Open Post | Wednesday, Jan. 21st (UPDATE 9:43 pm)

Image of Van Jefferson via scout.com

Ryan Newsome: Just had to start the Open Post with this great picture from last night. Newsome narrowed his list to two (Texas and UCLA), but apparently the dynamic duo of  Cale Gundy and Lincoln Riley are still coming after him anyway.

Newsome tweeted out the picture below along with “Only one! #Boomer.”

photo

Van Jefferson, Coach Shawn Jefferson & the WR Coaching Position: As we noted in yesterday’s open post, it’s looking likely that Van Jefferson will end up a Sooner. As many of you also know, Van’s father is a coach. Shawn Jefferson, a 13-year NFL vet as a player, is currently the wide receivers coach for the Tennessee Titans. At one time, he was actually our very own Ryan Broyles’ coach in Detroit.

Many of you may recall that Van had told us previously if his father was offered the WR coach job, he’d commit to OU. There does seem to be at least interest in the elder Jefferson, and we surmise that it may have even gone further than just mere interest at this point.

We want to check with a few more sources before we get you too excited, but it does seem there is, at the very least, real interest in Shawn Jefferson as a wide receivers coach at OU.

Darreyl Patterson, Nate Dalton & Kareem Orr: With Nate Dalton and Kareem Orr both eliminating the Sooners from consideration shortly after Antoine Stepehens committed, many of you are probably wondering what’s the deal? We’ve asked around and it seems right now there has been some re-evaluation of the numbers, and OU may in fact only take one more DB in this 2015 class. At this point, however, we aren’t sure if that will be Darreyl Patterson or not.

Mike Hughes: Barely after the announcement was made name Lincoln Riley OU’s new offensive coordinator, his Twitter was immediately being stalked to see who he would follow as a sign to who he would be pursuing with NSD looming.

One of the first prospects he followed was Mike Hughes, a 5’10 and 179 pound athlete out of New Berns, NC. Hughes is currently a UNC commit and was supposed to be an early enrollee. There are reports that he has not enrolled just yet, but we have not been able to confirm why that may be at this time.

Our guy Alex reached out to him and can confirm that Riley, who was recruiting Hughes to ECU, has been in touch with him since coming to OU. In fact, the two spoke as recently as Monday night and have spoken regularly since Lincoln came to Norman.

At this point there has not been clarification on if an offer has happened or not, but after talking with Hughes we can tell you the Sooners can be a player here if they clarify the offer situation.

UPDATE (9:49 am): Got word out of Dallas that coach Jerry Montgomery is in town to see 2015 defensive line target, Darrion Daniels.

UPDATE (12:35 pm): We have confirmed with Justin Reid that OU had planned on doing an in-home visit this week, but after some discussion between the two parties the visit has been cancelled. We feel comfortable saying Reid and OU have pretty much parted ways at this point. Reid did share with TFB that he has narrowed his list further and is now only considering Stanford, LSU & Notre Dame.

UPDATE (4:15 pm): OU coaches checking in with 2015 OL commit, Cody Ford.

ford

UPDATE (9:43 pm): Perfect timing…not.

469 Comments

  • Brian says:

    First!

  • Defend Colfax says:

    aw shucks

  • Brian says:

    The coaches stopped off in Mobile the other day…We were trying to figure out what recruit was in Mobile but there isn’t one. The Senior Bowl is in Mobile and the Titans staff is coaching the North squad…There’s some real smoke here!

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    I can get on board with Jefferson as the WR coach and would like a NFL DB coach too. New perspective would be a nice addition

  • Jason Vos says:

    We have to get someone that can out recruit Norvell. Looking at McCardell’s recruiting at Maryland, im not too impressed.
    However, I feel Shawn Jefferson will be pretty good in the recruiting game since he has a pretty good idea how the recruiting game works through his son.

  • Bluegrass Sooner says:

    I am seeing lots of positive news seeming to come along. I love seeing Coach Riley hitting the ground running and being so aggressive in pursuing some quality recruits. I am excited to see how everything shakes out. Do we really have to wait two whole weeks to NSD?

  • Jeremy Phillips says:

    Yes!

  • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

    Is it true that OU cancelled an in-home visit with Justin Reid for Wednesday? Saw that he really enjoyed his Stanford trip and we may be out of the running

    • Zack says:

      Don’t get my hopes up about Houston. I’m still hurting from Dwight Williams last year.

      • hOUligan says:

        Don’t get your hopes up for Houston. Let’s concentrate our positive vibes on McGinnis.

      • Boom says:

        Cool thought though. Last minute LB pull along with McGinnis & Smith.

        • Zack says:

          All 4 would be great but unfortunately I can’t see more than a 1% chance of it falling into place like that. Wish it would because getting that kind of talent on campus is sure to payoff at some point

  • Sam Philbeck says:

    I like it. Van is a smooth route runner man, if his dad was the one who taught him that then he could do wonders for Neal, Quick, and even up Shepard’s game a bit which would be scary. Either way it’s a exciting time for OU.

    • Katyboomer says:

      Would like A NFL type WR coach as well, but I have a couple of concerns 1) can they connect with the young men as well as a young and up coming college WR coach. 2) can they coach the Riley WR Tree route. I know a good WR coach can coach any route tree, but someone who has already been the system can make adjustments on the fly vs some just learning the route tree.

    • Stephen Dale says:

      reminds me of the 2 for 1 hiring of Danny Manning’s father ( by Kansas ) to get danny….worked for Kansas BB.

      • Steve Johns says:

        Switzer hired family and high school coaches of players. Joe Washington Sr. and Wendell (Dead Headset) Mosely come to mind.

      • Jeremy Phillips says:

        We hired Waymon Tisdale’s coach as well.. It happens..

      • JB says:

        I have no problem hiring Shawn Jefferson whether his son signs with OU or not. I would be surprised if he’d leave an NFL WR coach gig for a college gig, but if he will, why not do it? As long as he can recruit. If he can’t, then I’d go with Candle.

  • Justin says:

    Anyone notice the hats on the bar behind them in that pic with Newsome?

    • Zack says:

      I didn’t and I can’t zoom enough but I don’t see an OU hat

    • Mike Reed says:

      Right to left…..Under Armour….UCLA…..Texas….Unknown

      • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

        Yep. Under Armour…UCLA…Texas…Under Armour

        “My college choice between UCLA and Texas, sponsored by Under Armour, is….” (j/k…but he’s going to Texas I bet)

  • RIsh says:

    Hmm hiring a WR coach who has a son who happens to be a pretty dang good WR.

    We still need a QB coach right? Kevin Murray is a QB coach. Wait he has a son too doesn’t he?

  • Billy says:

    Let’s hope that if they hire the senior Van that it’s based on individual merits and not because of his son. I’m not speculating that it would be by any means. Just a thought.

    • ccmosaic says:

      He is an NFL receivers coach. He would be considered with our without his son. He and his son together simply create the perfect fit for what OU is doing in recruiting and looking for in a WR coach.

    • Zack says:

      I don’t think stoops is the type of coach to do that. Or else he would have offered Max wariboko a long time ago

    • Jordan Esco says:

      As others have said, that’s not Bob’s style in any way whatsoever. And the guy’s resume/NFL playing career more than qualify him for the job, IF that’s the route they choose to go.

      But I can guarantee you that you won’t be alone in that line of speculation. Especially from UGA fans.

      • Steve Johns says:

        I would take Shawn as receivers coach, even if his son committed elsewhere.

      • Billy says:

        I’m not speculating as I already made that clear. It was more of a statement. I’m sure they are smart enough to realize picking the right coach is more important.

    • Doobie74OU says:

      JMO but I think the senior Jefferson may be the better get for OU. His son could be great and put up a ton of stats but best case scenario he is one player that is here 4 years and moves on to the NFL. While the senior Jefferson can have an effect on mutiple players and bring in multiple recruits to OU. If OU chooses this route he may be here the next 5 – 10 years

      • SoonerSpock says:

        As much as I think Shawn Jefferson would be my pick as WR coach I think the chance of it happening is remote. Shawn played 13 years in the NFL followed by coaching 10 years in the NFL. Why OU? He has never recruited nor had to be involved in monitoring 18-22 year olds. A college job definitely involves more hours.
        I would think it would take half a million minimum to even interest Jefferson, maybe more. Plus I see his only motivation to coach at OU would be to coach his son. Otherwise, to me, it is a step back.

    • soonerthunder says:

      That’s been my case, too. However, with as many yrs not only as a player (that doesn’t matter as much to me; i.e., Stoops brothers), the fact that he is liked as a coach in the NFL as long as he has coached would hopefully mean he can help develop Riley even further. Riley is a guy who wants to grow/learn, which is what every good coaches wants, including Synder at KSU. My questions would be on how well he could recruit. I would think recruiting is about building relationships w/coaches on HS level. Could/would he catch up quickly. And, what if his son wasn’t the best player at his position. Would he start. OSU had a problem in that regard a few yrs ago.

      • Fear The Magic says:

        Totally agree with you on this. Van can turn out to be the best WR in the country but the big picture is down the line with his fathers recruiting ability. If he cant bring kids in then to me thats a no go.
        That being said, I assume if OU is interested in making this hire that they think he’d be a good recruiter.

        • Katyboomer says:

          We may get to see if he can bring kids in ( LB Smith) —-wishful thinking

        • soonerthunder says:

          Definitely. OU’s not going to get a guy, IMO, who can’t also recruit. I think they’re looking for the Bedenbaugh, Montegomey type recruiters, too. So if they sign him up to coach, then I think they think he can also recruit as well.

        • Doobie74OU says:

          I attached a couple articles above with Titans players referencing his fire, intensity, and passion for the game & WR position. Those guys usually make great recruiters but obviously he hasn’t ever recruited anybody so this is just a opinion at this point!

      • SoonerGoneEast says:

        Didn’t JN coach receivers in the NFL?

    • JD says:

      Maybe they offered Van to get Shawn…see what I did there..doubt there is anything to it other than casual talk with him and a shared desire to work together

  • Doobie74OU says:

    Is it just me or does it seem like we are getting a plethera of slot recievers. (at least in size not that they exclusively stay in the slot) Guys that are around the 5’10” to 6′ and under 180lbs range. We have Quick and KJ Young and Shepard, who is a bit bigger at 5’10” 195lbs, already on the team. We have commitments from Westbrook and Humphrey already and we are pushing hard for Newsome and maybe even Hughes. Now I’m not opposed to any of these guys they all have the talent to play but to me it makes Jefferson and Reed with there size and ability real atractive. I know we have a couple guys in Mead and Todd that can provide some size to our WRs as well so it is all good!

    • MoJoOkie says:

      They match the quick offenses more. The long striders are for stretching the field, but the smaller, quicker guys catch and go. And Shepard is built like a slot, but he is an anomaly in that he can stretch the field as well. But yeah, I anticipate we’ll see a lot of quick slants next season.

      • Doobie74OU says:

        I agree, but I just like a couple of bigger “Red Zone” targets as well.

        • MoJoOkie says:

          The shorter QBs are going to have to hit seams too, instead of just tossing it high.

        • Mr. Roberts says:

          HE’s my man. Hoping we can get them involved more in the red zone, especially with a 3WR, 2TE package. Trent Smith made a killing back in the day for OU when we flexed him out. So did Jermaine Gresham. And for what it’s worth, Blake Bell was severely underutilized last year. He seemed open 90% of the time. Gotta correct that. I think Lincoln Riley is smart enough to see that and use those luxuries he didn’t have at EC.

          • paganpink says:

            I hear you knockin’! And after talking about Blake’s great hands they still all but ignored him.

          • Mr. Roberts says:

            Sad but true…

          • Cush Creekmont says:

            Red zone with Zero running backs? – 3 WR + 2 TE + 5 OLine + QB = 11. With OU’s backs, if the new OC calls this with more than 20 seconds on the clock, he better like fans getting on him.

          • SoonerSpock says:

            The biggest complaint I have read posted about LR is his red zone scoring and play calling. I looked at the FBS stats for 2014 for Alabama, Ohio State, Oregon, FSU, Baylor, TCU and OU. Only OU had a lower red zone efficiency than did ECU (.828 vs .838). The other schools were Baylor .849, Ohio State .851, Alabama .859, Oregon .863, TCU .863, FSU .915.
            If you look at TDs in the red zone ECU was .662 which trailed everyone except TCU .615 and FSU .593. Everyone else was over 70%. ECU also had the lowest number of red zone TDs scored rushing with 24 except for TCU with 23.
            As we get into 2015 it seems certain that Riley is definitely going to havet to adapt his offense somewhat from his historical approach to take advantage of our offensive strength running the football.

    • Steve Johns says:

      Might be seeing more double slot formations in ’15.

    • Jhwig says:

      If it’s any consolation, Jefferson is bigger than advertised.

    • soonerthunder says:

      I’d take as many Ryan Broyles, Wes Welkers, Sterling Shepherds as they can sign. Those guys are impossible to cover, hard to hit and tackle once they do get the ball, and block well, too. A nightmare for secondaries. If you match with quick secondaries, you may not match up well with other teams or have to play backups mainly against us, and then try tackling Perine, Ross, Ford, etc w/small secondaries.

    • Fear The Magic says:

      I believe Durron Neal is about that size too.

    • Zack says:

      Kj young isn’t a slot receiver imo I think that’s one of the mistakes we made last year. As well as Neal not being an outside receiver he should play in the slot and I think Riley will make that move.
      Westbrook will probably play some in the slot just because of his ability but he is 6’1 as is kj. Shep proved he can play outside at a high level but I would move him around a lot and try to find favorable matchups.
      Heupel and norvell led a pro style basic offense as far as the passing game goes. They didn’t motion receivers enough and didn’t line them up in different spots to take advantage of the defenses. Look at what Baylor does and that is what we should be doing. They stack receivers. They bunch receivers. They line receivers up in the backfield. I’m just saying we all know there was a lack of creativity last year.

