How a Familiar Face is Helping Lift Oklahoma's Spirits Early Through Fall Camp

NORMAN — A familiar voice has rung out over Oklahoma practice fields through the first week of fall camp.

Justin Broiles, a former OU defensive back who poured his heart and soul into the program throughout his playing career, is back in Norman.

During the two portions of practice the Sooners have opened up to local media, the local product has been present offering encouragement to the current team throughout stretching and warmups.

Broiles ran out of eligibility at the conclusion of the 2022 season, pursuing a professional football career as an undrafted free agent.

Always a vocal leader for the Sooners, he’s instead returned to campus to help in any way he can — though his role is limited for now.

“Justin can just encourage guys right now. There’s certain rules,” OU head coach Brent Venables said after Oklahoma’s second practice last Friday. “He can be an encourager. An effort kind of guy. And he’s charting and all that stuff.

“He’s learning how to be a coach. It’s more than just … now he’s got the other side of it.”

The return to the program is a step in fulfilling a joke Venables’ staff had with Broiles — one that stemmed from his work ethic throughout the coaching transition right after Venables was hired.

“We called him Coach Broiles when we first got here,” Venables said. “No players came up to the offices for two months. So he was the only one. We literally for the first three weeks thought he was a GA or something when we got here prior to the (2021 Alamo Bowl).”

The moniker stuck through 2022 as Broiles emerged as a vocal leader of the defense.

Now, he’s bringing that same energy to keeping the 2023 Sooners accountable through Venables’ second fall camp.

“(Broiles) is the same guy,” OU defensive back Justin Harrington said on Monday. “He comes every day with the same intensity.

“He's kind of held back a little bit just because of his description, so he can't really say too much. But just the relationship that we have for the three years that I've been here, it's the same… He brings the energy.”

Soon, Venables hopes to reward Broiles with a larger role.

“When we get an opportunity to put him in one of those (graduate assistant) positions, we will,” Venables said.

Until then, Broiles is going to help lead in the ways he’s permitted — just as he did as a player at Oklahoma.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to learn and grow,” Venables said. “Chase his passion.

“… He's right where he belongs.”

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