Open Post | Monday, November 24th (UPDATE 1:30 pm)
Posted on: November 24, 2014
Image of Chason Virgil via sportstalksc.com
Hope everyone enjoys the short work week!
Will Johnson: In case you missed it, OU picked up a commitment from 2015 JUCO CB Will Johnson over the weekend. People have asked to know a little bit more about him, so I (K) spoke to Will’s mentor and former high school coach, Cory Robinson from Next Level Nation. Cory is the person who mentored, and continues to mentor, Charles Tapper. He told me Will is the real deal. And to be honest, I know Cory well enough to know to take his word for it. It doesn’t mean he (or anyone) is always right, but when you take the word of a guy with his experience, coupled with the great JUCO film Johnson has, coupled with the eyes of the OU staff…sounds like to me Oklahoma just picked up a long CB with a lot of upside!
As we posted yesterday, Will is going to be enrolling for the spring semester and will have three years to play three.
Ezekial Turner: 2015 JUCO safety Ezekial Turner also visited OU this past weekend. Last week, I spoke to the HC at Pierce about Ezekial and he sung his praises. I haven’t had a chance to speak with Turner since his visit, but I did ask Cory Robinson about the trip (who is also Ezekial’s mentor and made the trip to Norman this past weekend). He said the trip went fantastic. It sounds like it’s going to come down to OU and Washington.
Chason Virgil: Last week, Mississippi State pulled one of the lowest recruiting moves I (K) have ever seen. Chason Virgil is a 2015 QB from Texas who had been committed to the Bulldogs for months. Virgil had offers from a number of schools, including the likes of Clemson and Texas. But as most of you know, quarterback commits typically make their decision in the spring just like Chason did. Mississippi State asked him to graduate early so he could enroll this spring. He is set to graduate in two weeks. However, Mississippi State essentially pulled his scholarship offer last week when they asked him to gray shirt.
Virgil was left with virtually no options because the schools he had offers from are now full. I hope to write more about this in its own post, but needless to say I am extremely angry about what happened. And I am making it my personal business to inform all the Texas coaches I know and really coaches all over the country about what Miss. State did to this young man. This precedent cannot stand and an example has to be made so that other schools are not able to sit around their meeting rooms and decide to drop kids in this manner and say, “oh it’ll blow over…Mississippi State did a kid worse than we’re doing and everyone forgot after a couple of days.”
Anyhow, I’ve been in touch with Chason and I’m happy to say that OU has reached out to him. He has spoken to Josh Heupel, who let him know they are very interested. Obviously, QB evaluations take longer than other positions so I’m not sure what the protocol will be to complete an evaluation. But I’m so pleased the Sooners have at least made contact. And I am so pleased that I can say, for certain, that the move Dan Mullen and Mississippi State pulled with this young man is something Bob Stoops would never do.
We will keep you updated on how things progress with Chason and the Sooners.
Gabriel Campbell: Spoke to Gabriel Campbell last week, and he informed us that he has set up his official visit for the Bedlam game.
Jaylon Lane: As most of you know by now, Jaylon Lane is no longer committed to Oklahoma State. So far OU has not reached out to him, but we are in regular touch with Jaylon and his family so we will keep you updated.
Nate Dalton: We caught up with 2015 CB Nate Dalton a couple days ago. He is receiving heavy interest from the Sooners, but let us know that an offer has yet to happen.
Anthony McKee: Chatted with Anthony McKee last week after his trip to Michigan State. He enjoyed the trip and said that he’s set his decision date for December 21st and will decide between the Sooners and Spartans.
Dede Westbrook: The 2015 JUCO WR made the trip to Norman this past weekend and told us that despite the rain, he had a great visit. We asked him if he planned on committing, and he said that he is going to wait until December.
Tyler Jordan: We’ve also had a chance to catch up with 2015 Florida offensive line commit, Tyler Jordan. He let us know that Bill Bedenbaugh has been in contact and that he’s currently considering a visit to Oklahoma. It sounds like he’s sort of waiting to see what happens with the Florida coaching situation.
– UPDATE (1:23 pm): Sooners 2015 LB offer, Malik Jefferson
Read if your intrested. pic.twitter.com/raTyWJMq7J
— Malik Jefferson (@malikjefferson) November 24, 2014
– UPDATE (1:30 pm): Sooners make the cut
NO ORDER ‼️ pic.twitter.com/QPL7uCvU61
— Malik Jefferson (@malikjefferson) November 24, 2014
178 Comments
Great write up. I heard Anthony? Hines decommitted from msu, was that related to the Virgil situation? That story needs tons of attention so people can see the sec for what it really is.
Yes, his dad said it had a little bit of an effect.
With Knight being injury prone and one play away from a career ending injury, Thomas looking shaky, we should look at a 2015 QB. Hopefully, Kyler Murray or Virgil are the ones being looked at. Maybe we can take 2 in 2016?