      • boomersooner says:

        yeah. i love when GB lines cobb up in the backfield. very good move. very hard to cover him from there. very difficult to defend

        • Zack says:

          Cobb is probably my favorite non OU player in the league. Actually I like him more than AD now and Bradford.

          • boomersooner says:

            it seemed he had a different tree out of the backfield than rb’s do. obviously he’s a wr but just the different things they had him do out of the backfield was uber dynamic. he is definitely fun to watch

    • akryan says:

      Well, we have a OC now that has an offense that really relies on the slot type WR. So, I expect OU to go after a ton of those kids.

  • EasTex says:

    Thanks for staying on the updates. The next two weeks will be “gut check” time for the 2015 class.

  • Jeff says:

    Why would Jefferson leave the NFL for a lateral job?

    • curt gomer says:

      to coach his son

    • Katyboomer says:

      Did you watch the team he was on this year? Their record was not every good. So who knows how long that staff will be together. Plus a chance to coach your son is not a lateral move at all

      • soonerthunder says:

        to be a coach with my son would be a move up for me.

      • hOUligan says:

        Think most coaches would love to coach their son but there might be that thought that your son might be better served getting some new ideas from another coach who you trust and respect.

    • Doobie74OU says:

      Well first of all the Head Coach got fired at the Titans and it seems like they are cleaning house and starting over. Also,It may be that he wants to get back to teaching the WR position as well. Harder to have an effect on NFL players. He may just want to get back to the instruction side of coaching at this point in his career!

      • Steve Johns says:

        Excellent points!

        • Doobie74OU says:

          Above in a new post I attached a couple articles about how firery he is as a coach the passion he has and that he once even put on pads and went through drills to show his recievers what he wanted. Seems like that passion could translate to the recruiting trail as well!

      • Doobie74OU says:

        Oops scratch that coaching staff statement I misread a article! Ken Whisenhunt was hired before last year and will be beginning his second season as the Titans coach! Sorry!

    • BoomerDave says:

      The typical NFL position coach makes between $200K and $400K. He would probably be receiving a pay raise if he came to OU.

      • Jeff says:

        My main thing was the pension the coaches get. Tried to see what is would be but hard to tell. If you make less in the NFL but have free insurance until you die is very hard to beat plus getting like $100k a year is not bad

        • MrBigsby says:

          He played 13 seasons in the league, he’s fully vested in the players pension. I’m sure a coaching pension would just be icing on the cake.

    • boomersooner says:

      Usually people do a pros and cons or might look at the positive in an opportunity. They don’t do a cons and cons or else nobody would ever get anything done in life

  • Sam Philbeck says:

    I know it’s still a pipe dream, but are they still looking to go after Murray after getting things set up with Jefferson? Possibly get everything set up and put a final full court press on Murray. Do a Stoops, Riley, Gundy, & Montgomery team up.

    • Thomas Lenard says:

      I liked him before, but after reading those stories, I really like him. Love to see him in Crimson. Thanks for finding, and sharing.

    • SamSooner says:

      Here’s a quote I like from Jefferson” “Year Two has to be harder than Year One. Last year, I had to come in and change the culture. This year, demanding the culture and making sure they stay with it, what’s expected of them,” Jefferson said.

  • Mizuno44 says:

    Jerry Montgomery, aka, “Charlie Hustle”

    • paganpink says:

      Damned right! Outworking them IS outplaying them!

      • Soonerfandave84 says:

        Wasn’t that sorta what Dusty Dvoracek used to say? “You might out talent us but you’ll never out work us” Sooners need to get back to that mentality

        • soonerthunder says:

          I think Sooners worked harder than they ever have this past offseason. Nice motivation motto, there are thousands of them, but there’s a lot that goes into winning and losing, and usually it’s talent + coaching = winning. I think all teams work hard, even in HS/JUCO.

  • thebigdroot says:

    Brainiacs- could you please put the names of the people in the pics on these? I don’t know these guys faces and I may be in the minority here. It would be helpful. Doesn’t hurt to ask.

    • Zack says:

      The one at the top in the ravenwood jersey is van Jefferson. And the one sitting in the coach is Ryan newsome

      • thebigdroot says:

        I got the Newsome one and thanks for letting me know about Jefferson at the top. That’s what I thought but wasn’t for sure. I keep up with the recruiting but until they sign I don’t really pay that much attention to what they look like.

      • soonerthunder says:

        Also, I’d like you to give the Name, size, where they are from when you talk about these guys too. Sometimes I just have a name but don’t know where they are from or the position. Thanks for all you do! It’s much appreciated!

        • Zack says:

          I can’t tell if the first part was serious but Im just a poster not a contributor

          • soonerthunder says:

            Ha! Well, yes I was serious. I respect your posts so much I thought you were a contributor! That’s funny. But, I would like TFB to post the position and where they are from. Nothing like demanding things for nothing!

          • OUn8v says:

            I always google the kid’s name, if I have it, and then click on 247 sports. I find lots of answers there.

        • MoJoOkie says:

          A transcript of the conversation with the coaches would be handy too.

  • Mr. Roberts says:

    FWIW, as WRs Coach last year under Shawn Jefferson, the Tennessee Titans leading receiver was TE Delanie Walker, followed by WRs Kendall Wright and Nate Washington. Maybe hiring Papa Jefferson would be a boost in TE production as well as WR. He may be a route running guru considering a) he lasted 13 yrs in the NFL as a slower receiver and b) he kid runs excellent routes. JMHO

  • Jared Tyra says:

    I know with signing day rapidly approaching, the talk on the 2015 class is in complete focus. That being said, has there been any word on the two 2016 OU commits (deshawn lookout and Jean delance)? Are these guys solid verbals, tearing it up on the field, etc?

    • Dustin says:

      Deshawn Lookout?

      • BoomerDave says:

        He is a baseball commit. Plays WR as well at Westmoore HS. Wants to play both at OU, but as of now, only holds a Baseball scholarship as far as I’ve heard.

        • vargo05 says:

          Correct. Won’t likely receive a football scholly. Think he may be getting a preferred walk-on status though.

          • Katyboomer says:

            If he plays football even as a walk on, I think he has to get a football ship per NCAA, right?

          • vargo05 says:

            I know the rules are something along that line, but I’m not sure if that is totally correct. I know with a guy like Cody Thomas, he is a football scholly guy because of that rule. However, I’m not sure if that applies across the board for all players. I’m sure there are some small print that spells it out, but if that’s the case, he won’t be a walk-on at OU because I don’t see them using a football scholly to cover him. He’s worth a D-1 baseball scholarship, but not necessarily an OU football scholarship.

      • Jared Tyra says:

        Kind of a Brandon jones situation with baseball and football (although I’m not sure if he’s as good as jones was catching the pigskin).

