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

Big weekend coming for Oklahoma?

5th year Graduate transfer WR Jeff Badet previously of Kentucky is visiting Norman this weekend and I've heard conflicting reports that he is on campus already (I'll try to get that firmed up, will post updated if it is confirmed)

Badet is visiting OU now after earlier visiting WVU back in February, Badet averaged almost twenty-two yards per catch in the run heavy Kentucky offense. Highlights below

Getting Badet would allow breathing room for the offense in replacing Dede. Badet would join a  young WR corps and provide an instant outlet for Baker.  Badet  skillset is  extremely similar to Westbrook, deep burner, good in space

Badet graduates and will move on from Kentucky this spring. Oklahoma and WVU both offer a wide open offense to showcase his talents but Oklahoma's WR depth chart certainly needs a proven playmaker a bit more so than WVU right now.


Edit: 3/3 8:04 pm Been made aware of a report by TFB that Badet will take additional trips following this visit, potentially to Va Tech and Oregon. I have no reason to question that report, but am efforting to get that locked down on my end. Still big time weekend visitor.

Double Edit: 3/5 5:10  Have been able to confirm that Oregon visiting is indeed happening. I have heard any rumblings on how his visit went, but when I do expect a post.





The other potential news this weekend centers around OK Preps DB prospect Patrick Fields. Fields announced his Top Three of OU,TCU and Texas early this week. Fields will announce Sunday. I suspect Oklahoma will keep the local star home. Fields plays Safety for Union and as you can see by his film, he is equally comfortable sticking to the hip of the WR and laying the wood. Fields commitment may set off a bit of a big March with in state prep prospects, I'll have a run done on that later at another time.

Edit: Fields committed 

Jr Day in Review & Note on Scott Pagano

Yesterday Oklahoma held it's second Junior Day for this cycle and it seemingly went swimmingly.

'18 Offers Extended

DT Jordan Kelly, DE/OLB Iziah Fikikitonga, and CB Starrland Baldwin . I had slotted Kelly and Fikikitonga into my class projection but not Baldwin. Baldwin is a kid with just explosive speed, he's a take at CB and at worst his film shows that he'd be more than capable at feeling an ATH role as a WR/KR.

Building Relationships

Oklahoma uses these events to get prospects and their families in an environment that is friendly, and open for communication. Oklahoma puts out the glitzy trophies and championship rings, coaches sit down and give individual attention. It's really about trying to connect and get a feel for each other because for some this will be the last in person contact until fall. A few others will be able to camp at OU this summer obviously, but got to start these relationships off right

'18 Boom Watch?

If one of the recent offers going to pop, I'm assuming it would be Baldwin or Fikikitonga. I expect Kelly to visit Texas, then take a few days after that.

'19? You kidding me '19

I'm iffy on even getting into this but yes Oklahoma secured two highly ranked '19 WRs this weekend in Theo Wease and Arjei Henderson both are elite players. Feb '19 is a long way off, it's best to think of these two as VIP club members, they're in the club but will club hop (visit other schools) a ton over the next 24 months.


Big Scott Pagano
The public list is trimmed and Oklahoma is a finalist among seven schools. I asked around and  the following is from someone in the know:

"He wants playing time  our depth chart looks good to kid like that. The four-man front is huge here."


 I'll keep nosing around and see if I can get a visit date locked down.

 My added commentary to this: Doesn't hurt OU at all that Oklahoma is the only one on the list with championship goals. Could be huge, but I still think OU will trail an Oregon or Cal but I'd love to be wrong.


Edit: 2/21  There's a report Pagano has scheduled his visit for March 31.  I have no reason to doubt that, but as of this edit I haven't heard that myself. I have however been given the impression Sooners are much bigger players in this thing, than I previously thought..

Feb Recruiting Update '18 ST2k18 - Defense Projection

Yesterday I made my first offensive class projection  so today here comes the defense. My same caveats apply, consider this all in good fun and if you want inside notes you have great options out there. As I said yesterday: Consider this more like a layman recruitniks wishlist

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

DT Calvin Avery (Nebraska) Bobby Brown (A&M) Jordan Kelly (TCU,OSU)
DE Ron Tatum (Alabama,Texas), Miles Emery (Louisville) Jalen Redman (Arkansas),
OLB  Iziah Fikikitonga (TCU)
ILB   Alston Orgi (A&M) DaShaun White (Baylor,Texas,Houston)
CB Jordon Austin  Vernone McKinley (A&M,Alabama, Tech,)
S Josh Proctor (Oklahoma State, Goergia,Arkansas), Cam Jones (UCLA)

Ath/Specialists/MISC: 1-2 TBD


My projected class size for '18 was an ambitious 22-24. i've posted previously on how recruiting classes dwindles, i'm fairly comfortable in this prediction accounting for typical attrition.

Lineman By The Ton:  You typically recruit your juniors, but Oklahoma has switched to incorporating the four man front for one and the fact is as I noted above: attrition will occur. We need to go extremely defensive front heavy this cycle. I feel the staff may even be more likely to allocate scholarships from another position to Juco prospects there as well potentially.  Our scholarship distribution is a mess

Linebacker: We're going to take at least two inside linebackers. Orgi is the primary target, White is likely to get exposure late. Expect more names to emerge. OLB - We may take one, we may take none, I plugged Fikiktonga there because he is a tweener who is currently a DE.

MISC: 1-2 spots to be allocated based on need or held for elite players. I could see an additional outright DE like Miles Emery, (Kansas State,Kansas) for example.

This wishlist and my offensive wishlist will put Oklahoma in the 22-24 range, which I think is likely. As I said yesterday, I will do several of these over the offseason: Don't take this as gospel. Always tip your waitress

Feb Recruiting Update '18 ST2k18 - Offense Projection

I projected class need  and now I'll move forward with some sure to be wrong predictions for the offensive class

just go ahead and accept that

Oklahoma will sign a strong offensive class,but the bulk of the impressive athletes will come from the trenches.. My prediction for the rest of the class will be relatively "weak:" relative to the OL class and  when compared to the skill position talent SoonerSquad17. That's to be expected. 

Now before we get started: Don't take this as gospel: Subscribe to your recruiting site of choice and listen to those guys, or save your sanity and check back in late January 2018

This is just a recruitnik projections based on today .unless i say otherwise in a particular instance (aka "according to sources). Think of it as a rolling projection I'll do periodically in the offseason.

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

QB- Cam Rising

RB- TJ Pledger -( Nebraska & USC) & Mychale Salahuddin - (Penn State Maryland, UVA)

Flexback/TE -  TBD

OT - Brey Walker   Anthony Mckinney (Iowa State) 

IOL- Curtis Dunlap (Florida/Miami)

WR -    Sean Shaw Jr (Kansas, Kansas State SMU) Drake Stoops (Iowa State, SMU)

Notes:

I believe OU ends up with another interior OL type. Bedenbaugh likes tweener type OT/OG (see OU offer Will Lawrence in Tennessee as an example)

Flexback/FB/TE It's quite possible Oklahoma doesn't take a Flexback this season for one but I think simply having offers out to some that fit the mold means one will make themselves known at some point this cycle  

The WR spot is iffy to me, at the time of this writing neither Shaw Jr or Stoops have offers, but are the type of recruits who'll end up at OU this cycle in my opinion. I also think C.J. Moore will be an instate WR to watch as we get into this summer and fall. If we do land an out of state WR I would think it would just be one between Eagle, Bush and Wells. but I just don't expect it after last years haul

Tomorrow: Defensive Projection and a look ahead to Jr Day