Before the season began, Oklahoma receiver Dede Westbrook was expected to be one of the Big 12's top newcomers, and he's been solid in OU's first two games with seven receptions for 94 yards and one touchdown. As the Sooners head into conference play, Westbrook could be a key player in an offense searching for quality receiving targets alongside Sterling Shepard.
Westbrook took some time to chat with ESPN.com earlier this week about the Sooners' double-overtime win over Tennessee, his role in OU's offense and what he wants to improve with Big 12 play on the horizon.
As the game got close and things were getting critical [against Tennessee], was there a point you really started to believe you get get it done?
Dede Westbrook: The first three quarters I was like "Geez." I never showed it but deep down I was like, “Geez, this is going to be tough for us.” The thing that kept me going was when I looked at Baker [Mayfield's] face, I looked at Sterling's face, before every drive they were like, 'Let’s go, we got this.” The determination and drive from those guys lifted me to the point where now I’m believing we can do this, you know. Then when we took the field, that’s when we broke out on them.
At what point did you feel you’re building the trust with Baker that he would look your way?
Westbrook: I trust Baker all the way. To me, Baker, on the field, is just like Johnny Manziel. The way he expands plays with his feet but keeps his eyes down field. He only looks to run whenever its necessary. He’s one of the best quarterbacks I’ve seen. We’re pretty much on the same page, I know exactly what he’s doing and when he’s doing it. That’s just the trust we’ve built over the weeks and months.
How is your transition into Big 12 football and the program, how are things for you individually?
Westbrook: I’m stressing with myself to trust the system, to know what coach Riley, coach Simmons and coach Gundy are teaching us is going to work out and be beneficial. You trust in that, you know. That’s why I’ve got to buy in to and I’m buying into at this point.
When did you start to get comfortable in the offense?
Westbrook: In the spring. I wasn’t up for the role they wanted me to play but I talked to my family about it, talked to my coaches about it and they told me it was the best for me and be able to help the team and contribute in the way I do so I’m all the way in.
What role did they want you to play?
Westbrook: At Blinn [junior college] I was a slot receiver and I played outside occasionally. Coming here they made me a primary outside receiver and it’s reversed, now it’s two or three snaps in the slot. It makes me versatile, so it’s good at the end of the day.
Anything you want to prove in your game as we start to look toward conference play?
Westbrook: Blocking. All receivers can run routes, catch the ball and have big plays here or there. Most of them can’t get in there and pick off that linebacker to give Samaje [Perine] that big play or Joe Mixon that big run. That’s the main thing I want to focus on.