Open Post | Monday, July 14th (UPDATE 5:50 pm)
Posted on: July 14, 2014
Image via zimbio.com
– OU Gridiron: For you Twitter peeps, please go follow this OU official affiliated account: https://twitter.com/OUgridiron
– Jamal Danley: 2015 OL target Jamal Danley has put the OU fan base on a bit of a roller coaster ride. On Friday he announced that he wouldn’t be taking his scheduled unofficial visit, but instead that he’d be delaying the trip. But then there were the positive things Danley had to say about OU in the Clarion-Ledger. We will try to give you our take on the situation based on recent exchanges with Jamal and our sources in that part of the country.
On Friday Jamal said the OU fan base should not be worried about the visit cancellation/delay. He said the issue is genuinely about school, “missing two days of summer school is like a whole week so I’ll be behind.” He said he is definitely still going to visit but “just not sure on the date.”
In talking to our sources, we were told the intention to come visit Norman is indeed genuine (not that we doubted Jamal). We would say to temper the excitement about the quotes in the Clarion-Ledger only because y’all have to remember that Jamal’s family is from Mississippi, and he’s from an area that has long been a Mississippi State stronghold (as we’ve mentioned here many times). He has been to the Miss. State campus a number of times and has a lot of friends at Miss. State. Essentially, Miss. State is a home away from home. Having said that, the interest in Oklahoma is definitely real and we’ve been informed that Danley’s family will support his decision regardless. Additionally, in talking to Danley we get the sense he’s trying to treat this like a business decision and knows what OU offers in terms of NFL OL production. This one is a tough one to call right now, but we do genuinely believe that Danley will visit OU.
– Will Sunderland: There was some stir about Will Sunderland’s comments regarding his interest in Arkansas. Don’t sweat any comments or tweets. The only way Will Sunderland won’t be a Sooner come signing day is if OU decides they want to go another direction. And we don’t see that happening. Just take our word for it, this one is a wrap.
– Jalin Barnett: Newsok.com posted a recruiting update about Jalin Barnett saying that he has narrowed things down to two schools, Oklahoma and Arkansas. For the full article see here.
– Dorial Green-Beckham: One of our readers offered a great DGB comment in this past weekend’s Open Post. If you missed it, just sort the comments by “best” and it should be the near the top comment. We couldn’t confirm the quote, but did confirm that DGB is definitely feeling the OU workouts! We asked a source about DGB and the word we got was, “Freak!” No surprise there but wanted to pass it along.
Most importantly we’ve heard that while his time at OU has just begun, so far he is doing everything he can to bust tail and live up to the expectations of the staff. And moreover it sounds like the team has reached out to him and made him feel welcome.
– Derrick Woods: Hearing that this guy is really starting to come on. Was told that if he continues to progress the way he has been, he’ll be pushing for a starting spot.
– UPDATE (5:50 pm): 2015 WR Desean Holmes (Mission Hills, CA), who just last week put out a Top 3 that included OU, has committed to USC.
96 Comments
http://forgifs.com/gallery/v/Wrestler-excited.gif.html
Nice Monday updates!! Thanks!!
Thanks for reading bud!
OU vs Arky?
Yeah, pretty much a no-brainer, right?
Just take our word for it, this one is a wrap.
If any other “website” told me that, I’d tell them no way. But I trust you guys. So I will take your word on it. 🙂
Don’t know why they would wait on Sunderland but since haughton is making a decision before the season or at least that’s what has been said then mike will know where he stands with haughton. And if he chooses a different school then maybe offers go out soon to Reid and whitfield. Oui is reporting offers have already gone out for Reid from like 7 major schools including ou lsu auburn and mizzou.
Agree staff set on 2 and Haughton and Sunderland are at the top of their board and Elam still on deck. Doesn’t leave room for Reid or a raw talent like Whitfield, who I would really like as he has the raw athleticism to play several positions. Just take him as an athlete and sort it out later. It sounds like Haughton is who they are really waiting on before either Elam or Reid?
I don’t know much about Elam I thought he was a lean to somewhere else so I haven’t paid any attention to him. Depending on interest from corners this year we could still take 3 safeties and leave room for whitfield as an athlete I think he’s that good but it’s up to stoops what he thinks. And there’s still 2 safeties in Cali who are high on ou.
Roney Elam is very nice. Actually reminds me of McKinley. A safety to watch down in Texas is Christian Taylor from Jersey Village.
Doesnt OU see Whitfield as a linebacker and not a safety?
