Open Post | Tuesday, Dec. 2nd (UPDATE 4:11 pm)
Posted on: December 2, 2014
Image of Amani Bledsoe via Lawrence Journal World
– Chason Virgil: Last Monday, we reported in the Open Post that OU offensive coordinator Josh Heupel had been in contact with 2015 West Mesquite (TX) QB, Chason Virgil. Shortly after Virgil had his scholarship pulled (asked to grey-shirt) a few weeks back by Mississippi State, multiple programs began to reach out to him including Indiana, Kentucky, & Virginia Tech to name a few, per our source. Our DFW guy, Alex King, caught up with a coach at West Mesquite and apparently Sunday night, Virgil, who recently took an official visit to Louisville, had an in-home visit from Heupel.
The coach also let Alex know that Chason will be taking an official visit to Norman this coming weekend for the Bedlam game.
We are told though that at this point, no official offer has been extended. So, with that in mind, why would OU invite Virgil up for an official? We’ve got a couple theories:
1. An offer could very well take place over the weekend, and they want to offer him on campus where they may feel they can earn an immediate commitment.
2. It’s possible OU may feel like they have a chance with another QB prospect (i.e. Kyler Murray). We’ve said a couple times on the site that we have been told there are people around Murray that feel the Sooners are more serious contenders that most think. That doesn’t necessarily mean OU’s chances are good, but perhaps just good enough to hold off a little longer. Again, this is purely speculative on our part.
For those that don’t know much about Virgil, he was a four year starter at West Mesquite and took over after Trevone Boykin graduated. This past season he threw for 2765-yards with 41-TDs & 7-INTs with a 64.9 completion percentage. He also had 91-carries for 411-yards & 8-TDs.
One thing to remember though is that Clemson was Virgil’s first offer, an offer that happened during his sophomore year. The OC/QB coach for the Tigers at the time was Chad Morris, but he is now the head coach at SMU. Virgil built a good relationship with Morris during that time. With that in mind, the Mustangs are a team to keep your eye on here moving forward. Either way, we will have our ears to the ground on this one over the weekend. But with an offer, Oklahoma could definitely be a top contender here.
John Houston: We have been able to confirm that star 2015 linebacker John Houston (Gardena, CA) will make the trip from California to Norman this weekend for an official visit. Always great to get a star player like Houston on campus, but it’s hard to imagine the Sooners being a serious contender here.
Kareem Orr: OU recently extended an offer to 2015 CB and Louisville commit, Kareem Orr. Who told us at the time of the offer that he would definitely visit Norman. We were able to confirm with Orr yesterday that he will be in town this weekend for Bedlam.
Amani Bledsoe: A big time 2016 defensive lineman, Amani Bledsoe, let us know that he will also be in Norman this weekend. Bledsoe is a Kansas native and though just a junior, he already holds offers from multiple high major D-I programs, including the Sooners.
Tyrell Jacobs and Cody Ford: We’ve confirmed that the two 2015 OU commits will be in Norman for Bedlam as well.
PJ Mbanasor: A number of you have asked for an update on the status of 2015 OU CB commit, PJ Mbanasor. We’ve spoken to Mbanasor a number of times in the past few weeks and there is no question that some of the secondary alignments were a bit of a concern to him. But it’s also clear that PJ loves OU, the Sooner fan base, the coaches, and he’s been assured that Oklahoma will put him in the best position to succeed.
OU has done a much better job just in the past couple weeks of showing tighter pre-snap looks and that has not been lost on Mbanasor. He is the type of athlete that will actually watch film, analyze alignments, ask questions of coaches, etc. He’s a savvy young man, and he isn’t impulsive. So while he may have some questions, he has built a great relationship with the OU staff and feels comfortable discussing those things with them. And they are apparently very good about making themselves available to have those conversations.
Bottom line, in talking to PJ, is that he is still solid to the Sooners. Nothing is final till signing day, so the OU coaches will obviously continue to recruit him — as will other schools’ coaching staffs, that’s simply how recruiting works — but right now things are still solid.