  • hOUligan says:

    McCardell was a heckuva receiver. Pro Bowler and has a SB ring. Only 1 year coaching college. Jefferson not the nfl career but has some name recognition and god coaching rep. Hard to say who would be the best fit/better recruiter. But do like the RBroyles recommendation for Jefferson. Would be happy to get either or a similar guy with some nfl PT and coaching experience and maybe some college.

  • Randy says:

    It feels like A McGinnis is Arizona bound.. I hope I am wrong.. really like this guy and think he is a difference maker.

    • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

      Something about those palm trees…

    • Fear The Magic says:

      Andddd another one ( probably ) bites the dust. Maybe we should just discontinue the LB position altogether.

      Kish = Epic failure

      • Randy says:

        I don’t feel like most do on here about Kish on the field he has done great I think and honestly I think LB will be our 2nd deepest and best position next year (RB # 1).

        • Brian says:

          Good troll.

        • OkieRandolph says:

          Well Randy ol’ boy, I’m 63 years old and I’m still thinking I’m getting a pony for Christmas. Isn’t being optimistic wonderful?

        • Jordan Esco says:

          I would respectfully disagree.

          • Randy says:

            Process of elimination.. Not QB, WR, OL, TE, CB, S, DL (maybe) that leaves LB (Striker, Evans, Alexander, Shannon if he’s back, Bond, and Okoronkwo)

          • JB says:

            That is the entirety of our LB corps. In a 3-4, we need a minimum of 8 LBs, but more like 10-12. We’re super thin and 1 injury to a starter would be devastating.

          • Randy says:

            You could say that for every position and last I seen other positions were not as productive as LB. Hence we are searching for or have hired new coaches.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Forgot Bolton.

          • Randy says:

            Well, I was more listing players that have got on the field.

        • Fear The Magic says:

          Even if he was the best coach in the world if he has no one to coach its not going to work out.

        • SoonerGoneEast says:

          lol

        • JB says:

          Hittin’ the crack pipe a bit early today, aren’t we?

          • JB says:

            Not to be mean…but Kish is a goober extraordinaire. He can’t recruit to save his life, he’s not much of a position coach, so our D is still in deep trouble. If there aren’t major changes to come on the defensive side of the ball, then we better pray Riley can get this offense to score 70 per game.

          • Randy says:

            Not at all..

        • OkieRandolph says:

          We’ve never ran out of enough LB’s. What we HAVE ran out of is enough GOOD LB’s that don’t get carried 3-5 yds after they contact a ball carrier. Hells Bells, we might as well go get some bigger guys at saftey and move them up. No, it’s not numbers. IT’S GOOD NUMBERS.

          • Randy says:

            Maybe, but OU had a good run defense this year. Unless you want to say 3 down lineman did all of it. I like our LBs could be a little bigger in the middle but then you probably lose some of the coverage ability.

  • Will Narramore says:

    So crazy seeing all this stuff on Van.. 2 summers ago after my freshman year of college I was working for Gatorade and we were sponsoring a high school 7 on 7 tournament at Vanderbilt. Ravenwood was there and no one could stop Jefferson. I remember sitting there while I was making gatorade thinking “damn this kid is good enough to play at OU” and now it may actually happen. Also, he complimented my Gatorade making skills so he obviously has good taste

  • JJSoona says:

    So who will be our QB coach?

  • Jordan Esco says:

    update added that some of you may not like

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Best of luck Justin Reid.

  • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

    Reid likely Stanford bound. He’ll be a great player out there

  • bjwalker82 says:

    I have some concern about Semaje Perine taking the ball out of the shotgun. We had better lineup under center sometimes

    • Zack says:

      I don’t see how it would be much different they did they zone read look all last season which would slow his momentum quite a bit.

  • Malicong says:

    Based on the update and the news in the OP of only taking one more DB, is OU done recruiting at safety?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Barring a new name pretty much coming out of nowhere, it would appear so.

      • Zack says:

        Do they think Patterson could play safety and corner like Colvin? I know some have compared the 2. Either way this tells me they want to give Riley a few more options as far as receivers.

  • Glocal Sooner says:

    I always hate this time of year when we part ways with guys I’m really hoping we land. I know NSD always brings some nice surprises so the classes never disappoint but the days leading up to NSD are always a roller coaster!

    • JB says:

      If you haven’t been disappointed on NSD for OU, then I suggest you might not be paying close enough attention. We’re not mediocre because we’ve been recruiting so well; we’re mediocre because we haven’t recruited very well and coaching has been substandard. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this year sparks a major turnaround.

  • bjwalker82 says:

    What happened with Anythony McKee again?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Not sure he’s necessarily out of the picture per se, but I believe most are projecting him for Mich. St.

      Plus, isn’t he a kid that always talked about getting to Norman but never actually made it. Or am I screwing that up and he did get in for a visit?

      • SamSooner says:

        He made it to the Tennessee game.

      • Brian says:

        He did take an official but was going to come back on an unofficial with his parents…Never did.

      • bjwalker82 says:

        Thought he visited on the 12th of September

      • JB says:

        I still can’t figure out why we’re wasting our time recruited waribiko who isn’t coming to OU and just gave up on Barnett.

        • JR says:

          Barnett has a long way to go before he is going to be serviceable. I think the kid has a ton of potential but his “drive” doesn’t seam to be there. He was beat very bad several times by “lesser” opponents.

          • JB says:

            I’d rather go after a project that wants to be here than a kid who does not. Plus, JW’s a package deal with his brother, who isn’t even a D1 prospect. We can’t afford to waste scholarships like that.

          • Jhwig says:

            JB, as someone who watched Barnett play in person a few times this past year and in the AA bowl (on TV), Barnett was more than a project. He got dominated by far less talented players. OU, Arkansas and others backed off for a reason. All the offers you are referring to were no longer viable, but rather early offers based on projections. Also, the kid overplayed his hand in the recruiting game. Moral of the story – don’t slow play your dream school.

            Wariboko is a fringe elite player. OU is no longer just collecting bodies at this point b/c they have several lineman already committed. It’s elite players or nothing for OU this late in the game.

          • JR says:

            JB, I understand the term “offer” is out there but I would beg to differ on the amount of those being commit-able offers. He has the talent but needs to lose the weigh that he gained to get his speed back. Like I said before, he has the talent but at some point you have to feel like he is committed to being the best he can be and right now he is not.
            While Max not be “OU” good, he is a D1 prospect and is still developing as he was just a junior so who knows where he could be in another year.

          • OkieRandolph says:

            Wariboko can take a hike. He’s a good player, but not good enough to bring baby brother along in a “PACKAGE DEAL’. OU is too good a program to be held hostage. I love kids like Dalton Woods, who when they get an offer, take about 45 seconds and say “YES SIR< I"LL TAKE IT!!!" So tell Mr. Wariboko to go pimp yourself somewhere else.