Love that gridiron page. I thought it was funny that the OL page was the only one that listed the $$ SOURCE: @OU_Gridiron
Hey, if you can load a photo with zeroes, load it up. I guess it helps that we have a lot of OTs, including arguably the best young OT in the league in Williams.
All I see is Will Sunderland & Steven Parker at the safety spot in the near future. Makes my mouth water with excitement
I’m with you on Parker. Sunderland hasn’t shown me enough besides being a gym rat I plan to catch a couple of his games this year to see if he sticks out. Whoever did his highlight film did not do him justice (if he indeed is as good as most think he is). I think whitfield and Reid are much better on film.
Plan on doing the same Zack.
Do you know when they release their schedules?
All OK High School schedules for the seasons of 2014&2015 were set last August. Go to max prep sports. Search The HS and state and their football schedules will be listed.
http://www.maxpreps.com/national/football.htm
I dont understand why Jalin Barnett & even Josh Wariboko would not sign with OU eventually. Both have a chance to play and even start right away in 2015. Its a no brainer imo
I think Barnett ends up at OU. Wariboko is enjoying the courting process, and who can blame him. Still there are a lot of great offensive linemen out there that Coach B is aware of if things get sideways. That’ OL is in great hands.
Ford and Lafaele, if we can convert them, plus Barnett and Akamnonu would equal 6 total for 2015. Danley ( I hope ) and Wariboko are also strong possibilities which would equal 8-that’s too many. Now I’ve got to start all over. OU has other offers but the above seem to be the best shots at present time, I guess. Oh well I’m just going to TIB it (Trust In Bedenbaugh).
I can’t see them taking more than 6. Yes the trenches are important but making sure you have quality depth across the board is important in case if injuries or transfers or guys leaving early. That’s why I’m sticking to us bringing in 3 receivers because I fully believe the class number will make it’s way to 26-28 available scholarships.
Thanks. What about linebackers? It seems like Wheeler, McKee, Peat, Townsend, and DeBerry , are our best shots from present offers. If OU takes 3 total who would you take plus any others without offers.
I would take any of those three you mentioned. One without an offer is a guy I mentioned this weekend that tfb I think will try to get some info his name is Amonte Caban he’s out of Alabama but crystal ball has him going to miss state. So Ive got to think ou could get in on this kid unless it’s a legacy deal at msu. If breylin Mitchell chose ou then I would take 3 lineman and 3 backers with breylin as a tweener so 7 total.
Caban is a very good looking athlete.
JY, as a side note, some of my friends played college OL. They said it is the toughest position both physically and mentally. As a RB or WR you may see the field a lot early on but to play OL it takes the body longer to mature. They take a pounding everyday and mentally it takes it’s toll. If you look on a roster, the OL usually has a lot of transfers or others elect to quit playing ball due to injuries. I didn’t think much about the OL until I visited with them. It made sense so let me know your thoughts since you have the 1st had experience.
Yeah Boom, as a group of people, normally the O Line are late bloomers for the most part. Think about how much you mature from the time you’re 17 until you’re 22 or 23? It’s the difference from being a pimple faced baby huey to a grown ass man in most cases. It takes time, and you have to find ways cerebrally to cut a half second off of your job assignment since you’re already the slowest guys on the field.
No doubt. Very seldom will a Frosh or Soph Olineman be ready to play where skiliies tend too get on the field earlier. It takes a ton of reps and maturation to get an offensive lineman ready too play at the HS and or college level. Also kids that come out and play their senior year hardly ever hit the field as an offensive lineman.
As to “W” – and when you add little brother to the mix… Anyway, says here it’s a NSD commit for the Sooners. But then again I’m usually wrong about something before 7 AM.
That Ark coach and system have sent plenty of OL to the NFL as well. Not so much at Ark, but before that at Wisconsin. Not saying they are on par with OU, just that I could see a little of the allure, I suppose.
Any updates on JUCO tackle Lio Lafaele? Seems like we could really use him in 2015. I know he’s still a Tech lean but coach B is working on him.
He’s working on him. I tell ya, there’s not a tackle I’m higher on right now. Cody Ford is a guy who’s going to be a stud that’s a hs guy that I like too.
Good to see ya back, brother!
Good to be back!
Do you TFBs see OU taking 2 jucos: Lio AND Danley if they get that chance? Would certainly solve any depth issues at OT plus add Ford and maybe 1 other hs guy.
I wouldn’t guess so. Remember they are still going to have Farniok, St. John and Daimler. Frison will have had a full year under his belt and everything we are hearing indicates Brown will make it eventually even if it’s after fall camp…so he’ll be around as well. I think one JUCO covers it.
First let me say I like all of em and wish we could take them all.