– UPDATE (4:11 pm): We just exchanged some messages with OU LB target, Cassius Peat and he has confirmed that he decommitted from UCLA. He has let us know that OU is indeed back in the mix for his recruitment. He also confirmed that there is a possibility that he will make a return trip to Oklahoma. You will recall that Peat original visited for the OU vs. Tennessee game.
99 Comments
slaughter zer0 st.
SMU has a great QB recruit already 4* from Cali
Great news on all fronts – I really hope it works out with Virgil. I think we end up looking great in TX recruiting circles and we’ll be getting a quality kid in the program.
Interesting play going on with Virgil. He’s made significant improvement as a SR as his stats thru JR year had him at a tick above 60% comp. Think he can bulk up some and if he can complete passes won’t be counted on to run too much. Love the dual threat aspect, so he needs to be durable, but have to be able to throw with accuracy first and foremost. So maybe trying to force Murry’s hand a bit?
The QB situation at TAMU is uncertain. Maybe Murray sees a chance to start there as a freshman.
PJ Mbanasor is a shut down corner. This kid doesn’t care who’s lined up across form him and he’s fearless. He will give this defense so much more flexibility because no one will catch many passes on his side of the field.
PJ will allow Mike to unleash a nightmare on opposing offenses.
Just checked 247 on Amani Bledoe, 6’5 270 DE, and all ‘crystal ball’ predicitons are 100% OU. Would be a great 2nd ’16 commit. Thanks for the update on PJ. Be great to get him a running mate at the other CB. That and bring Haughton into the family.
Gotta love the Montgomery effect, big time recruiter.
Great write up.Very good news about PJ he is the must in this recruiting class.
Rumor has it Nebraska is looking at Josh Heupel as a head coach candidate…No but really, I think he could make an okay head coach, give him a shot cornhuskers!
I heard a rumor that Josh would like to live closer to family, who are in South Dakota.
I’m not sure if that’s a joke or what but I don’t think josh really cares to live there. He’s been in oklahoma for the better part of about 15 years.
Well, at least it was an attempt at a joke. Josh is not going anywhere. He has a sweet deal at Owen Field.
Sure would like to see him play to his strength and 100% focus on QB coaching . . . he could set a record for coaching QB’s to become Heisman winners.
Is 2 already a record maybe? 3 would have to be
He could set it fantastically high like Perine’s rushing record.
I heard a rumor that Josh was on the NutriSystem diet but considering moving to Herbalife in the offseason.
Josh’s sister and parents live in Oklahoma, although I heard his mom and dad got a divorce.
pls see my update
Are the coaches going after any of Fl or NU recruits? Pelini seems to land some nice DBs every now and then
Cassius Peat decommitted from UCLA, do you guys have any contact with him?
That could be good news for us.
How would you rank Peat in comparison to the other LB’s OU’s recruiting?
Jefferson is number one. After that Houston would be a solid second but I don’t think we have a good shot with him. I would actually rank McKee third (might sound crazy but I think he fits our scheme better than others rated above him) then deberry just because I don’t know where he would fit. Mcguinnis would be right behind deberry.
With all that said I think wheeler and peat would be a push. Wheeler is projected to be a ILB and peat OLB I would probably switch them because I think peat would be athletic enough to cover where wheeler doesn’t impress me in space.
Then there’s other guys who I would rather have over wheeler and peat but we haven’t offered or they’ve already committed elsewhere.
I haven’t watched Peat’s film yet but I’d take him based on our current situation…. The only thing I would switch would be moving Deberry ahead of Mckee. i just think he’s gonna make things happen wherever you put him. Appreciate your thoughts!
I agree with you peat is a guy you take if you’re willing to take wheeler I think they’re the same. Then with deberry I agree but for me it was about the fit and I don’t know where he would fit although he wants to be an OLB.
Peat is large enough to grow into a DE……believe he is the tallest LB OU would be recruiting at this time if, in fact, He is considering OU again…. Would think both instate AZ schools ( UA & ASU) would be recruiting him to stay in state now.
I wouldn’t think he could make the jump to DE in the 3-4 but I think it will be something to watch and see if the 4-3 comes back in 2016. I think they’ll give this 30 front one more chance but quality teams are getting enough push that we can’t get to their backs until they’ve gained 3 or 4 yards. Also I wouldn’t expect the coaches to come out directly and say anything regarding the base formation…as I expect they are going to load up on dline and linebacker talent before they make a switch
I just read that a&m called him and said they are going to take one more lb in this class than they thought and asked him to come visit again and he reopened his recruitment after the call.