Agree. Unknown how TK’s latest injury is going to affect him but seems fragile. Thomas….maybe he comes around in the spring. Mayfield will be a JR already. Would like to have seen a few more QB offers go out but IMO get back to the staff’s knowledge base and comfort level with a more ‘pro-style’ guy, 6’3-6’5 210+ who can move his feet but can see the field and make decisions and has the arm to hit the passes. Not sure that Virgil is ‘that guy’, especially physically.
would agree with hOUligan, as usual…
Not sure we need 2 in 2016. Mayfield is here for two years. CT is still here and may win out the job. We also have Justice Hansen redshirting this year. He may be really good. We should just keep taking one QB a year and make sure he’s a good one.
Awww, really K? You’re p.o.’d with mizzsippy state for being trailer trash? But, but, but, they’re SEC! They have to be better than anybody because of that! Didn’t you get the memo? Flash to world: this is what SEC football is. They are scum. The sooner recruits and HS coaches figure this out, the sooner the country quits sending perfectly decent young men to fuel that dumpster fire.
I hate to hear/see about stuff like that happening to HS kids. As a football coach, I can tell you that if anyone ever did anything like to one of my kids, I would personally make sure coaches from that school were not allowed on my campus anymore and I would let all of my coaching buddies know as well. I’m glad to see that OU has reached out to Virgil. What do you guys see happening there? Is he OU good? From some basic research he seems pretty small. Thanks in advance!
RE: “OU good” Would like to know this as well. The silver lining is that OU seems to be staying on the Dual Threat trajectory, but how is the kid. His offer sheet is (was?) legit but gah damn, can we at least get a dedicated QB coach to develop these guys?
Dan Mullen is a douchey scumbag. Hope this hits him ion the face with other commitments as well.
Seen where Chason is listed at 6-2/170. Just for note, Drew Brees 6-0/209 and Russell Wilson 5-11/206 and they seem to be pretty good. I wonder if OU would take him since he’s listed as a pro style qb considering our running backs. I hope Dan Mullen can’t sleep at nights-what goes around comes around.
I get that there are smaller QBs that have been successful, but looks at the majority of QBs out there. They aren’t 6′ tall. They’re 6’3+. I’m not saying he isn’t any good cause he’s short, but saying Wilson and Brees are good, so this kid could be too doesn’t add up when you look at the numbers.
That being said, if he has the talent and ability, I’m not afraid of a smaller QB at OU. That’s why I asked if he was OU good. And none of this matters if we don’t develop him at all once he, or anyone else, gets to campus.
If Chason is 6-2 as listed, OU could put good weight on him. You hit the nail on the head can OU develop him?
How many times are players, especially HS players, listed at their actual height? Scout has him at 6′ even. I’m more inclined to think he is probably like 6’1, so splitting the two. But that still isn’t very big. But again, if he can play, I don’t care about size.
Really amazing how kids could be listed at 6-2 in high school programs but when they get to college have shrunk a couple inches and gained or lost 30 pounds.
But it happens all the time. Heck it works that way in college. A kid will be listed at 6’4 all through college, show up at the combine at measure in at 6’1 3/8 or something.
Kind of like Patrick Swayze as the “cooler ” in the movie Road House. Being the bouncer people kept saying to him I thought you would’ve been bigger.
ALWAYS be scared of small bouncers. It obviously means they didn’t get the job based solely on size, but based on fighting ability instead.
Dan Mullen is to be applauded for ‘nudging’ the youngster to look elsewhere after finding a better prospect who also happens to be taller, stronger, heavier than Virgil…..Virgil now has time to find a lesser program and continue his education outside the SEC… Mullen apparantly felt Virgil was not ‘SEC good enough’ but just what Little 12-2 teams are looking for….This may be a guy Kst, Kansas, ISU will try to sign.
Stephen Dale- you have issues.
If everyone would simply skip over his posts and ignore his inane comments he would go away. As a troll he is only looking to get a reaction. Don’t bite.
Agreed, can’t fix stupid. I guess it was kind of a Captain Obvious statement.
I agree it’s hard to argue with stupid. Was in this same situation out on the Hill about a month ago. Some dude who is about 5-6/125 lbs now and played center in grade school. He was was bragging about how he could’ve scored on Bill Russell. By the way the Hill is my Happy Hours stomping grounds.
Hell, I want to but sometimes the temptation is too much.
Dude seriously, you have a problem if you think this is ok.
Just stop. Are you Mullen’s secret lover?
LOL. SEC good? Kansas St has accomplished a lot more than Miss St. Dan Mullen deserves every negative article. This was classless. Typical SEC crap. Would be nice if they actually cared about the player and not the recruiting ranks.
lol, MSU has 1 good year in their entire history, and you act like you are something.
