1. Ryan Broyles (2008-2011)
Stats: 4,586 receiving yards, 45 touchdown receptions, 1,194 punt return yards, two punt returns for touchdowns
Accomplishments: 2010 and 2011 Consensus All-American, 2010 and 2011 All-Big 12 First Team, 2008 and 2010 Big 12 Champion, 2011 Fiesta Bowl Champion
What can you say about Ryan Broyles? First, let’s look more at his numbers.
– NCAA record holder for most career receptions — 349
– Big 12 record holder for most receiving yards in a career — 4,586 (Second most receiving yards in NCAA since 1956)
– Big 12 record holder for most receiving touchdowns in a career — 45 (4th best mark in the NCAA since 1956)
Those are some pretty high marks for Mr. Broyles.
This one really is a no-brainer. Broyles’ numbers speak for themselves, but he truly was one of the most gifted receivers not only in this era, but in college football history.
As athletic and elusive and strong as he was for a receiver his size, Broyles did not care who we went up against. His career began a little rocky, but Broyles fought his way back and made people care about his play on the field immediately as a freshman.
Bradford and Jones were fortunate to have a target like Broyles lined up on offense, and he made the most of his four-year career.
His numbers were off the charts, and let’s not forget, Broyles’ college career was cut short when he was sidelined in November of his senior season. There’s no telling how much more damage he could’ve done.
Regardless, Broyles was a playmaker that did it on offense and in the special teams. He was a bright spot on a forgettable 2009 Sooner squad, and a valuable asset to OU’s Big 12 championship squads in 2008 and 2010, as well as his senior year in 2011.
Broyles’ legacy will live on forever in the NCAA record books, as well as in the hearts of Sooner fans who witnessed him play.
Here are #85 and current Detroit Lion’s receiver’s college highlights: