Gautt died March 17, 2005, from flu-like symptoms. He was posthumously given the 2005 Outstanding Contribution to Amateur Football Award by The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame in May 2005.

“Prentice took a very important step in the history of this university and football program, but he didn’t stop there,” OU coach Bob Stoops said. “He achieved many things in his life and won the respect of everyone he met. It is important for our players and our university to remember people like Prentice and it is right for us to honor him in this way.”

The 2006 campaign also marks the anniversary of OU’s 1956 national championship team.

That team will hold a reunion and join members of Gautt’s family for a special ceremony at the Oct. 21 game against Colorado.

John Shinn366-3536jshinn@normantranscript.com