Could OU's Red-White Spring Game be Brandon Williams' time to shine?

Saturday in the Red-White Spring Game, freshman running back Brandon Williams will attempt an encore to wideout Kenny Stills' scintillating showing last spring. A performance that catapulted Stills into the starting lineup, and ultimately to one of the best freshman receiving seasons in Sooner history.

“I think anytime you play well in front of people and you're a young player, it's good for your confidence,” said co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell. “We saw a guy like Kenny Stills last spring who really matured, so when he got back in the fall, he felt so much more comfortable.

“I think we'll see the same thing from Brandon Williams.”

By almost every account, the 5-star early enrollee from Brookshire, Texas, who rushed for 2,438 yards and 33 touchdowns as a high school senior, is the real deal.

“Has a great burst,” says receiver Ryan Broyles.

“Makes guys miss,” says center Ben Habern.

“A hoss,” says guard Gabe Ikard. “Gonna be scary.”

And with Broyles not playing today, Landry Jones expected to play sparingly and the Sooners down to perhaps just two scholarship receivers because of nagging injuries, Williams and OU's other young, talented backs will have plenty of chances to prove their mettle.