I think Ford and Barnett are takes. I don’t know if Wariboko will get caught up in the wash if he doesn’t get hot. I know the staff likes to take HS guys, and so it wouldn’t shock me to see us take all hs guys either.
Like K said below, Daimler and Grant may have monster offseasons and be ready to go next year too.
wankingmotion.gif
https://twitter.com/CFBPlayoff/status/488700381656920065
Meh.. Could be better, but its whatever to me.
That is how I feel. Should be shinier/more diamondy. Other than that, meh.
“meh,” is exactly how I would put it…
It’s beautiful, the only think that would make it more appealing is it’s arrival in Norman, Oklahoma.
I’m not too impressed by it but I agree, it would look absolutely gorgeous in Norman.
Exactly!! It could be a gold painted rock. The way to greatly improve its appearance is to put a light on it in the OU trophy case.
It looks like it should be a trophy for a Buffalo Wild Wings bowl. The crystal ball is way better than this tube of lipstick.
My same thought- looks like a fancy tube of lipstick from Revlon. That’s okay though as long as the color in the tube would be crimson and cream. Go Sooners.
The crystal ball will still be given out (just by a diff org.)
Just hope Coach Stoops is able to lift this one… Thought he was going to rupture his spleen after the Sugar Bowl.
Is that seriously the new trophy? Gross! I would still like to win it though!
Good to hear about DGB and Derrick Woods!
So DGB starts, no doubt, if he is eligible this year, right? Who are we looking at, currently, as the WR starters, but with and without DGB? I know Shepherd will start. We have a lot of young, good, unproven talent at that position.
I could see With DGB: Sterling, DGB, and Neal. Without: Sterling, Neal, and Woods.
Pretty much agree.
I’d only add there has been some talk about the possibility of Quick starting at the slot and Shepard moving outside. But if I were putting my money on it, I’d go w/ your lineup/s.
What about kj young if shep moves outside does that give kj some playing time in the slot or Bennett? If DGB is cleared to play and if he keeps his head on straight I think it’s possible we don’t see Andrews, Todd or mead this season.
Woods is the guy I think will be the difference maker among the WR corps in the sense Bester was towards the end of last season. The glimpses I’ve seen of him on the field lead me to beleive that he will make the tough catch, take the hit, and make the blocks.
I view the WR’s a little different since 6/7 will play in a game. Smallwood is another WR that I could see make a difference. I see Heupel using the strengths of each WR differently based on their size/skill set. Looking forward to the different combo’s.
Very well could pan out that way. Of course, the QB will have to get the ball in their. It’s been a long while since all we can really say about the OU offense is based on potential not past production.
I’m pulling for Woods. He has been patient, showed up on special teams and when given the chance showed he is ready.
Good observation,
Why does everyone think Neal will start ahead of Bennett, Woods, Young, or Smallwood if I may ask?
Well I have no real idea but he has been higher on the depth chart but that could mean nothing since smallwood was injured last year. But someone pointed out Neal was hyped to be a great wr better than shepherd when they came in together.
Yeah beyond hype I haven’t seen anything that would lead me to believe Neal will be the starter especially with Smallwood being the x-factor there and so much other talent in the WR corp ready to step up. WR will be a HUGE battle in fall camp with all of the positions open save Shepherds.
I know a lot of people expect smallwood to be a big time wr. I want to see what cavil does this year. Just think if DGB happens to stay until 2015 and all these freshmen paired with DGB and cavil all 6’5 and above. I would feel bad for opposing defenses…but then again I don’t.
Along with a 6’6″ TE.
Massive team. Even shepherd is a big dude for being “undersized”
Shepherd is thick bodied and solid.
His early playing time he was so excited, some times he out ran his feet. Then it all slowed down for him.
Love that young man, great spirit and Sooner.
Neal is second in receptions behind Shepherd from last year. He made some really nice plays when he had the chance.
Yeah he’s a good player but you’d think he would’ve been able to win a starting job ahead of Bester. He hasn’t been able to crack the starting lineup yet which concerns me a little.
We will see. Lots of competition. He showed up several times last year.
I am still suprised Neal hasnt been better, his high school film was unreal….
Excited to hear about Woods. Kid was a hs all-american ESPN 100 kid with offers from just about everyone. Would love to see him live up to that potential this year.
I really, really hope Hahlil ends up at OU. Yeah it would be nice to hav Sunderland, but I agree with Zack(comment below) in that his film must not do him justice. From what I have seen in my opinion it is hard to see why Mike is so enamored with the kid at this point. That aside I’m praying we land Kahlil. He is by far the most underrated prospect in Texas. I personally think he is the BEST safety prospect in Texas. Seems to have a good head on his shoulders to.