          • JR says:

            LOL well if that is how you feel the game is played then I can’t change your mind. OU has already told him that they were not going to offer his brother at this time and they would still evaluate Max but it would be separate from Josh’s recruitment. Obviously, OU still wants him and is recruiting him so I am going to side with BB

        • soonerthunder says:

          glad you are not running recruiting. we’d be on isu or ku’s level within about 2 yrs. calm down. it’s like this every yr, and the coaches know what they are doing and a lot more than recruiting services

      • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

        I think Pitt is now in the picture also

      • Mark slavin says:

        He was here for Tennessee game.

  • Mizuno44 says:

    Let’s land Josh Smith along with Jefferson, and the others we’re expecting, and let the coaches get to work for Spring Ball.

  • Glocal Sooner says:

    Looks like we could take about 6-7 more depending on Overtons situation. Should be interesting to see who those are. Seems like we’re going hard after a bunch of receivers.

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      Darrion Daniels, Josh Smith, Van Jefferson, Josh Wariboko, Du’Vonta Lampkin are at least reasonably possible at this point

    • OkieRandolph says:

      Unless Sean Sutton is taking ACT test for other folks again, we’re not getting Overton for at least 2 years.

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        What a waste. You know there are resources at Jenks to help him, had he reached out.

        • OkieRandolph says:

          SoonerfanTU, I really don’t get down on kids because of their ACT scores. I’m an old geezer, but I didn’t do well on it either back in the day. Overton HAS done everything else right, gone to class, made his grades, has a good core base, and from what I’ve heard been a good kid, but the ACT is important to the Regents and fatty boy, so he’s in a bind. I KNOW for a fact other universities have waivers for ACT scores for athlete’s. My wife had a outstanding girl in basketball in her class a few years ago, and OU wanted her B A D!! We couldn’t get her because of a LOW score on the ACT, but wow, high and mighty Texas A&M could. OK, I feel better now.

      • paganpink says:

        Surely Sutton was hiring others to do it. Otherwise it would have lowered his score! Heh..

      • j l says:

        Unless admission requirement are less strict for transfers, 2 years at a JUCO will do him no good(at least in terms of him coming to OU).
        he still wouldnt have the requisite ACT score to be admitted to the school.

        • Dustin says:

          He would have to earn an Associate’s Degree to transfer to OU. After that, his ACT scores would be irrelevant.

          • j l says:

            ahh ok, so getting a 2 year degree negates the need to qualify. Good to know, thanks!

          • boomersooner says:

            hey hey hey you’re making my associate degree sound like charmin extra soft 🙂

          • j l says:

            Dont feel bad. Ive got 96 hours and no associates, lol!

          • OkieRandolph says:

            Well, I’m under the impression that if you finish JUCO, you DON’T have to improve your ACT to get admitted. Does anyone out there know the facts on this????

          • j l says:

            The OU admission site says you dont need to submit an ACT score once you have 24 hours of college credit, if you are transferring in.

            Theres a GPA you have to meet, depending on which program you are transferring into.

          • OkieRandolph says:

            thanks

  • Ed Cotter says:

    For what it’s worth….and probably not much, but I played college ball with Ryan Broyles current WR coach, Robert Prince, at Humboldt State. Small world.

  • Boomer4life says:

    Boomless still?

  • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

    Wow. Just saw a story that Tim Irvin, who recently flipped from Texas to Auburn because he felt “comfortable” at Auburn, sent this snapchat to friends:

    https://i.imgur.com/E2nEOim.png?1

  • OkieRandolph says:

    Well, in 2 weeks, less about 5 hours, we’ll either know we are turning things around or gonna stay in the 8-5 record type of program that our recruiting has turned us into. Hopefully we’ll get some good “BOOM’s” by then to pump some energy into us recruitniks.

    • JD says:

      If you haven’t got enough good “boom” already then you won’t ever be satisfied. We could stop the class right now and we’re still gonna be a 10+ win program just like we’ve always been…we’ve had two or three bad seasons during this whole run

      • OkieRandolph says:

        JD, “SATISFIED” has gotten Stoops in this position of catchup now. A hungry dog hunts harder than a “SATISFIED” dog.

  • Stephen Dale says:

    the reason for taking Stephens is much clearer now that Dalton, Orr, and Reid have gone in a different direction….

    • Zack says:

      I don’t think taking Stephens was any indication of where they stood with the others. I just think Stephens was a guy they had their eye on forever and imo they are going to use that extra spot on offense now.

      • Katyboomer says:

        I think your right, it was 1st come got the spot

        • Zack says:

          I think they will take Patterson still because the word before Stephens committed was 2 safeties and 2 corners. So far we only took one corner and backed off 2 safeties. That’s why I asked Jordan below if they think Patterson can do both like Colvin because I’ve heard that comparison.

          • Katyboomer says:

            yeah I think Patterson could play either CB or S, so they would be getting a Oklahoma boy that can play either or both if need be

    • Brian says:

      Oklahoma went in a different direction………………………………..

    • Fear The Magic says:

      The reason that Dalton and Orr have gone in a different direction is much clearer now that OU opted for Stephens…
      FIFY

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    In the case of Reid, is it safe to say that OU does not need any more DB’s? I think they feel confident about the position in this recruiting cycle. They wanted a firm commitment, and did not want to take any chances on missing out on someone else they are getting.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Who else are they getting exactly?

      I think we all saw the safety play, and really just the play of the secondary as a whole, as such I’m of the opinion the more competition the better.

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        Well, I was only speculating. However, there are reports that Stephens was the final DB they were going to take. It makes sense that since Reid couldn’t give a verbal over the phone they parted ways. This means that they either have someone committed as far as they are concerned, or they screwed up. I don’t think it’s the latter.

        • SoonerfanTU says:

          Zero chance they left Reid without a scholarship if he wanted one. Kid is too talented.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            I know. So, Reid either didn’t want one or was undecided and OU cannot afford to be left hanging, there are other prospects. Above it mentions Patterson. Perhaps OU wanted something firm from Reid and he was unwilling. See ya Reid, go out to Palo Alto and next time we hear about you it’ll be at the combine perhaps.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    This probably won’t start anything, right?
    https://twitter.com/TheKylerMurray/status/558010497732079618

  • HoustonChiver says:

    Sad to hear about Reid, he was the only one of the 3 DB’s left that I wanted to commit!

    • OkieRandolph says:

      Well, if he’s smart enough to get into Stanford, maybe we should have let fatty boy recruit him so he could brag about his National Merit Scholars!

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    I’ll stir the conspiracy theory pot, now Kyler Murray can commit to OU because the Aggie fans would much rather he chose the Sooners than the ‘Horns

    • OkieRandolph says:

      I like conspiracies!!!!!!!

      • Soonerfandave84 says:

        It’s all in fun. Kid’s 18(or 17) no telling what he’s gonna do but I’d bet it’s play football for aTm.

        • OkieRandolph says:

          Could be. BUT….. I know I’d be pissssssssssed if Ricky DeBerry sent out a pic of his number on a Payne County Vo Tech (osu) jersey, even if it was for fun. We’re already having to live with PCVT for the next 5 years over the Dec 6th debacle, can’t imagine having my chain yanked over a pic. If we don’t get Murray, please, please Mr Claus, let him stay in College Station.

