100 Days to Football Time in Oklahoma: #81 Brayden Willis By: Ryan Lewis Posted on: June 15, 2021

The Path to Norman

Brayden Willis had few offers until late in the recruiting process, but that didn’t stop the Sooners. With an offer coming mere weeks before signing day, Willis wasted no time in committing to Oklahoma.

https://twitter.com/Bwillis_11/status/958037508696170497

TFB mentioned at the time that Oklahoma felt Willis was an absolute steal at the position, giving the Sooners a surprise late in the cycle.

Career So Far

With OU losing a Mackey Award winner in Mark Andrews, there was an opening at the tight end spot to accompany Grant Calcaterra. Willis filled that spot well, playing in 13 of the 14 games in 2018. Not many players can claim to have played that many games in year one on campus. 

In 2019, Willis shifted to the H-Back spot. Jeremiah Hall and Willis were an excellent tandem at the spot, providing another skill spot on the field for Coach Riley’s offense. Willis also continued to excel on special teams, blocking his second punt in as many years on campus. 

2020 was a slower year for Willis due to injury. After missing most of the first half of the year, he was able to come back toward the end of the year, starting in two games and playing in five total.

Current Profile

Position: H Back

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 237

Year: Senior

Stats

Stats via Soonersports.com

Highlights

This Season

As in past seasons, Willis is listed at the H-Back spot, meaning he can be played wherever the play calls for him to be played. With Hall returning and Austin Stogner back at tight end, that trio brings a lot of experience to the TE/HB group. Willis has been a steady offensive weapon for the Sooners for three years now; that trend will continue in 2021.