Why are you even on OU boards kid? GTFO
There is no lesser program now. Miss. state was a low level program that sank itself to the bottom with this act.
I think this may be why Foley wouldn’t even consider Mullen.
Frankly, if I were an Alum of Miss. State, I’d be mad as hell over this.
You are ridiculous. “Nudging?” Have you read what Mullen did or you are just Bs’ing your way for attention with all your posts. Well it worked. Now where is that ignore button?
Taller = seeing the field but just as interested in ‘decision making’; can he READ the field. Virgil’s stats are 196 of 302 = just under 65% so he’s accurate. Had 400+ yds and 6 TDs in a losing effort in the playoffs this weekend. Definitely worth a look but…at 170# can he hold some weight and be durable?
Totally agree. You can be 6’6 but if you make the wrong throw, it doesn’t matter.
I questioned the development in my post as well. It doesn’t matter if Cam Newton is on the roster if OU cannot develop them. We have a nasty habit of making average QBs look like gods (Trickett, Petty, RG3, Boykin and that goofy KSU dude) so I struggle to think we have issues of talent. QB performance dropoff started after Bradford and it’s not a coincidence that the position has seen regression since. IMHO I find it strange how quickly folks throw CT, Knight, Bell and Landry (All 4*s, FYI) under the bus and the fat man just started getting called out
Every high school coach should take heed in Dan Mullen. As a parent would you want your kid to accept a scholarship under him? As a college coach I would be using this against him in a big way. So come on Kish does Mullen have some linebackers OU could sway. Dan Mullen needs to listen to that song by Dierks Bentley ” what was I thinkin “
MSSt found a begger, stronger, heavier, QB out of Chattanooga TN and thought he was a better prospect than Virgil. Giving the kid a chance to land at a lesser program , go FCS, NAIA, etc is much preferable to stringing him along to signing date and then asking him to ‘gray shirt”…….
He is enrolling for the spring. 4 weeks from now. That isn’t stringing him along? Should a coaches word mean nothing? A scholarship offer? Coaches get pissed all the time when prospects commit but then keep going on visits. Why should a coach be allowed to do the same thing? It’s all risk for the kid and none for the coach.
You seem to be defending Mullen through this entire “thread”. You’re not going to change the minds of non Miss State fans, because everyone who has followed recruiting for a while knows this move was BS. You and a few Miss State fans are the only ones defending the move.
while I don’t agree with what was done. Apple did things a little the same. They would put two teams on the same project and the winning team got to keep their jobs the other teams members got fired. It worked for Apple, but I think that word of mouth is going to effect him more, since the coaches are a tight group. I think that MSU should step up and offer the kid a full ride since the kid did nothing to lose what was promised him. Stephen I will not jump on you, I know this is just how you feel about this, and you should be able to express it here if you wish. People don’t have to agree or even read what you put on here. I hope this never happens to you or anyone in your family, but if it does I hope things workout for you, like I hope they workout for this young man.
These recruits are completely reliant on trust in the coach’s making the offers, but everyone at Apple knew Jobs and his bizarre behavior of bullying people- oftentimes until they quit, crying after fights with senior executives, and taking all the credit when something was successful. Steve Jobs claimed he was sterile to avoid paying child support until a paternity test ordered by a court proved him to be a liar, which he finally admitted. He and Wozniak agreed to split the money for Breakout on Atari. When he was paid $5000 by Atari he told Steve W. he was paid $700 and gave him $350. He lied about that until admitting it only a couple of years before his death. Not a man to model yourself after unless you believe that morals are not relevant, and you can’t be successful without lying and cheating even your own family.
They “found” Tiano back in June, not last week. Timing is terrible and seems intentional. Trying to hold on to him and screw him out of a scholly to over-sign.
Very happy to hear we’ve already been in touch with Virgil. If we can bring a happy ending to his recruiting process, it would be very cool. I have heard he is a little slight in stature. The pic in this article seems to suggest he needs a little bulking up too. That said, Russell Wilson managed to prove you dont need to be big to enjoy success at the NFL level. His hands look quite large or the pic is flatteringly deceiving.
Another example is Mariota. He gets hit quite a bit and has held up well for how much he runs it.
Mariota is much larger ( 6-3,.205) and can withstand hits better than smaller QB’s
Virgil is around 6’0″ , 170 lbs ( think Kendall Thompson). Haven’t seen him in action so I can’t comment on his throwing motion, arm strength, accuracy, etc etc)
A rumor on Scout’s board that Braxton Miller may look at transferring to OU. I know TFB needs to confirm but that’d be amazing.
I doubt that’s true. It’s probably just that: a rumor.
A lot of things start out as “just a rumor” I’ve started believing the rumors more than I used to.
Touche’. Touche’. You have a valid point.
I used to be anti rumor guy but then these rumors had a way of unfolding and being true so I’m good with rumors.
