Oklahoma’s 2014 Class is Filling up Fast
Posted on: January 9, 2014
Last night offensive tackle, Joseph Paul committed putting the Sooners at 21 commitments. I don’t know exactly how many OU can take or will take but it will be more than 25 at this point. Let’s say between 26-30 with the middle points being 28. So for the sake of this discussion I’ll assume 28. If that’s the case (and I should be able to confirm that this weekend) things still look tight with possibly only 7 scholarships left.
Have to save a spot for:
Miciah Quick (6 left) – everything I’ve heard is that Quick is OU’s to lose. I heard that as recent as last week and that was before the Alabama game and before the Mixon commitment. No question those two things only help.
Steven Parker (5 left) – Steven will have a spot till the end and as we’ve said for a long time now…OU has a lot of reason to be optimistic here.
Tee Shepard (4 left) – Tee has to be at the top of OU’s board. He would certainly be at the top of mine. And as I’ve said, I’ve been told by a source that he’s OUs to lose so for the sake of discussion we’ll assume he gets a scholarship.
Other Players on the Board:
Juwan Dowels (CB) – Juwan is all about the Sooners. We always try to protect kids but in Juwan’s case his mentor and I are friends so there is only so much I can say but OU is sitting just fine here. Coach Bobby Jack will be down in Miami next week.
Kendall Randolph (CB) – Kendall is another CB who seems very excited about the Sooners. With the relationship he’s built with some of the fellas from the incoming class you’ve got to believe that his visit to Norman would have to be horrible for him to not seriously consider a commitment.
Cornelius Floyd (CB) – Don’t have the latest right now on the Gulliver Prep standout but I hope to get something this weekend.
Courtney Garnett (4i DE) – Texas is now out of the picture. That leaves only Oklahoma and Tennessee. With his teammate committing and with everything Courtney has said to me I’ve got to think OU is the favorite here.
Kenyon Frison (OT) – Last time I heard from him he said the Sooners were in.
Lukayas McNeil (OT) – Lukayas is still interested in the Sooners. Lukayas hasn’t had school due to the weather so I haven’t been able to get an update on how he’s reacted to the Charlie Strong situation but I’ll let you know once I do. Even if he does eliminate Louisville you’ve still go to think Indiana will be tough competition. Lukayas, by the way, is an incredible athlete.
Deondre Clark (OLB) (3 left) – This one could go either way but the Sooners are sitting pretty good. Family wants Deondre close but Deondre still likes LSU but he’s definitely interested in Oklahoma. As far as I know OU would save a spot for him assuming he’d be willing to take it but since he’s still more up in the air than I feel the first 3 (Tee, Steven and Miciah) are I went ahead and put him down here.
Adoree Jackson (CB/WR) – Again I didn’t put this one up at the top because he’s not nearly as likely as the 3 above but OU would definitely take him. OU did make his top 6 (top 5 really because I’m not buying that Tennessee is in it – just a hunch nothing more).
Jonathan Thomas (LB) – JT hit me up last night and I want to keep his situation quiet for now. I think it’ll be best for him as far as recruiting in general.
KD Cannon (WR) – I have no idea where OU stands with Cannon but clearly Joe Mixon is trying to get Cannon to Oklahoma. I threw him up here because again, I’ve got to believe that OU would take him regardless.
And this doesn’t take into consideration that OU might be in on some kids that we aren’t yet privy too. It seems like every year we hear about a player or two that Oklahoma gets in on late. The scholarship situation is going to get very interesting.
Addendum below added by Jordan Esco
I realized this was probably a mistake only after putting it together and spending way too much time trying to finagle a way to fit this chart in here, so even though it will probably just add to the confusion it’s staying.
By my math it appears as though there is very little room left for anyone in this 2014 class. You can obviously see the scholarship total, including this incoming 2014 class, is 83 and each D-I program is only allowed to have 85 total players on scholarship.
Now any number of things could happen between now and NSD that would allow for the numbers K has above, which are in line with what I think OU is looking at and what I’ve seen others suggest as well. Just not sure how they’re going to get there at this point.
Anyway, I just thought seeing everything laid on on paper (so to speak) might help you all digest things a little better. I took some liberty with a couple guys with respect to possible redshirts, but I think this chart should otherwise be fairly accurate. Of course if you see something that isn’t right, just let me know in the comments and I’ll get it corrected.
