Oklahoma

Oklahoma TE Brayden Willis Embracing His New Role On and Off the Field

Published

2 years ago

August 29, 2022

Press Room

Oklahoma TE Brayden Willis Embracing His New Role On and Off the Field

Brayden Willis is embracing a brand new position for his final season in Norman.

The tremendous senior is the brand new clear-cut chief within the tight ends room, each on and off the sector.

With 36 profession receptions, 484 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns to his identify, Willis is the one tight finish with vital expertise taking part in on Owen Area.

However whereas Willis is making ready to be the go-to goal out of the tight finish room, he’s stepping up his sport as a frontrunner for the whole offense.

Willis has battled by means of place battles, accidents and now a serious teaching change in Norman, expertise that the Arlington, TX, native believes has helped him discover his voice.

“It helps me as a frontrunner,” Willis stated final Thursday after OU’s observe. “Each time I get to undergo adversity or one thing alongside that traces, it simply helps me as a frontrunner, helps me grow to be a greater particular person. And it helps me assist my teammates which are youthful and have not been by means of it.”

Nonetheless, as Willis and his teammates adjusted to a brand new offense this offseason, questions remained about simply how a lot incoming offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby deliberate to make the most of Oklahoma’s tight ends.

Final 12 months at Ole Miss, tight ends have been nearly non-existent within the Rebels’ passing sport although Lebby’s offense ran greater than sufficient performs to unfold the wealth.

On the eve of fall camp, Lebby quelled any of these fears with a succinct reply about his plans for Willis.

Alonzo Adams / USA TODAY Sports activities

Brayden Willis took on a a lot bigger position in 2021

The Oklahoma tight finish posted new profession highs with 15 receptions and 177 receiving yards

Brayden Willis - TCU TD — Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports activities

Now, he is primed to guide OU’s tight finish room forward of an enormous 2022 season

“Brayden goes to be very, very concerned,” he stated. “… We’re going to play in all these completely different packages the place we’re getting completely different guys concerned. I believe it’s vital to search out methods to get our greatest guys on the sector.

“So long as we’re doing that and placing guys in place to have success, we’re going to have an opportunity to roll like we wish to.”

It might be no shock to see Willis prime his earlier career-high of 15 receptions this season, however that side of the sport isn’t what tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley is fearful about.

Over the course of the summer time, Finley was targeted on giving Willis and teammate Brandon Parker the entire instruments vital to assist carry alongside the children within the room.

“I couldn’t present up and Brayden Willis can be a heck of a soccer participant for us this 12 months,” Finley stated earlier in August. “Now it’s — I discuss to those guys on a regular basis. What’s the distinction between (Michael) Jordan and Allen Iverson or Jordan and nice basketball gamers that haven’t received championships?

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“The management… That man knew easy methods to carry his teammates together with him and put together these guys for championship moments which you can’t put together for until you try this every single day in observe. And in order that’s my problem to him and Daniel Parker is like, ‘hey man you’ve gotta lead. That is y’all’s soccer crew.’”

Finley isn’t fearful about Willis’ focus or drive to enhance, both.

Embracing the truth of getting into his ultimate 12 months with the Sooners, Finley stated Willis is laser-focused on doing every little thing he can to make it to the following degree. A lot so, that Finley stated he’s needed to remind Willis to decelerate and soak within the expertise of this season at instances.

“He’s introduced it each single day since I’ve been right here,” Finley stated. “Even final 12 months. We had three guys that have been gonna play after which that man, I imply he catches 10,000 balls each single summer time. That’s lots of balls to catch on the jugs machine, you already know what I imply?

“It simply type of sneakers you the dedication that he has. That’s how locked in he’s. It’s exhausting to joke with him proper now as a result of he’s so locked in. I’m making an attempt to get him to calm down slightly bit like, ‘hey man you bought to take pleasure in these items too.’ However he’s obtained that look in his eye of willpower and I’ve simply been pleased with how he’s main the soccer crew.”

Switch quarterback Dillon Gabriel has additionally felt the influence of Willis.

The Hawaiian signal-caller stated he’s been impressed by Willis’ demeanor since he arrived at Oklahoma, and that it’s simple to see why so lots of Willis’ teammates on the offense look as much as the veteran tight finish.

