Brian Lepak's injury will keep yet another Oklahoma center out of action.

But the most surprising element of the story will be his replacement.

Senior All-America tackle Trent Williams will slide from left tackle into the starting position at center after Lepak sustained a sprained knee in bowl practice that will keep him out of the Sooners' Dec. 31 Sun Bowl against Stanford.

Earlier this season, Ben Habern and Brody Eldridge started at center for the Sooners.

"I'm done counting them," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops told reporters about the many injuries at the position this season. "Too many."

Williams worked there during summer practice and showed strong intuitive abilities at the position. But Sooners coaches preferred to keep him at tackle where he was one of the best players in the nation.

The Sooners will start the same tackle rotation in the bowl game as in their 27-0 victory over Oklahoma State in their final regular season game. Williams missed that game with a concussion suffered earlier that week, with Cory Brandon starting at Williams' left tackle and converted tight end Eric Mensik starting on the right side. That group helped the Sooners produce 143 yards rushing against an OSU defense that came into the game ranked fourth nationally against the run.

And while it's not an ideal situation against the Cardinal, Williams is one of the Big 12's most versatile athletes along the offensive line. Look for him to thrive at his new position as he's been able to do most of his college career.