But not sure that I would want a one year rental at qb. I think that sends the wrong message. Especially if it’s a guy who isn’t known for his qb accuracy or efficiency and has been injury prone.
If everyone is healthy OU will have a 4 qb tryout next year. Chason or Miller would be excellent additions but the scholly could be used in other critical areas, I think.
I would take chason over miller just for the sake of the message it sends. Most have crowned baker as the starter next year which is fine and if he averages 300 yards passing then I will have no problem with it. I hope the weather is good for bedlam (long shot) that way we can see if Thomas can make some throws. We know they can’t line up and run 90% of the time at osu and have the same kind of success.
Well that would be interesting. Also would add to QB competition going into next season if it were to really happen.
Take him in a heart beat!!!! I would really like the Murray kid that in on A&M’s board the most though. I would take both ( as would OU I am sure)
Wouldn’t he have to sit out a year?
Not if he graduates and OU offers a graduate program tOSU doesn’t. Think Russell Wilson.
Forgot he’s a senior that could graduate soon. While I doubt this happens…I’m intrigued
He’s a dynamic player but I’m interested in multiple titles, not one. We need to continue our progression toward sustainable success. The class we are bringing, coupled with the one from last year is outstanding.
I wouldn’t be in favor of adding braxton because I don’t think he throws the ball well enough. Besides his addition would stymie the growth curves of Mayfield & Hansen–OU’s QB’s for 2015/2016…….
Why though? Kid is a lock to return once he gets healthy. Am I missing something here?
Because his backup may have just Wally Pipped him.
“Wally Pipped” imho, not likely. LG was quite a bit better than 3 for 13 🙂
hes talking about jt barrett taking braxton millers job, which is probable.
Ah, I get it now. thx.
This story, from last week, suggest Miller is staying at tOSU…
http://www.cincinnati.com/story/blogs/2014/11/20/braxton-miller-reportedly-to-remain-with-buckeyes/70009114/
It sounds like a temporary fix rather than a long term solution. I would rather like one of the current QBs to take the position and run with it for the next 3 years. Don’t like the idea of a one year and done (also because I believe Braxton is not going to get us to the playoffs).
Yahoo Sports saying Miller won’t transfer: http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/dr-saturday/braxton-miller-reportedly-not-considering-transfer-for-2015-194548410.html
Glad to see OU reached out to Virgil and I hope everything works out for him somewhere. It wouldn’t hurt at this point to take a QB late in 2015 class so it’s nice to see OU is interested.
The question begs : Is Virgil OU good ???? Can he throw the ball well enough, can he gain enough weight to run the ball without getting injured ? Can he read defenses ? Can he make plays at QB without throwing ‘picks’ or fumbling ? Is he any better of a prospect than Kendall thompson ( approximate same size ) ??
He’s got great highlight film, seems like a good kid, and can enroll early.
I’d love for OU to offer. Whatever he decides to do, he deserved better and I hope it works out for him.
Well, I think that is why Heupel is taking a look at him, to answer some of those questions.
Hey Brainiacs where is Norm Chow and is he available?
We need a QB that can avoid interceptions don’t we? Mayfield?
“Mayfield?” Mayfield took only 8 games last year to throw the same number of interceptions that TK has thrown this year in 9. Same number of games with zero interceptions. Mayfield threw 3 picks against TCU, TK has never thrown that many in one game. Grass is always greener. 🙂
He was Big 12 Offensive Player of the year for a reason. Not saying he is an All-American or anything, but he is somewhat proven.
the issue was about interceptions, that’s all. He’s a good player.
I must have missed Mayfield’s reputation for throwing pick six’s.
I guess people also seem to neglect the 5 or 6 fumbles baker had to go along with his 8 int’s.
So what you are saying he that apparently he has no real talent to play football, so it’s a wonder why OU would waste thier time with him? I am confused… He started as a true freshman so there has to be some talent there.
And he got replaced by another true freshman last year, who got replaced with yet another true freshman this year.
Mayfield is good, but he’s no qb savior. I’d be comfortable with him coming in off the bench, but I don’t think he starts over knight.
9 ints.
I believe he was the Big 12 FRESHMAN Offensive POY
Yeah. But he was a freshman playing with lesser talent around him including the freakin running game. Go rewatch the OU Spring game. He looked more comfortable than Knight.
i would suspect the guy playing against our 3rd team defense would look comfortable.
Knight was in the spring game missing more than half of his starting offense.
people put FAR too much stock into a meaningless spring game.
As usual when the original negative remark get confronted with the facts, the subject gets moved around in order to maintain the criticism.