“He is a fierce competitor,” Gabriel stated. “He is only a stud in each space of his life. Very calm. Additionally, when he speaks, everybody listens. You bought to have a man like that. It takes multiple man, for positive, and having a man like Brayden who has put within the time and work and energy yearly, simply seeing his progress in solely this 12 months, I can solely think about how far he is come.”

Brent Venables has revamped the tradition in Norman lower than 9 months after being on the job.

He’s tried to instill a player-led mentality and better ranges of accountability for the Sooners, and Willis is shaping as much as be the embodiment of OU’s new course in 2022.

“There is no grey space. It’s reduce and dry,” Willis stated. “For those who’re gonna do the flawed factor and you already know it’s flawed, there isn’t any getting round that. You are caught. You understand? So far as, like I stated, there isn’t any grey space.

“For those who’re doing the precise factor, you already know it is the precise factor. You are doing the flawed factor, you already know, it is the flawed factor. There is no, ‘I assumed.’ We’re all held to a sure commonplace. Greatest is the usual right here, and you already know, it is simply, that is what it’s.”

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Oklahoma

Honduran man arrested in Oklahoma after alleged North Texas abduction and robbery

Published

8 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Honduran man arrested in Oklahoma after alleged North Texas abduction and robbery

NORTH TEXAS – A Honduran man is accused of abducting a 22-year-old Haltom City woman at gunpoint, forcing her to withdraw money from a bank, and driving her more than 20 miles to an apartment complex where she escaped and summoned help, police said.

Eduardo Javier Ordonez Godoy, 35, of Honduras

Oklahoma County Detention Center

Eduardo Javier Ordonez Godoy, 35, of Honduras, was taken into custody when he was found inside her vehicle in Oklahoma City on Christmas Day, according to the Haltom City Police Department.

Police said Ordonez Godoy, who has “no known local address,” is facing aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery charges. He is being held at the Oklahoma County Detention Center, with an “active ICE detainer hold” due to his immigration status.

The woman’s abduction from Acacia Apartments, 5000 Denton Highway, in Haltom City occurred at about 4:45 a.m. Tuesday while she was walking to her vehicle, police said.

After threatening the woman and forcing her to withdraw an undisclosed amount of cash, police said Ordonez Godoy drove the victim 22 miles to Camden Apartments, 3900 Grapevine Mills Parkway, in Grapevine.

When she escaped, Ordonez Godoy fled in her vehicle, which police entered into law enforcement databases “with a note of the violent nature of the offense,” although the victim wasn’t physically harmed, according to police.

Ordonez Godoy was apprehended in her vehicle with evidence connected to the offense in the 2100 block of SW 39th Street on Wednesday in Oklahoma City, police said.

In addition to the Haltom City charges, the Oklahoma City Police Department has also charged Ordonez Godoy with unauthorized use of a vehicle; use of a firearm while committing a felony; receiving, possessing, or concealing stolen property; and carrying or possessing a firearm by an illegal alien, the news release said.

The investigation is continuing, police said, and additional charges may be filed.

Doug Myers

Doug Myers is a digital content producer for CBS Texas. A longtime journalist, Doug has worked for four newspapers in Texas and Louisiana and for three television stations in Texas. He has also spent time as a digital content manager for a national trade association and as communications director for a state agency.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma vs. Navy live updates: How to watch, odds, predictions for Armed Forces Bowl

Published

19 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

Oklahoma vs. Navy live updates: How to watch, odds, predictions for Armed Forces Bowl

College football bowl season continues Friday as the Oklahoma Sooners square off against the Navy Midshipmen in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl.

The Sooners are seeking a much-needed confidence boost after a challenging first season in the SEC, while Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables tries to avoid a second consecutive seven-loss season. Moving forward, the Sooners will turn to true freshman Michael Hawkins Jr. to lead the offense at quarterback after starter Jackson Arnold entered the transfer portal and subsequently committed to Auburn. This season, Hawkins Jr. made five appearances for the Sooners, achieving a 62.3% completion rate, while throwing for 536 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. On the ground, he recorded 143 rushing yards and one touchdown.

