s Future

This message comes at a pivotal moment for the Sooners. The program is rebuilding its foundation amid coaching changes, intense competition, and evolving college football dynamics. With the transfer portal, NIL deals, and coaching strategies shifting rapidly, Oklahoma’s ability to attract and nurture fresh talent remains crucial.

Venables, a defensive mastermind with a strong track record as a coordinator, has the challenge of blending his defensive expertise with an offense-first program identity. The insights from Peterson, Harris, and Perine could serve as a blueprint for rebalancing these priorities.

Oklahoma’s Legacy of Freshman Phenoms

Oklahoma’s tradition of producing impactful true freshmen players is well-documented, and the inclusion of these three players among CBS Sports’ top 25 underlines that legacy. From the bruising runs of Peterson and Perine to the relentless disruption by Harris on the defensive front, their freshman years symbolize the high standards Oklahoma sets.

Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Venables responds to this call from former stars. The Sooners have a history of rising to challenges, and with a roster that blends promising freshmen and seasoned veterans, the stage is set for a potential resurgence.