Safe to assume Jefferson is going to UT then.
I think so
He has for sure decommitted? Last I heard he was opening up his recruitment but staying committed.
Isn’t re-opening his recruitment basically a de-commitment?
Yeah that’s what Humphrey or someone did before they decommitted.
Not at all. When he committed to UCLA I believe he ended all contact with other schools. All this is saying he will listen to their offers. To me he misses the constant attention of being told how much he is wanted.
I guess I’m looking at it from a Stoops point of view, but I get your point. Anyways, he’s officially decommitted now per 247sports.
When asked by a rivals guy if he should take Cassius off UCLA’s commitment list Cassius said and it’s been quoted, “It’s up to you.”
That’s a little awkward.
Yes. Call it what you want, but that is what is going on.
Semantics.
Is this the brother of the Stanford Peat?
OPEN POST!!!
Yea!! An Open Post!! So was the report wrong that said that Bob did the in-home with Chason? And what does an offer to a QB at this late date suggest about TK’s future?
They are either worried and want insurance or they know he won’t be playing anymore.
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. The kid really liked Louisville though.
Clemson is the number 1 defense in the country (per ESPN) ? Wow, never looked that way when I watched them. I guess I need to pay more attention….
In the ACC…
I do my best to not use the eSECpn network unless I have no other place to get the information. Unfortunately, Gameday will be at BU this weekend, so if I want to watch the BU – KState, will have to gag through all the SEC references on every play by the teams actually playing the game!
#1 in total defense, #8 in scoring defense.
#1 overall seems realistic.
They’re good in many of the major categories (from advanced analytics), and they’ve gotten better each of the last three years. Some of it’s the ACC (UGA scored bunches on them). This surprises me from a Venables standpoint; never was that blow apart from the sheer awesomeness of his defenses or many of his recruits. Clemson has been a hot commodity lately. When that wears off what happens…?
Common sense should tell you ESPN is wrong as long as Venables is their DC. Although his numbers will look inflated in the ACC…
McKinley Whitfield decommits from Tulsa
Interesting I say….
Not surprising due to the turnover in coaching staff.
OU probably could have flipped him at any point. One less hurdle now if we choose to get involved.
wonder if ou ever followed thru with seeing him play this season for lb eval……
Considering they see him as a linebacker and they made a couple of offers in September or October to linebackers…I would say they saw some of his games. And since they’re still in on a lot of top talent I think they decided not to offer.
Also keep in mind osu and Arkansas were looking hard at him and neither of them made an offer either. So I can’t say it’s about hoping no one notices him.
seems like, in spite of the tfb fascination with him, there’s something lacking in the eyes of the big boys in the area vs other recruits……..wonder if kst has looked at him………or, everyone is missing on a sleeper
Exactly. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with thinking this kid could be big time but I think he needs to be in a top tier program. One that has an elite strength and nutrition program because I think he needs to put on about 30 pounds to play linebacker.
puke db coach going to smu…….
Wonder if Jaylon Lane gets a chance at SMU?
Chason Virgil and Josh Heupel likely to meet up at SMU following the season!
I think Morris at SMU will affect TCU’s recruiting more than any other B12 school. TCU works the Metroplex very hard and very well. SMU should pull some decent talent with Morris.
Morris is going to find it tough sledding going against Patterson. And remember, TCU is in a big 5 conference that’s on tv all the time. SMU is not.
Anyone like Jason kersey from the Oklahoman? Between he and Darnell Mayberry I’ve grown to hate the DOK. Kersey tweeted out about stoops business phone records not being accurate. Which implies to me and some others who actually responded to him that stoops might be violating some rule.
But why are people trying to dig that info up??
Not a huge fan of the Oklahoman in any aspect. To me, it seems like they will report anything just to stay relevant since nobody reads the paper anymore.
I can’t stand the Oklahoman. Horrible writers
Wtf??!!
seeing ‘informed’ rumors all involving theft, fwiw
Jordan just tweeted out that WR Derrick Woods has been removed from the roster indefinitely for violation of team rules.