I’m 100% with you man, my reply was for the guy who was enamored with mayfield’s spring game. I still think knight is the guy, health permitting.
yeah, i kinow. I guess I put my reply in the wrong place, sorta…:-)
This threaded comment system is a bit weird, nothing seems to be in a, particular order lil
Don’t ignore who Mayfield had around him like Coach says. Knight has better players and yet threw as many interceptions as Mayfield did with Tech. In 13 games Knight has 14 interceptions.
I didn’t ignore anything. I just responded to your suggestion that Mayfield would be able to avoid interceptions. His record says no, that’s all.
You can talk about who he had around him, that he was a freshman, that he won an award, that you thought he looked comfortable in the spring game, and a million other things if you like. You can speculate what effect that might have in the future. My guess, fwiw, is that they would/will both be improved. But as far as Mayfield’s record goes, he threw interceptions at roughly the same rate, in fact a little higher than TK.
Yeah. If the spring game meant anything, Bradford wouldn’t have been our starter in 2008, much less won the Heisman.
That was not the case. Go look at who Mayfield was throwing against. He is just a better passer than Knight. By combing Mayfield’s tape with Tech and the Spring game I see Mayfield as our QB next year.
Sorry if the truth hurts. We want the best don’t we? Big 12 Freshman of the year, Knight didn’t do that. Love Knight, but you can’t throw interceptions especially pick sixes, just like you can’t fumble and still expect to get playing time.
Umm, I was at the game, and mayfield was not playing against the 1st stringers. Go back and watch it again. You are wrong, period.
The truth hurts? Lol. Alright then. Mayfield fumbles a lot, so guess we won’t expect to see him on the field.
Who cares if he was big 12 freshman of the year. He lost his job to webb, who sucks.
Okay, okay. But I’ve been watching OU football since the King arrived. My point is that Mayfield was on the field with far less talent than he would be with OU. Why did OU pick him up if he is not a threat to become a starter? Sounds like you are questioning talent evaluation now. I’m just saying perhaps Knight isn’t the guy. If that’s the case I’m not worried are you?
Mayfield had all kinds of skill position talent around him. Amaro, marquez, grant are studs. Dont have great o line talent outside leraven clark, I agree with that.
He came to ou as a walk on, not sure where the evaluation comes in. We gave him a scholarship because, we didn’t get a 2015 qb commit, and he’s an experienced, viable backup.
I just don’t think he’s starting qb material. If I’m wrong, then I’m wrong, happens all the time. More often than not if you ask my wife lol
Okay. I hope he is a star. But we’ll see. Either way, Boomer brother.
i dont care is we trot out boomer and sooner at QB, as long as it gets us a win. If mayfields the guy, ill support him to the ends of the earth. Boomer!
I’m not at all sure that Webb sucks, but you are correct about the spring game and the fumbles for sure. If Mayfield doesn’t clean up that part of his game, he’ll be buried at the bottom of the depth chart faster than you can say “Stoops.”
ive watched nearly every TTU game this year, and webb is not good, at all. He dosent step into his throws, he throws flat footed, and hes like a statue in the pocket.
mayfield is more mobile, but hes a little reckless, hence all the turnovers.
We need someone who can protect the ball, and I dont think mayfield is the guy.
Isn’t he the HC at Hawaii?
Sad to see KLS is yet another LB prospect that we missed out on. I know he was a long shot and was always a heavy UCLA lean but I think at some point the LB recruiting situation must be addressed. I am obviously not privy to any info that leads me to believe Coach Kish is not a capable recruiter or is in any way on a hot seat but the question has to be asked if he is possibly a weak link in the chain.
My crazy look on OU’s chances with present linebacker offers.
Wheeler – excellent chance
McKee – positive chance
McGinnis – positive chance
BeBerry – in the running
Kirkland – in the running
It’s getting close to 60 days till NLOI day. With a lot of teams in playoffs and the holidays coming on it’s time to fish or cut bait. Come on Kish get up off your tush and go get a commit. This waiting is starting to drive me to drinking and the wife says I don’t have far to go!!!
I hope Coach Kish is a strong closer! OU simply cannot continue to miss out on the top level LB recruits like they have been. Beefing up former DBs and converting them to LBs just is not a solution IMO. OU has as strong as a LB tradition as ANY school in the country and it is baffling that we can’t get kids to commit!
And though it’s a longshot, John Houston is scheduled to visit for the OState game. Included McNeal, we talked about the possibility of him playing LB with Wood committed to play TE/HB. Any other commit dates to add to the list? As Zach said, getting tight and good reason to believe OU can get at least a couple of these guys. Will know much more the weekend of Dec 19-21.
Jefferson – Dec 19
McNeal – Dec 19
McKee – Dec 21 (his Bday)
Wheeler – ??
DeBerry – ??
Houston – visiting for OState??
McGinnis – ??
Wheeler has said he will take all his officials first and then will announce on National Signing Day.
DeBerry will take his last official on 11-29 ( Alabama ) then will announce on 12/19.