102 Comments
So many kids, not enough cookies. Good problem to have.
I say we stock up and let the situation sort itself. I am certain we are going to be losing at least 2 more over beyond the draftees, We need to build depth and start setting up the rotation ASAP with priority at OT, S and DE/LB in that order
Now that Trey Lealaimatafao has decommited from Texas, we stand any chance there with Mixons help?
Unlikely, IMO
I’m a little surprised we aren’t in on more DL. Seems to be a problem area?
Check the chart I added. I don’t think it’s as big a problem area, at least for this 2014 class, as you might believe. Especially if you’re operating under the assumption OU will be playing three down linemen going forward.
And because OU already has 2 DL commits for the 2015 class. They are also in on a ton of talented kids in that class as well.
I was actually impressed with the quality and distribution of DLineman. At least more than I thought I would be.
I added a scholarship distribution chart to try and help sort out how the numbers might work, but I’m pretty sure it only makes things more confusing.
So…..you’re welcome! 😉
Nice chart Jordan, Glad you’re not sitting around doing nothing! Lol!
I took a break from that to make the chart 🙂
Good work Jordan. The other site you left is not the same with your contributions there. Really enjoy TFB!
Appreciate you saying that!
Ol’ Jordan is the grease on the bearing, The flame from the flint, The lipstick on the pig, Oh, never mind, can’t have him thinking he’s up to Brainiac status yet! Lol!!!
He’s playing hard to get 😉
Jordan, a suggestion; update this chart after NSD with another column of “Incoming Freshman/JUCO”
I can do that, but everyone committed — including JUCOs — are included in the chart above.
Or am I just completely missing your point?
after NSD when recruits are comfirned and new ones are added
Dont you put that curse on us Jordan Esco! ( Yes thats a Talladega Nights reference) we will have enough schollys for every player we want.
Jordan the chart is nice!
Shouldn’t LJ Moore and Byrd be in the Sophomore column?
I know Byrd burned his shirt. Not sure on Moore.
They are a couple of the guys I was eluding to w/ respect to me taking some liberty (and wishful thinking) that OU will find a way for both to get a redshirt.
That would be sweet!
It would seem we need a kicker this year. Otherwise, ST might be a critical factor in 2015.
Don’t necessarily disagree, but they do have three other kids listed at K on the roster. Maybe they like one or more of them? Similar deal at punter w/ two others listed there as well.
Just saw that. That makes me feel a little better.
ah…yes I noticed only 2 on the excel…lol, At least we don’t have 5..like a few years ago…
Just to vent. Another perfect example why the corporate sites EVals are a crock. One site has Paul listed as a two star. Not only does this kid have offers from big time programs but after watching his film it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see how good this kid can be. He’s a monster. Talk about finishing blocks with an attitude. What’s even more impressive is his ability to get to the second level and fit up on smaller, faster , athletic Lbers.
In all fairness, at least they stuck with the 2 stars regardless of who offered /sarcasm rather than bump him just because Fl offered.
OL, however is very difficult to assess by most peoples assessment…even though his tape definitely shows someone deserving a much higher ranking.
Super K, don’t forget Nick Hodgson as one of the kickers. He is a Jr/ Sr.
Is he on scholly though?
Good point. I saw a stat where he led the nation in kickoffs at an average of 64 yrds per kickoff with 43 of his 68 kickoffs being touchbacks. If we are to go with Stoops’ recent history with solid walk-on contributors like Honeycutt, and Whaley, it is highly likely he will land a scholly if he hasn’t already
Hunnicut is a walk-on? Damn….
Yup. Couldn’t believe how good he was when he started kicking
My doubt here is if you redshirt an incoming freshmen, you don’t consider him in the 85 scholarships?
If not, how do we account for offering 10 more kids when we have one more scholarship left?
If they’re on scholarship, redshirt or not, they count against the 85 total (at least as far as I understand how things work).
As to how they get there, attrition is the only possible answer I see at the moment.
The only ones that don’t count are the grey shirts
And walk-ons (obviously)
I believe Chaz Nelson was a senior this season.
Good catch. s/b fixed now.
No, I think he redshirted his first year, so he is a redshirt senior now, making him one more year eligible?
