Two University of Oklahoma football players will be in New York City this weekend as finalists for one of their sport's most prestigious awards.
The trust that oversees the Heisman Trophy announced Monday evening quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Dede Westbrook are both finalists for the award.
Westbrook set OU's single-season record for touchdown catches with 16 this year, and his nearly 1,500 receiving yards in 2016 are the second-most in school history in a single year.
"Me being a Heisman finalist was never part of the plan,” Westbrook told SoonerSports.com. “I just wanted to come and play football, and I guess whenever you're showcasing your talent at the best university in the country, that comes with it."
MUST WATCH: @DedeTHEGreat11's reaction to @baker_mayfield6 and him being named Heisman finalists. #We2Deep pic.twitter.com/xWMkaINjtz
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) December 6, 2016
Westbrook and Mayfield are the sixth and seventh Heisman finalists under head coach Bob Stoops. Quarterback Jason White won the award in 2003, and quarterback Sam Bradford received the trophy in 2008.
Mayfield said both he and Westbrook grew up in Central Texas hoping to play for OU one day.
"When I was a little kid, you play NCAA on the Xbox or the PlayStation, and you play the Heisman campaign run, and you dream about being there one day in actual real life. And to be here now is such an honor, and so special to me,” Mayfield said.
MUST WATCH, PT. 2: On the way home from winning the Burlsworth Trophy, @baker_mayfield6 learns he's going to NY #we2deep pic.twitter.com/OvTYkqWuDM
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) December 6, 2016
It's the second time OU has sent two players to the Heisman ceremony in New York City. Freshman running back Adrian Peterson finished second and senior quarterback Jason White finished third in 2004 behind University of Southern California quarterback Matt Leinart.
Baker Mayfield and Dede Westbrook (@OU_Football) are just the 5th pair of teammates to attend the Heisman ceremony. pic.twitter.com/SKu6plbWtb
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 6, 2016
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