Ryan Broyles’ stellar performance against Cincinnati was the high point of one of the strangest young careers in recent memory.

Virtually nothing in Broyles’ life has been ordinary in the past two years, from an odd college signing situation, to a run-in with the law, to a mysterious one-game suspension.

So while his off-field first impressions were less than exemplary, the one he made on the field last Saturday couldn’t have been much better.

High school career

Broyles grew up in Norman, and was one of the most highly touted players to come out of Noman High School in recent years.

As a high school senior, he recorded 73 tackles and six interceptions as a defensive back, caught 44 passes for 908 yards and eight touchdowns as a receiver and carried the ball 73 times for 375 yards and 12 touchdowns as a running back.

That year, he scored touchdowns as a receiver, running back and kick returner.

His athleticism and quickness garnered widespread national attention, and he received scholarship offers from OU, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Tennessee and Arkansas.

While he played on both sides of the ball in high school, his 5-foot-11-inch frame seemed best suited to playing cornerback.

In fact, Broyles wasn’t even rated as a wide receiver out of high school, but he was ranked by both Rivals.com and Scout.com as one of the top 25 cornerbacks in the nation.

His potential was vast, but just as his college career was set to begin, he seemed to keep shooting himself in the foot.

Off-field problems

Even before arriving at OU, Broyles’ college career was plagued by controversy.

In the weeks leading up to signing day, he was torn between choosing OU or Oklahoma State.

He actually announced his commitment to OSU on two separate occasions — even going so far as to tell Scout.com “I’m 100 percent committed to Oklahoma State” — before switching to the Sooners in the final week before signing day.

Then, at the beginning of last season, Broyles was forced to sit out the season after a gas theft incident at a local convenience store.

“Effective immediately, Ryan is suspended from the team for an indefinite period of time,” head coach Bob Stoop said in a statement at the time. “I take very seriously the conduct of our players, and I will not compromise my expectations for anyone associated with our program.”

Broyles stayed out of trouble for the rest of last season, and seemed primed to make his debut in the Sooners’ first game against Chattanooga.

But he didn’t see the field. Instead, he served a one-game suspension, but Stoops never revealed the reason.

It seemed to be another ill omen at the beginning of his career, since he appeared to be in Stoops’ doghouse. But the first game of his career dispelled any doubts about his ability.

Dazzling Debut

Broyles’ statline in his first game is one for the OU record books: seven catches, 141 yards and a touchdown.

Not only was his performance the best receiver debut in OU history, it was also the most receiving yards for any freshman.

“It’s just a great feeling,” Broyles said. “I’ve been waiting for this. I’ve been watching OU football since day one, so it just feels good to finally be out there.”

It didn’t take long for him to make his presence known. The first touchdown of Broyles’ career came on the Sooners’ first drive, and it was one to remember.

“It was everything I thought it was going to be,” Broyles said.

Coaches have repeatedly compared Broyles to former Sooner Mark Clayton, and his first performance confirmed his potential.

“He was excellent,” Stoops said. “You know, I’ve seen him be competitive before.”

Perhaps Broyles’ defining moment in the contest — and his most athletic play — occurred in the third quarter, when sophomore quarterback Sam Bradford tossed a ball downfield along the right boundary.

Broyles showed his tremendous athleticism, leaping into the air in front of two defenders and 84,000 people to make the grab and haul in a 43-yard pass.

‘’I want to thank him for that, for bailing me out, because if that was incomplete I was going to get an earful coming to the sideline,’’ Bradford said. ‘’That’s just a great play.’’

Stoops said Broyles’ determination was impossible to ignore throughout the game.

“He competes for the ball really well,” Stoop said. “He has a chance to continue to have games like that.”

One thing that particularly impresses Stoops and the rest of the coaching staff is Broyles’ ability to make things happen after the catch.

“You saw his quickness and ability to run with the ball after the catch,” Stoops said. “He’s got that knack to make people miss him.”

Broyles also understands the pace of the game and doesn’t rush it, which is a rare quality in such a young receiver.

“He’s very poised,” said wide receivers coach Jay Norvell. “The game kind of slows down for him. He plays at a certain speed, but he acts like he’s been doing it for a long time, which is unusual for young guys who haven’t played a whole lot.”