McGinnis wants to finish this season then take all his officials. He has not set up all his officials yet. His announcement date has not been set up yet that I can find.
Kirkland is announcing at the Army All-American bowl on Jan. 3rd.
I cant find anything on Houston yet bet he seems to be staying out West to play his college ball.
Great news about M. Jefferson putting OU in his top 7.
If OU does not have a linebacker commit by midnight Dec. 21st then we will be in a full blown “Panic” mode.
Gary, I doubt OU gets any of those you mentioned. Wheeler is probably Texas bound; McKee probably to Mich St.,; McGinnis don;t know ; DeBerry to the ACC; Kirkland to Ole Miss along with the receiver , ryan newsome, OU covets………..Not sure what caliber of talent would be available if OU whiffs on those you mentioned, but don’t envision any of them in Norman.
Do you think Heupel would take a demotion of sorts and just go back to coaching QBs and let them bring in someone specifically to run the offense or is that an unrealistic scenario
I don’t think they would ask him to do that and if they did I do not think he would accept the demotion. Plus colleges are restricted in the number of coaches you can have so if they were to bring someone in, who leaves?
Kish.
Who coaches LBs?
I’m getting the feeling that BJ Wright may be hanging it up. Let me clarify, I am NOT calling for him to be fired or pushed into retirement. BJ Wright is a great coach and better person. No rumors just my own hunch. If that were to happen, my hope is he would be a part of the program in some form.
I am not the person that will call for a coach to be fired and I am a huge fan of Coach Wright but I do believe if he were to leave OU could definitely get someone young in there that would be an asset in recruiting and have a huge impact on the secondary. I agree completely with your statements on Coach Wright, great guy and great Sooner!
I did notice earlier this year when the special teams blocked a couple of kicks/extra points, Boulware fully gave BJW credit for coaching that unit.
I’m no insider on who is recruiting good or bad. However, I’ve tried to back Kish for the longest time but I’m starting to waver. I will wait till after LOI day but we should have guys lined up to play LB. It’s open, little depth and more importantly, it freaking OU.
I agree every week that passes without a linebacker being committed is a week that my doubt grows. I think he can do a solid job but at this point he needs better results. Also I would like to see what Bolton and Tay Evans do next year before I write him off as a coach.
I think both Tay and Bolton will be studs. I’m talking about 4 LB positions and we should have tons of kids who are trying to get in these spots.
at some point Merv Johnson is going to have to retire . BJW , i assume, would be a candidate to replace Merv.
I hope for the same thing but that is a tough pill for any man to swollow.
Before that would happen someone actually on the staff and not just critics in the media and on the internet would have to agree that he’s doing something other than a great job. All indications are that those who make the decisions think he’s doing an excellent job, and IMHO their analysis is correct.
I will disagree but that is what boards are for, right. I’m not going to argue just saying I don’t share your thoughts.
Before he should take/be asked to take a demotion, they need to bring in a qb coach. See if just focusing strictly on the play calling and developing the whole offense is something he can do. Because we have seen him put together good game plans but to be able to do it consistently is the issue. I think he has a chance to be a really good OC and I like the style he wants to call which is a power run game that leads to deep throws. He needs to develop better short and intermediate route combinations that will give his qb confidence.
How can anybody fault MS ST for keeping a bigger, heavier, and probably more talented QB and letting the smaller, lighter QB ( Virgil) go ?? Virgil’s size –think Josh Heupel– is a detriment seeing the field over a tall OL. The guy MSSt has committed out of Chattanooga is 6’4″………MSSt was just culling their list of commits ( standing at 30) to make room for others more highly regarded such as George brown off UF’s list).
It’s that Virgil was one of their first commits for the 2015 class. Mullen encouraged him to graduate early. And 16 DAYS before he graduates, Mullen calls his coach to say he’s now a greyshirt because they’ve found someone better.
It shows no loyalty and is a slap in the face to Virgil. It’s about treating recruits with respect, which Mullen did not do. Virgil is a real person who seems like a good kid, and yet he gets screwed around because Mullen had one great year? It’s shady, classless, and I hope Virgil goes to a D-1 school and dominates.
And is a reason there needs to be reform to the current recruiting process. Almost every kid with 4 stars (unless known to be a lock to local school) ends up with at least 25 major offers. And schools like msu and others are in the process of over signing or allowing for more verbals than they can hold spots for.
I’m not sure if it was Bo Pelini but one coach believes if you accept a verbal commitment then that recruit should be able to sign. It would help protect the coach and the player. Because now that player can’t be recruited over and asked to wait or be told his offer is removed. And they could make loopholes for example with Lane having an arrest, that could be grounds to terminate an offer.
And then I think randy Edsel wants it to where you can’t offer kids until their senior year of HS. Which would cut down on a lot of the “offers just to offer”
I wish they would have a early signing period, but if a coach leaves or gets fired what happens then?