He’s a senior. He didn’t have a redshirt available
Thanks for the chart, looking at it I totally forgot about DJ Ward. I hope he hasn’t lost a step and is able to contribute this year.
No reason, IMO, to think that he has. His injury obviously wasn’t something like a leg or knee, so I think he s/b fine. Just been away from the game for a while (though I’m pretty confident he’s been practicing), so maybe just work some of the rust off.
Great article and chart. So many possibilities. I was relieved to see Huneycutt is going to be a senior:-)
No doubt on Hunnicut. His ability to nail FG’s in the red zone is almost automatic. It makes a huge difference in play calling. During the days of Stevens he was so hit and miss it almost makes you as a play caller change your approach in the red zone. With hunnicut you know that your going to get at least three. Makes play calling in the red zone easier.
and now he’s also proven the added dimension of his pass-catching abilities off the fake!
problem is we don’t have ANY kickers after him…or Barnett. I know having 5 a few yrs ago was crazy but none for after next year…ugh.
Thanks guys, love the chart Esco. That’s a nice looking roster there.
Thanks! It’s pretty simple to put together obviously, but I thought it’d make things easier to digest w/ it all laid out like that.
Yes sir. Great job Jordan!
I’m also pretty sure some of our current guys are probably not going to make it academically. Seems to happen every year.
Saw a comment by Quick on twitter this week that seemingly mocked OU a little bit for being so excited about Bama win, so made me a little leery of how we stand. Maybe nothing
Try and find a team that wouldn’t be excited if they were a 14+ point dog to the defending national champion and proceeded to kick their a$$ up and down the field.
Saw that as well; wasn’t sure what to make of it.
Great post; easy to read, great content, “to the point.” Love the Excel chart. Assuming OU get commitments from the top 3 (Parker, Quick, Shepard), there are some tough choices to make after that. I think Clark would be a great OLB for OU so I hope he flips to us. We all love Dowels, and we’ll probably be all in on Courtney Garnett now.
Saw this morning that the 5* CB Jalen Tabor, who committed to Arizona on national TV last week, flipped to Florida. I only mention it because it might change some things with Adoree’ Jackson (I know, still a long shot for OU). If he committed to OU, he’d be the best player in this class for us. He’s an immediate lock-down corner. Seeing him in a Mike Stoops defense would be amazing.
Tabor flipped already? Well, that didn’t long.
I’m pretty sure they’ve told Adoree that he can play both offense and defense. Kid is lightnign with the ball in his hands.
I know it’s still a long shot with U$C, UCLA, and LSU in the mix…but man if he signed with OU he’d be Deion Sanders 2.0. And I LOVED Deion growing up as a Cowboys fan
you and me both!
This is one of the few recruiting cycles in the last few years where OU seems to be in good standing with 1) players they want and have wanted and 2) high quality players. In years past OU often had to to go plan B or C. Often, we fans were unsure on who OU would get on signing day. Not so this year.
This recruiting cycle seems to be very clear in purpose and player type.
Are there current players you don’t expect to make it next year due to academic issues or nagging injuries?
Shead is the only one I can think of off the top of my head from an injury perspective. But him being a senior, they’re not going to take him off scholly at that point, IMO.
I think they can give him a medical scholarship, which doesn’t count against the 85 total.
Due you think Stoops may be tiring of the Torrea Peterson saga with academics and nagging injuries.
This makes things real interesting when you look at how many guys OU might still take and then see how that chart breaks things down. I’m really looking forward to NSD.
SK and Jordan, can anyone explain the “over signing” rules. I know that I have friends that are way more into recruiting than me and they said Bama over signed for like 2 years straight. Is that even possible, or if we sign too may do we have to kick people off the team?
It’s kind of convoluted, but the simplest way to explain it without getting into all the minute details is:
A school can sign 25 kids in any given class (w/ 85 total players on scholarship being the ultimate determining factor)
Early enrollees can count towards the previous year’s class (which is how you see schools signing say 30 kids one year)
The tricky part is once you start counting back like that, you can’t just stop at the previous year’s class. And that’s where it starts to get a little more complicated.
That help at all?
??????? lol
So asides from Parker and maybe another, is it first come, first served now?
If it’s not at that point, it is rapidly approaching it, IMO.