Did our WRs piss off the Gypsy Lady prior to the season? It’s been bad voodoo all year long.
Don’t know if it’s been posted but Brady Hoke is apparently gone at Michigan
Wow.. A return trip.. Sounds like our coaches never gave up..
That’s nothing but good news for us. Good player at a position of need. Really felt like he liked his visit to OU a lot. Very active on social media and IF OU can get him in the fold would be a great guy to pull a KStills and get other Cali guys this year and beyond.
Is there more to the Peat story? What made him re-think UCLA? Something other than them being clocked by Stanford I hope.
Greg Biggins @GregBiggins
LB Poly (Calif.) trio of Iman Marshall/Colin Samuel/Joseph Wicker will all officially visit #Oklahoma this weekend
4:32 PM – 2 Dec 2014
Need to lock one of them up and see if the other 2 will join. I will have to see what the twit brigade is doing to get these kids pumped.
Figuratively lock one of them up, he’s saying, you guys!
(Please forgive me in advance)
Lord, please don’t let us screw the pooch…Amen.
damn, frogs jump fsu in standings……..if it stopped now, frogs would play ducks and fsu would play bama
I’d much rather have TCU in the playoff than Baylor
Amen. There’s a mantra my sister and I repeat with increasing frequency…”fu#*&in’ Baylor…”
OU would do well to land that QB. The state of QB play in the program is not good by any stretch of the imagination and Virgil’s team appears to run the offense that Stoops and Heupel WANT to run. The fact that the kid runs it very well means OFFER HIM!
Except they’d be too afraid to let him run for fear of injury, so what’s the difference?
Well I’d be more than ok with the coaching staff letting him run as much as CT has against Kansas and tech. More than enough to keep a defense honest and he looks like he has decent passing skills but obviously we’ve seen how much passing highlights from high school film has mattered with the current QB crop…
A. Bledsoe is down right nasty, violent young man… I love what I see
I AM GOING TO ALLOW THE 4:11PM UPDATE. A LOT.
Lots of CB offers going out, do you guys know if we are looking at some of these guys at safety?
Bledsoe tape at 1:41! He get triple teamed and still gets the tackle. Very impressive. With a year of university training this dude is gonna be scary.
So,” if ” Missouri were to beat bama and everyone else in the top 8 won, could bama end up outside the top 4 or is there no way anyone would allow that to happen. I would love to see an sec/espin meltdown.
Cue the teleprompter, “yes, they lost to Missouri, but by the all important eyeball test, to me and the rest of our espn crew, Alabama is the best team in the country. I mean you can just see it.”
I want total chaos.
I want Mizzou, K St, Arizona, Wisconsin and Ga Tech to win.
I want the espn fools jibbering and jabbering incessantly until the Beauty Pageant judges meet next Tuesday.
Anarchy. I like it
Helter-Skelter!!!
Throw in an Iowa St beat down of TCU and OU scoring eleventeen TDs in Bedlam and I would sleep peacefully on Saturday night.
I want the a**clowns at espn to sleep like a baby…waking up every hour crying and screaming.
No. They’ll still try to find a way to push 2 sec teams in the final 4. This isn’t as easily rigged for the sec as the BCS was but it’s still not what I’d call honest until proven otherwise. If one or no sec teams are in the final 4 ESPN will say this experiment failed and we had undeserving teams making the final 4. Then the sec will cry out how we need an 8 team playoff (so that way they can squeeze in 4 sec teams).
Fun fact: the team in White in the first part of Bledsoe’s highlight, Free State out of Lawrence, made it to sub-state(semifinals) in Kansas 6A(highest class). Quality competition
Going back and watching the OU TCU game after TCU is ranked in top 4, we need to remember that OU led this game in the 4th on their field. A pick six loses the game. I refuse to admit that OU is any less of a team than TCU. Same situation with the K St game. This team is close to being 11-1 and despite the issues, we need to be optimistic for 2015.
Agree.
OU was a few solid QB plays away from 11-1. Mike just needs to get his defensive sh%t 2gether, too, for next season. Heartened by the presser comment about young guys really showing and 5 of the young oline mentioned by name.