  • JD says:

    If Murray and Lodge are going to play together it’s a safe bet that it won’t be in norman with all of the other wrs you see us recruiting…those 240 pound linebackers won’t be able to catch Murray so it’s a good thing we don’t have any

    • OkieRandolph says:

      There in lies another problem. . . .our 200lb ones can’t either, and when they do, he’ll get an extra 3-5 yards before he hits the ground. We need quality AND size.

      • JD says:

        whatever…list the big guys that are as fast as Evans…Evans is 223 right now and prob will be 230 by next season IF the coaches want him to had more weight

  • D'Brickashaw Ferguson says:

    Gotta admit: it’d be fun to send a tweet out and literally THOUSANDS of people get riled up. That’s what Lodge and Murray are doing

  • normanite says:

    Just like that Reid is a definite no get? It sounded like things were going well.

  • J Proz says:

    Kyler Murray to Texas? Really?

  • CMH says:

    Texas Sucks………

  • Zack says:

    So this mike Hughes kid…is that s real possibility. Kid is fast as hell

      • soonerbred4ever says:

        I would be thrilled to see us get a kid like this. That is some serious speed and agility.

      • Clint Lenard says:

        I saw some different film as a DB and he laid down some huge hits. Kid is pretty fast, but his quickness and toughness is what I like. He’s not just quick, he doesn’t want to go down.

        In fact, I didn’t see any of his QB film, but he looks like a solid DT QB.

        • Zack says:

          They didn’t show enough of him throwing so I can’t say he’s a qb. But athlete for sure and looks like a harvin type

          • DCinAZ says:

            The second have of the video link above has a lot more passes than the first half. Looks like he can sling it around too.

          • Clint Lenard says:

            Funny you say that, the first few minutes of that film I thought he moved a lot like Harvin, but I don’t think he’s quite that fast.

          • Zack says:

            Well his film says 4.35 and I know most of those are off a little bit. I don’t think Humphrey is 4.25 fast but still. Harvin ran a 4.41 at the combine.

          • Clint Lenard says:

            Lots of fast guys run slower “official” times at the Combine. Harvin is one of them. He’s field fast. This kid looks pretty fast, but I don’t see him speeding by DB’s in most of this film. Not like most super fast guys’ film.

          • OkieRandolph says:

            Bigger, stronger than Harvin. Don’t know that ANYBODY is as fast

        • OkieRandolph says:

          Clint, you NEED to go up and click on the link of his senior highlights.

          • Clint Lenard says:

            I saw it, which is why I said he looks like he’d be a solid DT QB as well. It doesn’t show a whole lot of passing, but as a running QB, the kid is as good as Kyler Murray, if not better.

      • Kevin says:

        Looks a whole like my QB on the video game…
        Speed – 99
        Agility – 99
        Awareness – 99
        Break tackle – 99
        Throw power – 99
        Throw accuracy – 99

        I basically just run 4 verticals all the time and if the defense drops into coverage I just run the QB.

      • OkieRandolph says:

        WOW. . . .WOW….Did I just say WOW? I saw his Soph highlights Monday. Just now saw his Senior highlights. What a difference 2 years makes huh?
        Sooooooooo….. why couldn’t he be a QB? Jordan, any thoughts about Hughes? From what you know, how serious is this as far as OU getting him? Could he be a QB? It looks like this kid could play whatever the hell he wants to play. He would sure be a nice find this time of the year.

      • Jackson1006 says:

        I hope we get him but these kids that go 0 to 60 top end speed quickly appear faster than they are. If you watch carefully he doesnt actually pull away on longer runs. Reference durron neals film from hs. On the other hand, regardless of drops (per tfb fan reports), can see why OU wants newsome. No one is percy harvin but he is harvin like. Hope we get both.

        • Zack says:

          Good point. Like Neal I would say ford was the same. I bet ford runs close to a 4.4 flat but he doesn’t have a 5th gear.

      • akryan says:

        I watched the film. Kid is good at the ZR at his level, but I didn’t see a lot out of his passing game. That may well have been due to the system he was running and the WR he had, but even in the few passing highlights that he had, I wasn’t blown away from what I saw. An athlete recruit, maybe, a QB recruit, no.

      • kokevo says:

        I shall call him freak nasty.

    • JD says:

      Looks like it..Riley has been in constant contact since he took the job…recruited him for EC….was suppose to be an early enrollee but didn’t show up so he’s still on the board…an OU offer would be >>>>>>>>>>than an EC offer

      • Zack says:

        I like the idea of getting as much talent and speed on campus. That’s one reason I was mad we didn’t take dowels last year.

    • OkieRandolph says:

      He’s faster than a Hannah Storm backhand shove!!!

    • Tucker says:

      He’s not only fast… he makes fast people not look fast.

  • F1at1ined says:

    Am curious – pretty sure there are no rules prohibiting it, but has there been precedence with a son being coached by his father at such a high level? One would worry about favoritism, no?

    • DCinAZ says:

      Didn’t Dan Hawkins coach his son as QB for Colorado?

    • JD says:

      You have to wonder…good thing we will have 3 and 4 guys on the field at all times..I’m sure the OC and the offensive coaches and Stoops will speak up if it is obvious and Van wasn’t producing

    • OkieRandolph says:

      When we lost the National Championship game to Kansas, Danny Manning’s truck driver/coach father was on staff.

    • Soonerr says:

      I know it’s not always the case, but–sometimes–parent coaches are the hardest on their kids. Everyone’s going to react differently…but I’ve seen high-school-level coaches pull their kids before others thought it was really necessary. Can’t imagine the diversity in coach behavior would change that much in college.

    • Charles Suggs says:

      OSU head coach and his son, running back, who started ahead of better rb’s, some 10 or 15 years ago.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Not common but not unheard of. If it’s my dad, I would be expected to work much harder than anyone else on the team to earn equal respect, hopefully that’s how most father/ coaches feel.

  • OkieRandolph says:

    Down to 13 days to NSD. Need to average a “BOOM” every other day!!!

    • DCinAZ says:

      We always close strong. I expect this year to be no different and from the looks of what the coaches are saying, they don’t expect it to be different either.

    • Zack says:

      I wouldn’t expect one every other day but maybe 4 or 5 on NSD

  • JD says:

    For those thinking it would be stupid for Shawn Jefferson to coach wr at OU when he does that in the nfl here is something to think about…right now the spread offenses are working their way thru the nfl…being a part of that offense planing would benefit him and pad his resume for future jobs in the league if he made his way back…He’s already got his pension…he’d make more money here and there is the cost of living that is less in Norman so that translates to more money…then he gets to coach his son for the next 3-5 years…him coming here is not fools dream

    • Boomer4life says:

      I think it would be awesome if he came here to coach.

      • boomersooner says:

        Yep. Who’s your db guy? I’m intrigued by Buckley

        • Boomer4life says:

          Ditto on Buckley!