I think we have to pocket one for Parker (I may be biased since I watch him in person) The kid can ball. I’m still trying to figure out how we’re going to fit everyone on our list. Any idea how many past year “over sign” spots we may have available for us to use?
He’ll have a spot until he’s ready.
What’s the word on Patrick Au, the jc OT?
I heard someone say they don’t think his grades will qualify
Not sure there, but I know that we’re not high on may grads from Juco.
Copy on the 5th Element 😉
Au is a May grad, so I doubt they’ll take em. I know they wanted december grads so they could get through the spring and be ready next fall.
Would you guys do an evaluation on Vontre McQuinnie? I have heard absolutely nothing about him. I just know that he’s been committed since last season, I haven’t seen any other offers than OU.
Sure thing. I bet he ends up at Linebacker for us.
Heard today too that Jordan Phillips feels better than he has in a looooooong time, so the back surgery was a smashing success.
Great news JY. Any idea when he may be back in playing shape?
Not sure. In most programs, the period between now and spring ball is the hardest time of the year. Winter ball, what we called it, was brutal. It’s where you get most of your gains in strength and conditioning. You’re still in school, so the coaches can stay closer to it as well. Summer is key, but I’d expect that he’d be in shape to compete come spring if he’s fully cleared. Still you don’t know if the coaches will hold him out or not.
😉
With 5 QB’s on next years roster and only one of them being a Senior, does OU even go after a QB in the 2015 class?
Typically they like to get one per year. This year proved that you need someone ready in case people get hurt. You’ve got Blake graduating, and you never know what Trevor will do if he has an astronomical year like Bradford did as a 3rd year sophomore. I say yes, because someone always transfers or moves on etc.
Simple answer is YES> Always for the reasons JY shared, plus you find Bradfords in years you may not look for the best ever because of what you have. Most important position of any team….always have to be growing and moving forward or you end up in the same situation our D was in before MikeKish came to Norman. Just sayin…
What I like about getting Mike back in there is that the coaches are really doing evaluations themselves, and going after kids that fit the needs of the scheme. Belichick has been doing that for years in New England, and that’s why he continues to churn out top teams in the NFL year in and year out. Having guys who fit what you do is the most important thing for any organization.
FYI, Ford is a frosh and Ross is a RS Frosh
Took a little while but I figured it out. Am typically used to seeing guys who did not play for a year designated as a RS. Classes start to get mixed up between kids who redshirt and others who receive playing time.
Agreed, but nice start that’s for sure. Hope a tweek or two can be easy.
Looks like our punter will be a walk on in the next year or two. It will also be interesting to see us going after a kicker in next year’s class.
As I have always said to all the posters on all the boards during their mid recruiting season meltdowns, IT’S A MARATHON! This year really hammers that home doesn’t it?
What about Trey Lealaimatafao?
Unlikely to happen.
I have a feeling that OU isn’t going to get Quick. Dude seems to Tweet up UCLA so much. He was kinda sarcastic about OU and beating Alabama, too…. I didn’t appreciate that lol. “OU fans like, we beat bama.”
Neiko Creamer. 6’3′ 220 receiver out of Delaware???
Can anyone tell us what Daimler, Marrs, and Darrington have looked like since they’ve been on campus?
My wish list: Quick, Parker, Shepherd plus Frison, Clark, McNeil, Garnett and anyone else on that list or OU wants b/c they must be good to be added to this group
How about leaving off the first column and adding them to their class in bold; bold names are the “incoming class”?
What’s great about this chart too is it shows how many guys we were able to redshirt this year. How many times in the past due to poor recruiting or otherwise did we have to thrust someone in there who could have really used a redshirt year?
Completely agree JY.
Is Tyler Evans getting another yr? I thought I read that somewhere…
Offense has 3 very good classes incoming, fr and soph…Defense is better on the Sr/Jr classes it looks like…maybe that’s just me and name recognition. Should be a great couple of years.
TomVH
Oklahoma just offered 2014 OL Chukwuma Okorafor (Southfield, Mich.). He’s picked up some big offers lately.
1/11/14, 8:21 PM
JY you need to look at this kid’s film. Screams elite LT to me.
Maybe the coaches should offer this OT: http://espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/player/_/id/137766/bailey-granier
Decommitted from Vandy, is open to all options. Another La boy. thoughts?