Same thing that should be an opt out thing for the player and it should be if the player is already on scholarship. Should they be immediately eligible if they were already on scholarship? Maybe not but how about make them sit out 4 games instead of one full season.
Sounds about right
Zach……..i think both Peline & Edsel are on the right track. Doubt mr Saban or any SEC coach would agree, however.
K, I know we are supposed to be respectful of other posters opinions on here but if someone can not understand that this move is completely wrong and only pulled by the lowest of the low then I don’t think I can show them any respect. That is a classless, dirt bag move, plain and simple and if you don’t see that then you have a serious problem.
Hope this spreads like wildfire to coaches across the country. No kid deserves to have the rug pulled out from under him. Not right.
You know, I think I’ll use the same strategy with my wife. I’ll keep her around until I find someone bigger (ya know the area im talkin ’bout), nicer, cooks better, cleans more, etc. Then I’ll just ditch the one I’ve got and get a new one. How do you think that will work out? Doesn’t that make me sound like a perfect upstanding individual that basically everyone would want to marry? /sarcasm
Almost fell out of my chair laughing. Reminds me of my ex father in law. He told that to his wife and she had a classic answer. She said go ahead because I’m sitting on the best thing you ever had in your life. He shut up.
Sorry Gary that was a little disturbing, some mental images are kept to yourself.
Gary……………….loved your post !!!!! so very true……
That strategy works better with recruits than wives. Nudge them out and they leave with half your sh%t.
BoomerSooner & ouguy……………no question Mullen should have been more honest with Virgil but that is the ‘way of life’ in the SEC…..ATm, Auburn, LSU, Alabama, etc have all asked guys to ‘grayshirt’ and some have done so while others haven’t…..just saying if it had to happen, NOW is a better time than waiting till he enrolls and/or waiting till the Feb .signing date….While you guys have dissed Mullen’s decision, he is doing only what most all SEC coaches have done or are doing as we speak…Its all about winning and the pressure is on those guys to win at all costs..I agree Bob Stoops would not do a commit that way, but Stoops isn’t in the SEC, either. Maybe that is why he isn’t interested in going to Florida.
Still doesn’t make it any less classless. Mullen shouldn’t be forgiven for doing what others have done, he should be slammed even more for not doing the right thing despite witnessing the historic classlessness of guys like Saban (the king if the medical scholly) and Sumlin (who has to boot large portions of every class to be able to over-sign).
If it is about “culling” their commitment list, then maybe they shouldn’t have taken so many commitments to begin with. No matter how you look at it, Miss St did this kid wrong. Tiano committed back in June, yet they waited until now to talk to him about grey shirting. They have 30 commits (even though the SEC supposedly has a 25/per rule) because they are attempting to over-sign. Every year teams that over sign kill some kid’s dreams out of pure greed and complete disregard for the person under the helmet.
It seems like Tennessee did the same thing to a def. tackle a few months ago and there was a big uproar. Since it was a few months ago I could be wrong. Most of the time I can’t remember what I had for breakfast yesterday.
It’s called keeping your word, as in integrity. When you are full, you are full. You don’t keep shopping around looking for someone better. It’s about being a decent human being. They cost this kid other opportunities. Mullen doesn’t care about the kid and now coaches all over Texas understand that.
I’m hoping for Skyler Murray myself
Isn’t she on Breaking Bad?
While good, ‘Kyler’ isn’t any bigger than Virgil, a bit heavier but at 5’10ish, shorter. Just feel the staff at OU is best at running a more pass oriented offense with a more ‘pro-style’ QB. These guys are all better as runners, which I just don’t think this particular staff is ever going to fully embrace.
Gotta love auto correct.
Honestly, earlier in the year I was thinking we didn’t need a QB in this class but with the situation of Knight, it might be a good idea to get one…. I would like to take a look at Virgil film… Could be interesting to pick the kid up…..
I would argue that we don’t need a QB in this class. LBs baby! About 4 of them so we can stay deep in the 3-4 D we’re running.
Chason Virgil ,, Wow! .. I kept waiting for the usual half-dozen underthrows defended so poorly they went for big yards anyway ,, they never came! Everything was on the dime !
he runs very well – when he has to 🙂 great field awareness ,, even has Eyes in the back of his head !v get this guy ! PLZ!
you were looking for underthrows in a highlight video?
You’d be surprised by how many highlight tapes there are where guys are regularly throwing behind guys. That’s one of the things that impressed me with Cody Thomas’ tape. He seemed to be on the money with everything, whether it was a 5-yd slant or a 40-yd post it was on the money.
yea they usually put them in when they are big gains , at least for some guys
What’s going on with McKinley Whitfield? Is OU ever going to offer?
Recently committed to Tulsa
Somehow, I think that TU commitment would become a TU decommitment with an OU offer.