          • Chris White says:

            I get worried with guys like Buckley because Good players don’t always make great coaches but from a recruiting standpoint I think he would be great

        • JD says:

          Buckley would be awesome and help with recruiting in florida…not sure if that’s just a dream or one of those “ideal hire” guys

          • Boomer4life says:

            An ideal dream…..maybe?

          • boomersooner says:

            Well he’s at a college right now and k said we’re getting a guy from the college ranks so ipso facto Buckley it is….right? Ain’t that how it works? Those old test questions. If these are those and those are them then these are them

          • Zack says:

            I think the GA has been mentioned who was here when we had Fleming and hurst at corner with Colvin playing safety. To me that would be the best move unless there’s a better guy available

          • paganpink says:

            Good old “what’s his name” I’ll never forget him! Sounds like me!

          • JD says:

            Yeah I have no prob with Viney as long as Mike lets em play up against Baylor lol…I have fig’d it’d be Viney from the moment I heard BJW was retiring…He’s a good teacher and has cali ties…but Buckley would be a big splash right now…I’m happy with either

          • Jake says:

            How good was that secondary? Be nice to have that talent running around.

  • boomersooner says:

    Woulda been awesome if someone thought to turn them horns on the wall down for Cody’s picture

  • Boomer4life says:

    Without a BOOM lately has left me feeling a little like this…..

  • BloodRed says:

    The problem and really and I’m happy were getting people here who are talented my problem is where are the guys that people say “Man this guy is gonna be making waves early on. I’m not concerned about running back. We have had capable people in many places in the last 15 yrs. We just have not had difference makers, guys that will put you over the top in a title game. Not Big 12 title but Nat’l title game. that is the challenge going forward this staff has to figure out. Can they win it the way they did in 2000? I don’t think anyone really thinks they can. U gotta have a difference maker to win Nat’l championships. The days when a special 11 like what penn state had to defeat the Great Miami team, those days are long gone. U need a Cam Newton, or a Woodson(Michigan) someone like that to win titles these days….

    • Zack says:

      Jason white and Bradford were those guys but poor performances in 2003 and 2008 when it mattered most was not good. I get what you’re saying we need those guys on defense. That’s why I hope we can close these linebackers. If we could steal Houston I would be happy. But also we have to close McGinnis and smith…that would be a loaded linebacker class

      • BloodRed says:

        Yeah I really were in awe of Jason & Sam before the Ksu and Florida games. U gotta win’em if you want to be up there with the Youngs and the Newtons the Ohio st. kid…

    • JD says:

      We still have players like that…you seen them on full display last year in the Sugar bowl…Before that game more people thought they the best team in the country then the two playing for the championship…we had difference makers all over the field on both sides of the ball..I get watch your saying but we’re really not as bad as the record and talent wise as people are thinking (early in the year everybody thought we were the best team remember)…I’m excited for the 15 season because a rejuvenated offense is going to really do us good

      • BloodRed says:

        I’d like to share your confidence but I have kept up with football plenty and It is not only having players but It also has to do with culture inside the program. You can’t get lucky anymore playing people at the right time, Us, 2000, Bama vs. Lsu, Fsu vs. Auburn. Playoffs are here and you will be exposed..There are no longer 1 game seasons…No catching a team coming off a loss at ends of the season etc. Bama, Lsu etc… U guys really think stoops is going to change the culture that has been here since 2003? Yes he has won the big 12 since then but…..

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      A Demarco Murray type?

  • OUn8v says:

    Coach Warren VPreps ‏@DemetricDWarren 3m3 minutes ago

    #Oklahoma offers 2015 #TexasA&M commit OLB Dwaine Thomas (Hahnville HS, LA) @_dweezy15 @VarsityPreps @SouthRecruit1 #BoomerSooner

    • Stephen says:

      Why even try now? It just looks like we now want him because A&M got him. Looks bad, IMO.

      • Zack says:

        Too little too late. Still I have smith and McGinnis higher hope it doesn’t mean we are out for one of them

        • Stephen says:

          Yeah, I kind of got that feeling. I have a bad feeling Kish doesn’t get any commits but if that’s what it takes to get a new coach I’m all for it. He doesn’t attack recruiting, he just hopes that players will like him or the school. That’s not what Oklahoma is about.

        • Fear The Magic says:

          or both

    • JD says:

      dang hope this isn’t bad news on another front because I fig that’s when his offer would come

  • trusoonerA53 says:

    Question? When does winter training start? Shortly after NSD.

  • Mike Reed says:

    The TexAggs are in meltdown on their board talking about Kyler Murray/Demarkus Lodge visiting the Horns today. A couple have also talked about Murray having interest in OU. Maybe we can take both Murray and Dwaine Thomas from them!!

    http://tamu.247sports.com/Board/20/Contents/Murray-Lodge-on-midweek-Texas-visit-34937276

  • trusoonerA53 says:

    Thanks Sooneray

  • Boomer4life says:

    Saw this on SoonerFans.com about the possibility of Terrel Buckley as our DB coach.

    There is not a lot of solid information concerning the search for a new DB coach, but I read this on TheFootballBrainiacs site and was instantly intrigued by the possibility..

  • Paul Lott says:

    Let’s get it…only one!

  • Paul Lott says:

    Oklahoma football…defines. the sport…history and prestigious is on our side

  • Paul Lott says:

    Lol oops

  • Doobie74OU says:

    How does the offer for Thomas go out now! Seems we have lost several recruits to making offers to late! CRAZYNESS

    • JD says:

      what happens sometimes when you have other guys higher on your board…unless you have a good feel for those guys then might want to put out more offers but thats just hindsight cause you can ever tell

      • Doobie74OU says:

        I know it happens and to a certain degree it has to every year. But they made this kid feel like a second choice. Super K said in a open post last week the kid was saying it doesn’t feel great being somebody’s second choice. Somehow aTm managed to have guys higher on their board offered this kid late and still made him feel welcome. That is my only point. We need to be better in our process. Identifying, culling through, and moving on from recruits that have moved on themselves. I know it will all work out though!

        • JD says:

          ATM hired a new DC that incidentally didn’t give the guy a wink while at lsu…I think there’s more to it than atm making him feel special…this late in the process and in fact his best option…I don’t even like typing this response because it seems like I’m treating the guy as second class when in fact I’m just pointing out how the process goes….IMO there should only be a slim few that a spot will be held for on signing day and then all other offers are first come first serve and we wouldn’t be in this situation…I always like to wait until after signing day to evaluate the class because there’s nothing I can do and it can’t be healthy to worry (so I won’t)…hopefully some of our fans keep aspirin by the computer lol….

    • Boomer4life says:

      Kish is probably was just now gettin around too it.

    • Fear The Magic says:

      That seems to be our MO the last few years unfortunately

  • trusoonerA53 says:

    Does Thomas have any interest in OU?

    • blaster1371 says:

      I think i read somewhere that he did/does. This offer could have came to fruition in a few ways. Maybe he committed to a n m to hold a spot and someone close to him told OU he was still open to recruitment and that’s when OU finally made the offer. I think Smith commits to either Vandy or Oregon, OU just seems like an after thought. McGinnis might be 50-50 but I’m not sure he’s even visited OU.

