Westbrook started the season slow as the Sooners struggled to find a go-to receiver. But when his emergence began, it came to life rapidly.

Westbrook went on a dominant nine-game stretch to stage one of the most remarkable seasons ever by an OU receiver. Entering the Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl against Auburn, Westbrook has 74 catches for 1,465 yards and a school-record 16 touchdowns.

Along the way, coaches and teammates raved about Westbrook’s high-energy personality and infectious love for dancing. Offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley noted earlier this season that Westbrook has “grown up a lot” since his first year in Norman.

Westbrook walked slowly off the field at home games, signed autographs for children and listened as fans chanted his name. He stood with his mother, brother, sister and two of his children on the field at senior day.

“I look at his life today and I look at his life three years ago, I can’t do nothing but thank God,” Montgomery said.

Saturday, Westbrook sat a world away from Cameron, wearing a dark suit and shiny blue tie at the Heisman Trophy Ceremony. ESPN’s Chris Fowler stood on stage at the PlayStation Theater in Times Square and told some of Westbrook’s story, eventually talking of Westbrook’s struggles at Blinn College.