100 Days to Football Time in Oklahoma: #81 Brayden Willis
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.
Committed ❗️#Boomer pic.twitter.com/TusnQiRRyd
— Brayden Willis (@Bwillis_11) January 29, 2018
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
Is there a better way to score your first career touchdown? #Sooners TE @austin_stogner’s punt block recovery, along with Brayden Willis’ block, is a sight to behold. pic.twitter.com/RAoSNI24lo
— Sam Brown (@SamBrownCS) October 19, 2019
8⃣1⃣ Days Until ⭕️??.
— Sooner Gridiron (@soonergridiron) June 15, 2021
Brayden Willis' spectacular touchdown catch in OU's 28-24 win over TCU in 2019.#OUDNA x @Bwillis_11 pic.twitter.com/w5iifTFQCs
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.
