Classifying Willie Roberts a Tall Order

NORMAN, Okla. -- The University of Oklahoma and University of Miami have many common characteristics. Both schools have excellent academic reputations, beautiful campuses and are known as major powerhouses in college football.

Miami, Fla., native, Willie Roberts, was asked to compare the two.

"There really is no difference because the competition is here," Roberts said.

Teammate J.D. Runnels, a native Oklahoman, seems to think there is a difference with Roberts being from Miami and playing for the University of Oklahoma.

"Willie really likes the the sun and he doesn't like the rain," Runnels said jokingly.

Roberts Bio, Stats and Photos | Sooner Gameday Central - Texas

Roberts, a senior tight end, originally signed with the University of Miami out of high school, then transferred to Northeastern A&M Community College in Miami, Okla.

Roberts redshirted his first year at NEO. Roberts caught 38 passes for 521 yards and seven touchdowns in his second season. He played in 12 games and averaged 13.7 yards per catch.

After two years at NEO, he came to the University of Oklahoma to play for Bob Stoops.

"I just fell in love with the state and I was already here, so I decided to stay," Roberts said.

Roberts plans on graduating in May and is currently working on his real estate license.

"More than likely, I will stay around Oklahoma," Roberts said. "What comes comes, but real estate is plan B."

Real estate is not the only interest of Roberts. He also has a talent that many people may not know as Roberts enjoys building and fixing computers in his free time.

"I bought a used PC from a pawn shop when I was a freshman," Roberts said. "I just started messing with computers. Now, I can fix and build them, which was all self-taught. I'm also really into video games."

"He's a bright guy," Runnels said. "We call him the computer tech guy because he is so good with computers. Some people think football is all that football players do, but computers are what Willie does."

Building and fixing computers is definitely a unique talent for a football player. At 6-7, Roberts is the tallest member of the football team, so he is used to being unique.

"I had a growth spurt in sixth grade, like four to five inches," Roberts said. "I have been the same height since ninth grade, 6-7. I weighed 200 pounds and was a bean pole."

"We often call him 6-8," Runnels said. "He's the tallest guy on the team, so he seems as if he really is 6-8."

Roberts put on 12 pounds this past summer to elevate his weight to 252 pounds. His diet was one people dream of. "I'd wake up at 3 a.m. and order pizza," Roberts said. "That's how I put on the weight."

As a senior, Roberts hopes that with his weight increase that he will see more time on the field. Roberts saw playing time in eight games, playing mainly on special teams, in 2003. Last season against Nebraska, Roberts made a reception for a 13-yard touchdown.

"Hopefully those 12 pounds will make a difference and I will get to see more playing time this season," Roberts said.

Being able to juggle football practices, games, and school while making time to work on computers says a lot about a person.

Willie Roberts has the whole package. He's smart, athletic and has goals for his life. He definitely has a lot going for him and there is no doubt that he will prosper.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Sooner Feature by Katie Quigley
Read more features on your favorite Sooners

University of Oklahoma Athletics

Classifying Willie Roberts a Tall Order

Related News

Related Videos

Sponsors