  • Paul Lott says:

    Can you smell what the rock is cooking

    • Wilson says:

      I smell rock cooking…lol. Not understanding the logic behind such a late offer to this young man. Wonder what type of contact they’ve had with him.

  • Mizuno44 says:

    Thomas leveraged his A&M commitment to secure our offer.

  • Doobie74OU says:

    Going out on a limb and say I think Jordon E added that last update! I can hear the frustration in his typing!

  • trusoonerA53 says:

    Smith could be coming here. Oregon does not have much to offer. Kinda like Stillwater out of the way and near nothing. Verses your best friend and possibly his father and family possibly coming to Oklahoma so there is some familiarity. Murfees borough is closer to us than Oregon.

  • trusoonerA53 says:

    Doobie74 the only time it’s to late 02-05-15, and even then I think they still have another 2 or 3 week’s extra sometimes to make a decision depends on the situation.

  • Jonathan Taylor says:

    I’m calling for us to go after in-state guys for LB. We have strong talent at the position and we keep looking outside the state which is frustrating when I see a solid in-state player going somewhere else. Jace Sternberger (Kingfisher) for OLB and Rylee Simon (Vian) ILB would be great gets. Both have good speed and solid size for their positions. Jace – 6’4″ 220; Simon – 6’1″ 215. Jace is commited to Kansas so I think we could flip him if we actually try and Simon is uncommited. Get off your ass Kish!!! Monty gotta keep doing your job for you?

    • JD says:

      Who all is recruiting Simon…has he sent out any film…sometimes recruits and their coaches need to do a little work themselves..Did he go to any camps….I assume since Jace got some looks that some coaches have been by…what offers does Simon currently hold

      • Jonathan Taylor says:

        Rylee has his junior and frosh highlights up on YouTube through hudl. Go check it out. I think he’s currently being looked at by UTEP and a few other schools. Vian is 2A so I doubt a lot of people outside of Oklahoma have seen him. Once you see his film though it shows how tenacious and aggressive he is as a LB.

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    NOW…I believe someone screwed up the LB recruiting. I must confess I did not believe the negative views of Kish. Now I do. TFB were right all along. Looks desperate offering Thomas this late. Just dumb. No one else wants to play LB at OU? What is this @#$@#?

    • Jonathan Taylor says:

      Like I said if they’d at least look in-state they’d get some players who would play with at least a little pride and not quit at the drop of a hat. Kish isn’t a recruiter nor is he a good position coach. He can’t evaluate talent worth a damn and I can’t understand why Bob hasn’t kicked him or gone out and gotten a dynamite hire for this position of NEED!!! Unless their thinking of scrapping the 3-4 (Not necessarily a bad idea since I think the 4-2 would be better, but that’s just me) they’re bringing in DL and DEs by the handful, but slacking on the LBs that are key to a 3-4 D. Plus let’s face it Monty is doing better recruiting the LBs (DeBerry) than Kish by a fair bit. Not saying I want Monty to not recruit them, but dammit Kish that’s your JOB!!!

      • Sooner 4Ever says:

        Before you rant too much about how recruiting in-state linebackers is the cure to our ILB situation, you might want to look at where last years LBs were from… that would be Norman and Tulsa. While I am a proud Okie and love to have in-state talent on the team, I long ago gave up the fantasy that recruiting Oklahoma kids is an advantage due to the assumption that they’ll work harder because of state pride.

        Talent is talent and work ethic knows no geographical boundaries. Go find the most skilled, most athletic players with the best work ethic that you can find and sign them up regardless of where they come live.

      • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

        I’d like to know who is Thomas’ recruiter. It could be Kish or it could be someone else. Many coaches have a territory they recruit. This might or might not be Kish’s territory or his recruit.

        And I still don’t have an answer to my question, will someone please provide in detail why Kish can’t coach? I’m looking for the more knowledgeable and talented LB coaches on this board to tell us about Kish’s skills. I certainly don’t know enough to determine whether he’s a good coach or not. Apparently, neither does Bob.

  • Jared Tyra says:

    Just utter, shocking disorganization. Not that Dwaine Thomas was a make or break recruit (not meaning to knock his very obvious talent), but this fail is too much for my poor mind to take in.

    • EasTex says:

      I don’t understand.
      He didn’t/doesn’t seem like a priority recruit to me and as others have said he has a DB body.
      While some may think it is a good offer made too late, I see it as an offer that is superfluous and not the type of LB we really need.
      It well could be that Smith and McGuiness are going elsewhere and they are looking for bodies. I would rather they just pass on a guy that doesn’t really fit.

      • Jared Tyra says:

        Yeah I see where you’re coming from. I really really liked the intangibles that I saw in his highlights though (he looked like a heat-sealing missile on film). Was hoping that we could get him if we only offered him before someone else. Who knows, I might be wrong and overreacting but even still…

        • EasTex says:

          I could be the one who doesn’t get it about Thomas, but he just doesn’t seem like the kind of LB everyone is always screaming for.
          I am more concerned with losing out on McG to Zona than I am a low priority LB offer.

          • Jared Tyra says:

            It appears that OU may be heading towards “settling” for linebackers (I was REALLY hoping for McGuinnis, too) so I don’t know what to think this close to signing day now. Stinks from my perspective.

          • hOUligan says:

            Have to agree. Think some of the angst is due to the ‘timing/slow play’ that we’ve seen from the staff in the past. It smacks a bit of desperation, real or perceived at this point. I’m hoping that Bob and Bill stopped by McGinnis’s school to firm up his visit while in LA to see Ford. McGinnis is the LB OU needs to keep in their sights along with Smith.

      • Doobie74OU says:

        That is a bit surprising Tex! Super K has been all about this kid since he first posted about him the middle of last Oct. His tape looks good and at 6’3″ 215lbs he is already as big as most of our LBs and looks like he could hold 20-25lbs pretty easy! If he can keep his quickness at 230lbs to 240lbs looks like he could be a monster!

        • EasTex says:

          Thought he was more like 200.
          It has been a while since I looked at him, but I don’t recall him jumping off the screen to me.
          Regardless, I think he really is/was an after thought based on the LBs OU was trying to bring in.

          • Zack says:

            His film starts out great with what seemed like 10 forced fumbles but I think he’s a project that needs to get up to 235 which if he’s closer to 200, will take awhile. Smith and McGinnis are already 235, I just hope this offer isn’t tied to one of them going a different direction.

          • EasTex says:

            That is my concern, that the LBs we really, really want are going elsewhere.

        • EasTex says:

          I should also add, it doesn’t bother me that he was offered late or after he committed to another school. Lots of kids will be changing their minds in the next 12 days.

        • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

          Hudl is the only place I saw listed at 215. All others have him at 210 or lighter. Moreover, half of the sites have him at 6’2″. My guess is that he’s not quite 6’3 and not quite 215.