On the other hand, the Midshipmen head into the Fort Worth, Texas, on a high note after defeating arch rival Army 31-13, finishing the regular season with a record of 9-3 and placing third in the American Athletic Conference. Navy is led by quarterback Blake Horvath, who has returned from a thumb injury. Horvath completed 57.5% of his passes for 1,261 yards, along with 13 touchdowns and four interceptions. On the ground, Horvath recorded an impressive 1,099 rushing yards and scored 15 touchdowns.

Follow along for scores and highlights from the Armed Forces Bowl as Oklahoma takes on Navy:

When is the Armed Forces Bowl between Oklahoma and Navy?

The Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen kicks off at noon ET (11 a.m. CT) at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas.

How to watch Oklahoma and Navy in the Armed Forces Bowl

The Armed Forces Bowl game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Navy Midshipmen will be televised nationally on ESPN.

Live streaming is available on Fubo, which has a free trial.

Watch Oklahoma take on Navy with a Fubo subscription

Oklahoma vs. Navy: Armed Forces Bowl odds

The Oklahoma Sooners are favorites to defeat the Navy Midshipmen, according to BetMGM.

Odds as of Friday, Dec. 27

Spread: Oklahoma (-1.5)
Moneyline: Oklahoma (-120); Navy (+120)
Over/under: 43.5

USA TODAY: Writers split on winner

Scooby Axson: Navy
Jordan Mendoza: Navy
Paul Myerberg: Oklahoma
Erick Smith: Oklahoma
Eddie Timanus: Navy
Dan Wolken: Oklahoma

ESPN: Navy 24, Oklahoma 20

Adam Rittenberg writes: “The Sooners return to a Big 12 stadium seeking a better result than their last appearance in Fort Worth, a 55-24 loss to TCU in 2022. They take on a Navy team capable of piling up points with a new offense coordinated by Drew Cronic and featuring dual-threat quarterback Blake Horvath. But Navy’s offensive mojo slowed in the second half of the season, and Oklahoma will need to lean on its own stout defense after quarterback Jackson Arnold and others are headed to the portal. Sooners coach Brent Venables is trying to avoid his second 6-7 season in three years, ahead of a pivotal 2025 campaign. Oklahoma’s defensive opt-outs are worth watching, and there are more guarantees on the Navy side.”

Docs Sports: Take Navy

Staff writes: “The Midshipmen have earned 4,131 total yards for the year. When it comes to getting in the endzone, Navy has amassed 13 touchdowns through the air and 33 touchdowns via the ground. Navy has accumulated 195 first downs as an offense, and they have been called for 57 penalties for 475 yds. As a team they have an average of 247.4 yards via the ground game ranking them 8th in the nation. Concerning scoring points, the Navy Midshipmen are averaging 32.3 points per outing.”

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Oklahoma

What channel is OU football vs Navy on today? Time, TV schedule to watch Armed Forces Bowl

Published

1 day ago

December 27, 2024

Press Room

What channel is OU football vs Navy on today? Time, TV schedule to watch Armed Forces Bowl

Oklahoma football has one more shot to close out its 2024 season on a high note.

The Sooners (6-6) take on Navy (9-3) in the Armed Forces Bowl at 11 a.m. CT Friday in Amon G. Carter Stadium, located on the TCU campus in Fort Worth, Texas, with a chance to finish 2024 with a winning record. Oklahoma earned a clutch upset victory over Alabama on Nov. 23 to become bowl-eligible and keep alive the second-longest bowl streak in the nation.

The last time the Sooners played, LSU defeated them 37-17 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The team will look to bounce back and close out coach Brent Venables’ third year with a winning record. He has a 22-16 record with Oklahoma.

Watch Armed Forces Bowl live with Fubo (free trial)

Navy defeated Army 31-13 to earn the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy on Dec. 14, having defeated Air Force earlier in the season. The Midshipmen are seeking their first 10-win season since 2019. Navy is 1-0 all-time vs. Oklahoma, earning a 10-0 win on Oct. 2, 1965, in Norman.

Here’s how to watch the Oklahoma vs. Navy game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Oklahoma vs Navy on today?

TV channel: ESPN
Livestream: ESPN app | Fubo (free trial)

The Sooners will take on the Midshipmen on ESPN. Courtney Lyle (play-by-play) and Rene Ingoglia (analyst) will be on the bowl matchup broadcast.

The game can also be streamed on the ESPN app (with a cable login) or Fubo, which carries the ESPN family of networks and offers select users a free trial.