Samaje Perine not only Austin-area star currently playing for the Sooners,
Before Samaje Perine developed into a Heisman Trophy contender at Oklahoma, he starred at Hendrickson High School. He’s one of four Austin-area products playing for the Sooners:
BAKER MAYFIELD, QB
Then: The 2013 Lake Travis graduate was a two-time All-Central Texas selection, leading the Cavaliers to a 25-2 record in his two seasons as a starter. That included a 22-7 win over Waco Midway in the 2011 Class 4A Division I championship game.
Now: After a much-chronicled journey from Texas Tech to Oklahoma, Mayfield shined in 2015, his first season as the Sooners’ starter after unseating 2014 Sugar Bowl MVP Trevor Knight. Mayfield threw for 3,700 yards and 36 touchdowns and was fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting.
SAMAJE PERINE, RB
Then: A three-year starter at Hendrickson, he was an All-Central Texas pick in 2012 and 2013. Perine led the Hawks to 18 wins and a pair of district titles in those two years. He and Mayfield both burst onto the varsity scene in 2011, but it was Mayfield who won the American-Statesman’s Central Texas newcomer of the year award.
Now: Perine has rushed for at least 1,300 yards in each of his first two seasons, with 38 touchdowns. In his 11th game, he rushed for an FBSrecord 427 yards in a 44-7 rout of Kansas. He’s only 1,056 yards away from Billy Sims’ career rushing mark at OU.
JORDAN WADE, DT
Then: The defensive lineman was a mainstay for Stony Point, which made it to the Class 5A Division I semifinals three straight years from 2008-10, and a 14-sack season made him a finalist for the Central Texas player of the year award in 2009. Wade also was a two-time allarea baseball player.
Now: Wade has played in 31 games the past three seasons at OU, including nine starts. He has 49 career tackles, including three sacks. He had a career-high five tackles in last season’s CFP semifinal loss to Clemson.
P.J. MBANASOR, DB
Then: As a senior at Hendrickson, Mbanasor scored two defensive touchdowns while registering 47 tackles, three fumble recoveries and an interception. He graduated in 2015, and led the Hawks to a playoff win his senior season.
Now: Mbanasor’s first start at OU came in a 41-3 win over Akron last year. He ended up playing in 10 games, and finished with seven tackles and a pass breakup. His little brother, Nelson, is an OU commit.