Travis Wilson - photo by LaizurePhoto

Despite catching a team-best 11 touchdown passes a year ago, Oklahoma’s Travis Wilson hasn’t exactly become a household name, yet. The speedy receiver is second on the school’s all-time scoring receptions list, but somehow he’s managed to fly below the national media’s radar. So far.

As All-American Mark Clayton’s main understudy for the last three years, Wilson has seen most of the spotlight deflected away from him by stars like Clayton, Jason White and Adrian Peterson. Expect that to change in 2005.

Sure, Peterson will be the center of attention again this season for the Sooners, but Wilson figures to be the main target when the offense decides to take to the air.

Sooner Spectator editor Jay C. Upchurch went one-on-one with Wilson recently, discussing the upcoming season and much more:

Sooner Spectator: How much will your role as a leader increase this season considering the amount of young wide receivers on the team?

Travis Wilson: Obviously, coming into this season I feel I’ve got to take more of a leadership role. Me and Jejuan Rankins being the only seniors back, having the most game experience — it’s up to us to help prepare these guys mentally and get them ready for the college level. It’s also up to us to help our quarterbacks gain their confidence and trust in this group. The best way to be a leader in my mind is to step up and make the plays and to be there as an example for all of your teammates.

SS: Does the spring and the 29 fall practices allow for enough time for the quarterbacks to build a good rapport with the quarterbacks?

Wilson: These (quarterbacks) have been here for a while, through the spring and summer and through all of the 7-on-7 drills. We’ve been able to build a little chemistry in one-on-ones. All three of these guys were here last year behind (Jason White) and we all have worked with each other at different times. It might take some time to get exactly on the same page, but we are going to get into a flow and hit this season full stride.

SS: College football is basically 365 days a year. How do you keep from burning out with all of the working out, practices and offseason training?

Wilson: It’s definitely a year-around thing. But that’s what it is. You know what you’ve got to do to prepare. The workouts, the lifting and conditioning — you won’t be able to produce on Saturdays if you don’t put yourself in a position to succeed by doing all of the work needed. All of the aches and pains during the season disappear with adrenaline. At the end of the day, you’ll feel it and at the end of the season, you’ll feel it — but this is what we live for. We know what to expect and how to pace ourselves.

SS: Are you excited about the 2005 offense and the things it may be able to do as a whole, both running and passing the ball?

Wilson: We've got a bunch of guys who are chomping at the bit, ready to put their name out there and make their own mark around here. A lot of players here have been shadowed by names in the past, and they are excited about the chance to show what they can do. We have a lot of talent around here — they wouldn't be here if they didn't have talent. I have confidence this group can make the plays and I believe we can achieve the same type of success as we've had in the past.