The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Remembering Ricky: Bryant Westbrook
03.27.2012 | Football
March 27, 2012
Bryant Westbrook played cornerback at Texas from 1993-1996, where he earned a starting spot in his true freshman year. He was known for his coverage ability and his bone-jarring hits. He was voted All-American and first-team All-Big 12 in 1996, and All-SWC in 1995. He was drafted in the first round (5th overall) by the Detroit LIons in 1997. He enjoyed a seven-year career in the NFL with the Lions, Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers. In 2000, while with the Lions, he returned an interception 101 yards for a touchdown. He sat down with MB-TF.com and shared some memories of his days playing with Ricky.
[Ricky] was one of he greatest competitors I ever played with in college or the NFL. You always knew he was going to come to play. He was always focused and although he didn't always talk all the time, you knew he was ready to play with that look in his eyes. And that's one thing I always remember is how focused he was prior to game time.
He meant a lot [to the Texas program.] Coming from California - we both came from the San Diego area - he just put a wider scope on the University of Texas. I remember guys calling me from all over saying, "Ricky Williams is going to the University of Texas." Not only is it a wonderful university, but more people started to learn about it on the West Coast. That's one of the greatest things, I think, he brought to the University - just bringing the name of our university to the forefront.
What I do remember is, prior to him coming to college, I was talking to [some players on the team] and we were talking about him being a fullback from Patrick Henry High School. And they were saying, "Come on now, a fullback? A fullback?" I said, "Look, this is going to be one of the greatest players to ever play the game." I was thinking he was going to play fullback also. I didn't know he was going to become an outstanding tailback. I just kept saying, "He's from San Diego - he's going to be doing some wonderful things. Just wait." And it was just amazing how he came on his freshman year. I think he rushed for something like 990 yards. It was unbelievable. But just the fact that he came in as a fullback and ended up being one of the all-time leading rushers in NCAA history when he left. That's one of the greatest memories that I can recall.