Haughton can play.
One more thing brainiacs…I remember reading in one of the posts, forget which one exactly, that when everything was all said and done, chances are Anthony Wheeler ends up at OU. Is that still the case? Have yall heard anything on the contrary?
Last time I caught up with Anthony he was definitely high on OU. It was a few weeks back. But he also said he’s planning on taking another trip to Texas. I believe he should be at the invite only camp this Friday. My guess is it’ll come down to OU and Texas.
I guess Arkansas and Texas are having camps later in the month. Does OU have anything planned like that?
That OU Twitter, OUgridiron account is pretty smooth. It’s one of those things you see and wish they would have got started sooner. But it’s great about giving out new info and updates. Way cool…
This is a little off topic, but I feel like during this time of year, our fanbase puts the cart before the horse. I really want to get the right kids in place so that we can win it all. This article, on the other hand, makes me feel as though some mindsets get corrupted to the point of thinking “I hope we win a national championship so that we can have more 5 star kids.”There is no trophy for getting the most recruiting points on rivals.
Thankfully the season is closer than NSD.
http://m.newsok.com/oklahoma-football-with-new-dorms-new-blood-and-a-stadium-renovation-ous-got-one-key-recruiting-piece-left-to-get/article/4988593?custom_click=rss&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+newsok%252Fsports%252Fou+%2528NewsOK.com+RSS+-+sports+%253E%253E+ou%2529
Winners like to be around other winners, but Stoops and Co. know its not everything. They can take all the 3*s they want and can coach them up to play like 5*s.
I agree about not taking just anybody because they are a ” 5 *” player, but I think what most people are getting at is that it will let OU have a few more choices on who and what kind of player they want. Right now it seems we have to beat the door down of these recruits to get noticed but with a recent NC under our belt a few more players will be beating our door down. Now if they are not the right type of guys then we don’t have to/want to take them but it would be great to have options. A NC doesn’t give you the right to slack off or take it easy in recruiting but it certainly will give you more options!
Also totally agree about being thankful season is closer than NSD! LOL!
I completely agree with both of you. I just hope everyone keeps in perspective that recruiting is a means to reach a national championship, and not the other way around.
Really funny that you should mention this, Fuerte. I just read this artilce from newsok: http://newsok.com/with-new-dorms-new-blood-and-a-stadium-renovation-ous-got-one-key-recruiting-piece-left-to-get/article/4988593
That’s the article that got my goat!
Also, it wasn’t a really tough conclusion to reach for the author. National championship = better recruiting.
In other news, better defense = more wins.
Just realized you had linked to the article above…my bad! Yeah, you said it, “cart before the horse”.
FOR SURE!!!
So scout made kahlil Mckenzie number one after an impressive showing at the opening? I’m not trying to sound like sour grapes (because he didn’t go to ou) but he didn’t impress me at all from the one on ones I saw. And he did go N. Suh punk a$$ when the guards were pushing on him.
Never cared for Scout.
Any big increases or decreases due to drills at a camp are ignorant in general. A couple years ago ESPN dropped Cody Thomas to a 3-star due to a below average showing at the Elite 11 after he just got done with baseball season and it was terribly windy. Then after his senior season, he was back up to a top 200 recruit and a 4-star.
I’ve noticed that most ratings services base their number 1 player at each position off of who commits to play in the postseason all-star game that recruiting service is associated with. That’s why every year during each of the three games, you hear the announcers talk about how “the number one overall running back in the country will take the field here today” and “the top rated receiver in this year’s class is excited to have the country’s best dual threat quarterback throwing to him because he’ll be facing the best rated cornerback in this class.”
OU to play Michigan in 2025 and 2026. Hopefully they are back to where they should be for those games.
http://www.soonersports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209577164&DB_OEM_ID=31000
Desean Holes committed to USC today on a visit, per The Twitter.
Well cross that one off. Time to close Humphrey and newsome.
I have to ask. Other than Danley, are we close to getting an oline commit? It makes me very nervous with such little depth after next year. Shades of 2009 ring through my mind.
Were gonna have plenty of guys commit on the oline. We’ve got 2 already and several that I would say have ou in the top 2 those being Barnett, wariboko, Danley and ford. And people forget about 3 the kids from Santa Fe, yukon, and kingfisher if all else fails in recruiting which I doubt will happen. And then Henry Mitchell from the Dallas area I believe.
Again for me the most work needs to be done at linebacker. They are still pretty thin and kish has yet to close a major recruit.