Background: In a state bulging with great running backs, Charles was twice named first-team all-state out of Memorial High School in Port Arthur, Texas. He rushed for 4,107 yards and 50 touchdowns those two years, which helped propel him to the Port Arthur city career rushing mark set by former Oklahoma great Joe Washington 31 years ago. Charles had shoulder surgery his senior year, but in his first game back rushed for 371 yards on 49 carries against Midland Lee. As a sophomore, he helped Memorial set the national 800-meter relay record, and he won bronze at the World Junior Olympics in the 400 hurdles.
Stat line: Leads Longhorns with 111.8 rushing yards per game, second in the Big 12 behind the 112.3 of Kansas State’s Thomas Clayton. Also has scored six touchdowns, one on a pass reception, good for fourth in the league.
What’s up: He erased the one question mark Texas had going into the season, replacing first-round draft pick Cedric Benson. Charles’ 6-foot-1, 190-pound frame and blazing speed make him a combo back Texas has thrived on for decades. “He’s tough enough to get the inside yards,” Texas coach Mack Brown said. “He’s quick enough to make people miss him in the open field, and after he makes a move he’s full speed again.” But it’s more than his running ability. In his first year, he’s already a complete back. “It’s his maturity as a freshman running back, his ability to pick up blitzes and his ability to block the guys when they come,” Brown said. “And we also felt for his mentality in the Ohio State game; it was so much better than we anticipated a freshman being in that setting.”
What’s next: He has all the makings of becoming Texas’ next great running back, getting in line behind Benson and Ricky Williams. “We think he can be,” Brown said. “If he continues to grow as a person and a football player, he has a chance to be a great one.” He’s also running behind a veteran line with three juniors who could make him even better next year. He won’t be overworked. With 270-pound classmate Henry Melton adding five TDs and junior Selvin Young averaging 6 yards a carry, Charles will be rested.
Henderson’s take: As much as Vince Young is on the spot Saturday against Oklahoma, so is Charles. He piled up yards against the likes of Louisiana-Lafayette, Rice and Missouri. But while he did all the little things at Ohio State, he had only 26 yards on 10 carries. Granted, the Buckeyes have the best rush defense in the country, but that’s also Oklahoma’s biggest strength. If Charles wants to join the likes of Benson and Williams, he must shine when the world is watching Saturday – and when the state needs him most.
