NORMAN — As birthday shout-outs from friends and teammates on Twitter illuminated Will Johnson's phone two weeks ago, a direct message popped into the defensive back's inbox.
It was from then-Oklahoma commit Patrick Fields, not only wishing Johnson a happy birthday, but letting him know that he admired all the safety had done in his career.
Johnson and Fields, a redshirt senior and soon-to-be early enrollee, will never wear crimson jerseys at the same time, but through a social media connection, they've built a friendship that will leave a lasting impression on both.
“He told me that he felt I was underappreciated and he noticed me,” Johnson said of the first message.