Despite numerous off-the-field antics that came to light post his final season with the Sooners, Dede Westbrook was a terror for an Oklahoma offense ranked No. 2 in the FBS, racking up 1,524 yards and 17 touchdowns his junior year. The output garnered the junior Heisman recognition, earning finalist honors for the award.
The road to draft eligibility was a difficult one for the wide receiver threat; a graduate of Cameron Yoe, Westbrook was a non-qualifier coming out of high school and went the Juco route at Blinn. During his sophomore season, he stepped away from the game to move back home and take care of his kids. His return to the gridiron was the stereotypical plot twist in a sports film where the protagonist remarkably discovers the abilities that separates him from his competitors.
“That’s when the ball started rolling for me,” Westbrook said. “I became an all-American that year. Ended up with 22 Division I scholarship offers and chose the University of Oklahoma to continue my career.”
Visibly exhausted, Westbrook was very transparent with this Combine experience — honesty that will likely benefit him when discussing former domestic violence reports during team interviews. Rubbing his arm, he spoke of the lack of sleep associated with the media circus surrounding the workouts.
“It’s been stressful, but I’m taking in the moment. Enjoying every bit of it. So the following year… the guys that come up next year, I can give them a good example of what it’s like.
With the invitation of Westbrook over teammate Joe Mixon, the NFL has blurred the lines between ethics and skill — both were charged with domestic violence, but Mixon was convicted; Westbrook was not. The incidents occurred during his sabbatical away from football and Westbrook is intent on keeping the past where it belongs.
One thing Westbrook hasn’t left behind him is his appreciation for his high school days at Cameron Yoe, giving the Yoemen a shout-out at the combine podium — an affectionate nod to the arena where his skillsets were honed.
“Yoe pride never dies.”
Westbrook has interviewed with the Cowboys and Giants; he will continue meeting teams throughout the weekend.
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