Yet Stills' feelings were anywhere else because they bit by bit wandered to be able to OU's sideline only moments after producing the main catch involving his career inside biggest online game connected with his / her career. The sophomore held up a single kids finger about his or her suitable hand, a pair of arms on their quit hand, signaling that No. 12 into a nationwide audience.
In this warm of the moment, Stills settled homage to be able to previous teammate Austin Box , who seem to handed away suddenly with May from a good accidental overdose.
"I experienced prefer that had been regarding him," Stills reported associated with his / her touchdown snatch in which clinched the actual Sooners' 23-13 win within the Seminoles. "As very much seeing that people need to express we're centered on the particular game, Austin is always on our minds."
Not every day goes on with out Box posting main find in the Sooners' travel in order to earning some sort of BCS national championship. His existence can be felt in this locker room, within the practice industry and during games, where each and every Saturday a new numerous Sooners defender is usually decided on to be able to represent Box through wearing his or her No. 12 jersey.
"It's happen to be a good inspiration," Oklahoma trainer Bob Stoops said. "It's been an excellent technique or an appropriate way, most people look to remember the pup so to transport Austin's heart along with us."
Senior linebacker Travis Lewis is a most important Sooner the boss of selecting the gamer per week who will certainly characterize Box. Joining Lewis while in the decision is quarterback Landry Jones, that has on No. twelve on offense. The not one but two make the option depending on a new player's performance upon and also journey field in the full week or in earlier games.
"Everybody anticipates it. 'Who might put on No. 12 the following week?' " said protection Javon Harris, who seem to used No. 12 in the course of OU's win over Missouri.
Lewis, that was inside same signing up class and also evolved into friends by using Box, will wear the actual No. 12 that weekend against the particular Longhorns.
Four defenders so far retained the particular honor regarding representing Box this kind of season: Harris, linebacker Tom Wort (Tulsa), protective ending Frank Alexander (Florida State) along with linebacker Corey Nelson (Ball State) have worn your No. 12 jersey, devoid of identify with the back, this season.
"The individuals who find put on No. 12 tend to be constantly filled up with more closely emotion than usual," Stills said. "They want to ensure these people represent him or her plus his loved ones well."
Representing Box by means of putting on his number variations everything for the OU gamer given of which honor. He often break silence with Box's father, Craig, before the game, and also gets to direct the crew released against your field, understanding in which most effective for you a evening he / she will not rapidly forget.
"You feel such as they is actually along playing, the pup being right there, like God gave you wings," Harris said. "Being around knowing you happen to be currently being seen not just for you, nevertheless to get your pet once you receive that will opportunity, you know as a battler just what exactly you happen to be representing."
Intensity, passion, pleasure as well as toughness is the thoughts teammates most usually employ for you to illustrate Box. He had not been very vocal, although he or she ended up being preferred plus reputed throughout the locker room.
That respect continues.
"It was a new diverse feeling with regard to me," Nelson explained regarding donning No. 12. "To have that number upon introduced backside memories involving Box. It built me believe I were required to move 10 periods more challenging and also have fun with on the highest maximum I can.
"I thought including almost all little brown eyes had been upon me."
As this Sooners travel down I-35 for taking with Texas this weekend, reminiscences associated with Box are most likely going in order to go up on the forefront of the minds. Box was a die-hard Sooner, having grown up as a possible OU enthusiast inside Enid, Okla. The Red River Rivalry held your unique area in his heart.
"I can recall precisely how hyped up he or she seemed to be recently to receive out there and also have fun with in this rivalry," health and safety Tony Jefferson said. "I recognize this game meant a lot to be able to both equally your ex boyfriend and also his family. We realize Austin will always be with us, and he or she really dearly loved this game. This is simply one more reason why many of us have to win."
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