Maybe, maybe not. But the coaches had their look and didn’t offer for some reason.
And appear to not be in much contact. So I don’t think he’s even a backup plan at this point.
Yeah. I liked him, but he is a tweener that would have to be developed. I’m not sure that’s our strong suit at this point.
He’s a tweener but he probably just needs one year to RS and then get some time as a RS freshman to get some experience and I would expect him to have tons of success as a soph-senior.
Oh I agree, I wish we would have offered.
Seems pretty unlikely at this point
JE, I’ve watched the attached video on Chason Virgil. Let me tell you that I was most impressed with his ball placement. He had to throw into some tight windows. Some of the throws required touch to get the ball into that small window. The balls were 20 to 25 yards down field.
The throw that most impressed me was the pass at the 3:10 mark. That pass was to the wide side of the field and placed where only his receiver could get it but it didn’t stop the receivers momentum. In fact, the receiver put a move on one DB, then scored.
His release points vary. Quick throws seem to be should high. Deeper throws are released by his ear. He follows through on all of his throws. It reminds me of a someone with the perfect golf swings: he repeats it over and over again.
I like this kid. I hope OU offers.
His ball placement was terrific even though it is a highlight film. His throwing motion seemed to be very smooth and looked like he has enough arm to make most of the throws. Has some wheels but I couldn’t really tell how fast he is. Count me as impressed.
Does OU have any chance with Malik Jefferson? Or will we be put in the “friend zone”?
In theory our chance would be slightly above 14%. However I don’t know where to read this kid he seems like a high character kid so wherever he goes is lucky to have him. What originally gave me hope in landing him and McNeal is that the set the date for announcing when ou was starting to make up some ground but I’ve heard very little from these kids that would tip their hands.
I thought Devante Bond looked very good in what I believe was his first start. Don’t know if he got any sacks but he was right there on quite a few plays.
A little off topic but I will be pissed if this staff gets outrageous raises again. Also, we need to make sure to keep Cale Gundy. Guy has consistently kept depth, and developed his RB’s. We never have poor runningbacks
I’m impressed. He has touch and velocity. He has a lil tendency to lock, but not always. He can motor and elude. His pocket presence is mature. He has that uncoachable ability to float a ball.He sees the field really well and goes through his progressions well most of the time AND he knows how to fall. Getting out of the way is huge.
………ran across the latest predictions on a couple of sites for wariboko and barnett……..
wariboko……….heavy to ucla…….fellow ucla recruit over the weekend felt he was about to sign
barnett……..surprisingly, to me at least, ou was a fairly heavy favorite………arky was fading
……fwiw, and so it goes
I think Barnett is one recruit OU should never lose to another school.
OU’s linebacker commits are another huge concern.
The below is a 2014 list of OU by class and includes Shannon.
A. 4-freshmen
B. 3-sophomores
C. 5-juniors
D. 4-seniors
If Shannon doesn’t return and Striker goes pro then OU will have to replace 6. So 3 at a bare minimum and more like 4.
One of my silly questions that usually Sooner Ray, Zack or Eas-Tex answer. Not being very computer savvy I need help.
A. The average age of all D-1 coaches.
B. The age of our head coach (Bob Stoops).
C. The average age of all D-1 assistant coaches. ( I think each school is allowed 9)
D. The average age of OU’s assistant coaches. (Again all 9 I assume)
Dammit Gary, I’m too old and you’re too old to worry about how old anyone else is and I’ve had too many beers to care…..haha. This is a job for that young Zack or that teenager Tex. 🙂
I’m 63 and getting better every danged day, I’ll have you know.
I’m also keeping my powder dry and encourage all to do the same.
I do think that Bob is 54 yrs. old. As far as averages, I would think Bob is about average age and I would guess assistant’s are about mid to upper 30’s. No Idea what the national averages would be.
Thanks for helping. I was at ” happy hour ” today and somebody said at my age I would not be able to coach. Probably true but at 67 I’m too stubborn to agree.
You could still coach the hilltop longneck team, as long as you started Bobby at QB. 🙂
Age is irrelevant to me. If are good at it and the fire to win burns hot it doesn’t matter. Personally, I never wanted to coach because of all the BS they have to put up with. Everything has a cost and to me the cost was too high.
As Mark Twain said:
” Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”
I would guess the average age is about 50 maybe closer to 47. If we look at just the big 12
Stoops is 54
Gundy 47
Snyder 75 ish
Dingleberry 35 ish
Strong is around 50 I think
Patterson is around 50
Briles may be like 58
Holgerson is about 44
I don’t know anything about isu’s coach and ku has an interim but will probably hire a guy that is late 40s
I would guess the sec and acc are similar. Big 10 I would guess the average age is older and PAC 12 Woolf be younger.
Thanks man.