Spring Game: Recruiting

Oklahoma will have between around 30 and perhaps more invitees spread across '18-'19 and beyond prospects in attendance.

Facilities:

Prospects will get to see the near completed facilities. I tweeted a bit about this last night, but the videos and renderings that the public have seen doesnt really give it its due. There is a good bit of "sparkle" to it, high end finishes - some neat stuff the kids will like (The Hype Room, The Barber Corner) while not going overboard (I'm looking at you Clemson with your damn slide and putt-putt) but what's really going to set it apart is just functionality - its  forward thinking

Boom Coming?

 It's clear we're trending hot right now between several prospects, and I've been given the impression Oklahoma will receive good news very soon that relates to the offensive line. There's writing on the wall there because usually when it heats up like it has it meets a quick resolution. I expect good news soon, if not today I don't expect it to drag out farther than early next week.

Jordan Kelley Commits

Union's own Jordan Kelley made it official today,committing to Oklahoma over Oklahoma State, Texas Christian and Arkansas following the Under Armour scouting combine.He announced on twitter. Kelley checked in at #5 on my in state prospect ranking Kelley becomes the third in state commitment for Oklahoma joining fellow Okies Walker and Fields.

Kelley probably legitimately stands 6'3 and about 295, pretty much a perfect frame for projecting out well at the next level, Film Here . Jordan becomes the first defensive line commit in a class that should be full of them. 

Recruiting Housekeeping

Made some adjustments/edited  the Recruiting hotboard to reflect new information following Kelley's commitment. Next complete update on April 20th

Prediction: Next three commits Miles Emery, Bryce Bray, Ron Tatum

Pledger Commits

TJ Pledger verbals to Oklahoma over USC,Nebraska and UCLA among many others. The kid is originally from California and is finishing his prep career at the IMG Prep Academy in Florida. Pledger stands 5'8 and 190 pounds  Watch his highlights below

Now flip on some highlights of Q

Pledger's ability to run inside and outside reminds me so much of Q. Pledger is build so stoutly and low to the ground, with his vision its an impressive combination. Pledger will push for a 5 star rating.he plans to shut down his recruitment. Expect more good news this weekend.

March Recruiting Update: '18 ST2k18

Right after NSD I gave my offense and defense projections for the class, with recruiting starting to pick up I guess it's time to do another as recruiting changes rapidly

Notes:

 I continue to hear OU is in prime time play for Kentucky graduate transfer WR Jeff Badet. I expect that to go Oklahoma's way unless Oregon just blows him out of the water. Oklahoma will be a perfect showcase opportunity for him. Scott Pagano, the Clemson graduate transfer DT is set to take in Norman at the end of the month. It appears Notre Dame, and Oregon will be Oklahoma's major competition for him.

Boom Season Coming?:  Spring practices marks the return of on campus visits, it's been reported by multiple outlets that RB TJ Pledger will be on campus soon. The majority feel a commitment is possible. The reality is that the writing is on the wall with several local prospects, this would be a great start for momentum for the class. I expect  two to three instate BOOMs over the course of the next month

UPDATED 10:36 3/22  Union DT Jordan Kelley will announce Sunday. As I posted on my Patreon blog earlier today, expect in state booms.

Updated: 3/25: TJ Pledger Verbals.

Updated: 3/26: Jordan Kelley Verbals

Updated: 3/26: Adjusted some projections below

Having your cake and eating it too: I've shared here before I kind of feel that Oklahoma isn't going to ink a elite offensive class this year because of various factors (quality of last years class, Riley's future) I've revised that a bit, I figure we'll pull an elite line class plus offensive triplets


Now it's time for my revised projections for the 18 class. reminder to take my projections with a grain of salt and as always default to the $9.95er of your choice for more insight.

Red = Committed/ Blue =Offered, Projected Verbal  (...) = Others in running

Offense:

QB- Cam Rising

RB- TJ Pledger -( Nebraska & USC) TBD

Flexback/TE -  TBD

OT - Brey Walker   Darrell Simpson (Texas A&M)

IOL- Curtis Dunlap (Florida/Miami) Bryce Bray (Oklahoma State, Texas)

WR -    Treveon Johnson (Texas Tech), Tommy Bush (Alabama,Auburn Texas), Drake Stoops (ISU)

Defense


DT Jordan Kelly (TCU,OSU) Bobby Brown (A&M)  Trevor Trout (Missoui)
DE Ron Tatum (Alabama,Texas), Miles Emery (Louisville) Ronnie Perkins (Missouri)
OLB  Jalen Redman (Arkansas),
ILB   Iziah Fikikitonga (TCU)  
CB   Vernone McKinley (A&M,Alabama, Tech,)  Starrland Baldwin (TCU,Utah)
S   Patrick Fields Josh Proctor (Oklahoma State, Georgia,Arkansas), Cam Jones (UCLA)



The bare minimum number Oklahoma is going to take in '18 is in fact 18. I've written on it before that attrition is just part of the numbers game. I've fairly confident Oklahoma will take 22-24 kids when ink hit paper on Feb '18, possibly more depending on EE's etc.

House Keeping:

You'll notice new names and names missing between version 2 and version1 (linked at the top of the page). The biggie is Jordon Austin.scuttlebutt is his status is cloudy, we'll see what shakes out this spring. Keep an eye on Cam Rising- QBs taking visits is iffy to me, however I suspect if they staff felt some type of way about it they would have directed attention elsewhere by now

Next Three Commits?: TJ Pledger, Miles Emery, Jordan Kelly

Patrick Fields commits

Union safety Patrick Fields just announced his commitment to Oklahoma, he selected Oklahoma over TCU and Texas among others. This wasn't unexpected.

The kid is an tremendous athlete and will reach "blue chip" status as reevaluations occur during the summer and fall.

Fields commitment should set about a bit of recruiting wave for Oklahoma, as Fields has been outspoken about being a recruiter for his class. Fields joins fellow Okie Brey Walker, along with Cam Rising and Jordon Austin as Sooner commits for 2018