Yet Stills' thoughts were elsewhere as he little by little went to be able to OU's sideline only seconds soon after doing the biggest capture of his career inside most significant video game with their career. The sophomore organized one children's finger on his perfect hand, a couple of fingertips on his left hand, signaling the No. 12 with a nation's audience.
In the particular heat connected with this moment, Stills paid homage to be able to an old teammate Austin Box , whom died abruptly inside May coming from an accidental overdose.
"I experienced of that ranking appeared to be with regard to him," Stills mentioned with his touchdown catch that will clinched the Sooners' 23-13 enlighten the Seminoles. "As very much as individuals would like to say were dedicated to the game, Austin is always on each of our minds."
Not each day should go by without Box like a central find throughout that Sooners' generate to profitable a BCS national championship. His profile is felt inside locker room, for the train arena and during games, wherever every Saturday an alternative Sooners defender is actually chosen to be able to signify Box by means of wearing his No. 12 jersey.
"It's already been a superb inspiration," Oklahoma train Bob Stoops said. "It's already been an excellent technique and also an effective way, most people think to help recall him or her and to have Austin's nature using us."
Senior linebacker Travis Lewis could be the major Sooner with demand connected with buying your player per week who will probably represent Box. Joining Lewis in the determination can be quarterback Landry Jones, who seem to wears No. twelve on offense. The a couple help to make the particular selection according to a player's efficiency on plus from the arena during the weeks time or even in earlier games.
"Everybody anticipates it. 'Who is going to put on No. 12 the following week?' " said security Javon Harris, exactly who painted No. 12 throughout OU's win over Missouri.
Lewis, which what food was in a similar signing up class plus became friends with Box, will probably wear the No. twelve the following weekend from the Longhorns.
Four defenders so far also have your recognition connected with symbolizing Box this kind of season: Harris, linebacker Tom Wort (Tulsa), protective conclude Frank Alexander (Florida State) and linebacker Corey Nelson (Ball State) have worn this No. 12 jersey, without the need of identify around the back, this season.
"The guys exactly who uncover have on No. twelve month period usually are often filled with additional emotion than usual," Stills said. "They need to make certain they symbolize your pet in addition to his spouse and children well."
Representing Box by simply donning his or her quantity variations everything for your OU battler provided that honor. He usually converse having Box's father, Craig, before the game, and also gets to lead that group out and about on to your field, acknowledge that it will likely be a evening he wouldn't soon forget.
"You feel similar to he could be along with you playing, him or her being right there, including God offered an individual wings," Harris said. "Being around knowing you're being seen not necessarily simply for you, but intended for him or her while you find which opportunity, an individual find out like a battler just what you happen to be representing."
Intensity, passion, excitement as well as sturdiness are the words teammates individual bankruptcy use to identify Box. He wasn't extremely vocal, nevertheless they has been favorite as well as well known during the entire locker room.
That adhere to continues.
"It seemed to be another type of feeling regarding me," Nelson reported associated with wearing No. 12. "To include that variety upon introduced back again memories of Box. It manufactured me think I was mandated to go 10 moments harder or maybe participate in at the maximum peak I can.
"I felt like most eyes were on me."
As the actual Sooners traveling decrease I-35 to consider on Texas this kind of weekend, memories with Box usually are most likely going to increase towards forefront in their minds. Box was a die-hard Sooner, acquiring developed being an OU fan in Enid, Okla. The Red River Rivalry stored a special place around his / her heart.
"I can recall the best way over hyped your dog was 2009 to get to choose from and also enjoy in such a rivalry," protection Tony Jefferson said. "I learn this specific activity designed a whole lot in order to both your ex boyfriend and his family. We learn Austin could end up being having us, along with he or she genuinely treasured your game. This is actually just simply an additional reason why most of us must win."
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