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"Triple C Threat" Looks To Run Oklahoma State Into Big 12 Contention In 2015

A look at what some are calling "The Threat"

By CoachE_ThatsMe
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn't long ago when some were saying that the Cowboys weakness in 2015 may be the running game due to the inexperience of the players who will be taking a majority of the carries. However, in just a few weeks of practice, the running backs have begun to garner high praise from media, teammates and coaches alike. From Childs to Carr, each back has shown what he is capable of, earning the three the nickname "The Triple C Threat."

Here's a look at each one of the players in the three-headed monster known as The Threat.

Rennie Childs

Childs, a junior out of Houston and the only running back in "The Threat" with  experience as a Cowboy. Throughout the 2014 season, Childs showed versatility and speed, especially on the goal line. He doesn't need much space to push through the line of scrimmage and break through the defense to gain the yards needed. But Childs also has uncanny speed he uses to run around the outside and make a play. Childs played in 10 games last season and scored three touchdowns, giving him the second-most rushing TDs on the team, behind then-senior Desmond Roland.

His highlight play involved a reception during the Cactus Bowl for a 16-yard gain. As a freshman in 2013, Childs added 70 rushing yards against Texas Tech and had a 30-yard run against Baylor. Because of his experience with the team and his proven versatility running around the outside and up the middle, it can be assumed that he will start for the Cowboys at Central Michigan in a few weeks. But he's got some competition for that starting spot.

Chris Carson

Carson is a junior from Lilburn, Georgia, and the biggest running back in "The Threat," standing 6'2". After watching his highlight video on Hudl, I think it's safe to say he's a big asset up the middle [literally, BIG] with power and speed. Carson takes his time to power through the trenches then breaks out as soon as he sees a clearing, outrunning the entire secondary defense. During his final season at Butler Community College, Carson averaged 7.15 yards per carry and ran for nine touchdowns. But his feet aren't his only assets. Carson also made 12 receptions for 63 yards, scoring two touchdowns, making his grand total 11 touchdowns in the 2014 season.

Coming out of JuCo, he was ranked No. 4 running back in the nation, and schools such as Georgia, Louisville and Iowa State sought him out. Carson signed with Oklahoma State on Feb. 4, 2015. Although he is not an experienced Cowboy, Carson is a contender for the starting spot in the backfield on September 5. Word on the street has it that he doesn't like to block; Carson is ready to run. But he's not the only one who can outrun his opponents...

Jeff Carr

Carr is a true freshman from Temple, Texas, and the quickest running back in "The Threat," with a 40-time of 4.4 seconds. Several of his teammates lovingly gave him the nickname "Bugatti Jeff" because of his speed and agility. Carr has been getting reps at camp, especially during kick/punt return. With the same running styles, maybe Carr, the #JukeGod, can replace former Cowboy Tyreek "The Freak" Hill.

As a senior in high school, Carr averaged 9.6 yards per carry, running 1,710 yards in the season. He also ran short-distance track. As a key-component to his high school's offense, Carr helped lead his team to the state championship game in 2014. Carr's quickness and juking abilities make him a perfect candidate to be the lead carrier on plays involving an outside route. I wholeheartedly believe he will be running returns out of the back of the end zone for 110-yard touchdowns this season.

This group could prove to be one to mess with come Big 12 play and help take pressure off of sophomore quarterback Mason Rudolph in what could be a big year for Oklahoma State.

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