The Football Brainiacs

Image via OU Football Facebook

– Scrimmage Notes:

– While all the quarterbacks in general looked good, I’m told once again that Baker Mayfield still leads the pack. Was told that he’s just “so precise” with the football.

– Joe Mixon has been incredibly elusive. Even if he is bottled up in the backfield, he still finds a way to get positive yards.

– Have been told Lincoln Riley is isolating Mark Andrews on linebackers and has been causing them fits. In line with some of what has already been out there, Andrews had a big scrimmage hauling in several TDs.

– Dede Westbrook is another name that continues to come up repeatedly. There is a continued emphasis on his speed, specifically in-and-out of his breaks, and just how difficult it is to even get a hand on him out in space.

– Was told both of the starting offensive tackles looked pretty good, but overall the offense is having a little trouble running the ball right now. There hasn’t necessarily been a ton of space created for the RBs, that isn’t a huge and/or worrisome surprise given that the offensive line is still learning to play with one another. – (Brandon)

– More Scrimmage/Team Notes:

– Multiple fronts: Have been told that while OU is definitely running four-man front alignments and practicing that exclusively early on, they are also running their 30-front alignments from last year as well. In that particular front, much like last year, they have a nose aligned at the 0 and the defensive ends aligned at a 4i. Then they have Devante Bond playing OLB on one side and Eric Striker playing on the flip side. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo has been getting reps at OLB as well. Bottom line is they are playing both a 40-front alignment and a 50-front.

– Dede Westbrook: So everyone has been talking about this guy, but this past weekend a source I spoke with took the praise for Westbrook to another level. My source told me in their opinion, Westbrook could actually rival OU’s standout receiver, Sterling Shepard. Now clearly the latter has already proved himself at the D-I level while Westbrook will be making the transition from JUCO, but this comment along with the many others about just how impressive Westbrook has been thus far has certainly increased expectations.

– Middle of the field coverage: I was told that outside of Steven Parker, the safeties did not look great during Saturday’s scrimmage. Which is pretty much in line with most of what Mike Stoops has been saying throughout the week. In particular, I’m hearing that the middle of the field coverage was highly suspect during the scrimmage. Which probably helps to explain Andrews’ big day.

– Jordan Thomas: Was told that sophomore Jordan Thomas was unequivocally the best CB on the field during the scrimmage, even better than veteran starter Zack Sanchez. Which, just to be clear, is not to say Thomas has supplanted Sanchez as the team’s No. 1 corner so don’t go getting carried away. Just passing along the encouraging news that the talented Thomas is continuing to develop his game and it’s apparently paying off in the form of tangible results.

– Stanvon Taylor: Earlier in spring when Sanchez was dealing with a back injury, we told you Stanvon Taylor had taken his place in the lineup. But I was told Taylor didn’t scrimmage with the team this past Saturday and is actually out right now with an injury his own. At this point I don’t have specifics, so I do not feel comfortable sharing everything that I’ve heard. Assuming I am able to confirm the nature/specifics of the injury, we’ll be sure to pass that info along at that time.

– Quarterbacks: We’ve been told Trevor Knight continues to flash moments of brilliance, especially when the coaches allow him to use his feet, but as Brandon mentioned above it still sounds like Mayfield is still out in front at this point.

– Secondary coverage: Since I know some (many?) of you are curious given what we all witnessed last year, we’ve been told the secondary is playing both off and press man coverages. The good news is they aren’t running the press bail technique that seemed to be used to frequently (and frustratingly) utilized last year. Instead, they’re using some kind of a closed, ‘motor mirror’ technique.

– Offensive line: Really good news here in that I continue to hear glowing reports about Josiah St. John. He has been handling whatever movement, twists, etc. the defense is throwing at him. At a critical position like left tackle, it’s encouraging to know that at least some onlookers feel as though he’s capable of holding down that spot. We continue to hear Kenyon Frison has been playing well in practices, but at the same time has been somewhat inconsistent though that can be attributed mainly due to his youth and inexperience. Derek Farniok has also been getting some good reps at right tackle and looking good so far. Meanwhile with Nila Kasitati not practicing, Alex Dalton is getting first team reps at right guard with newcomer Jamal Danley at left guard. – (Super K)

– Maurice Chandler: As many of you know by now, 2016 NEO CB Maurice Chandler picked up an OU offer over the weekend. Chandler was in Norman on an unofficial visit and told TFB he really enjoyed the trip. He obviously toured the campus and facilities, but also had a chance to watch practice. Which was important to him because, in his words, it allowed him to understand what he’d be asked to do in OU’s defense. We asked Chandler if a commitment was imminent and he said, “not until close to signing day most likely…unless I feel a place is absolutely home for me.”

I’ve said it before, Chandler has potential to be a really special cornerback. I’ve talked about some of his qualities in other posts, but one of things I like most about Chandler is just how relaxed and poised he is. That’s a sign someone not only “sees” what they’re supposed to be seeing, but that they know themselves. He is aware of what he’s capable of and knows that he has more than enough athleticism and talent to face whatever challenge an opposing WR can throw at him. – (Super K)

– Brey Walker: The OK Preps 2018 class should be a good one and a name that will surely be at the top of the class is Southmoore offensive lineman Brey Walker. In fact, Walker was in Norman this weekend with teammates 2017 DB Quindon Lewis and 2018 QB Casey Thompson. Walker told us he was getting the walk through with some of the other visitors when Bob Stoops called him and his family, who were also on the trip with him, up to his office. At which point Stoops told him they don’t normally offer freshmen in high school, but he was going to go ahead and make an exception today. Walker was shocked and told me, “I thanked him and bent down to the ground and touched the floor. I then told him I have dreamed of this offer since I was this little (gesturing with his hand).” And it won’t be long before Walker make a return trip, as he said he plans to be back in Norman for this weekend’s Red/White game.

The OU offer was Walker’s second, with Ok. State being the other, but he has the look of a player that will eventually be able to claim offers from schools throughout the country. And I can tell you based on my conversations with the young man, I have very little doubt in my mind he has a bright future both on and off the football field. – (Brandon)

– Change of plans: The trio of Calvary (Shreveport, LA) and 2016 OU DB targets; Chanse Sylvie, Andraez Williams & Rodarius Williams were all scheduled to be at this weekend’s spring game, but those plans have since changed.

Instead, they will be taking part in a 7-on-7 tournament in Dallas. However, I have been told they plan on getting back to Norman soon after. So while this news is certainly disappointing, I wouldn’t take it as a negative in any way with regards to OU’s chances. Just unfortunate timing is all. – (Brandon)

– Joshua Jackson: Had a chance to catch up with 2016 QB Josh Jackson (Saline, MI) this past weekend, who will be in Norman this week (Apr. 8) for an unofficial visit. The talented QB prospect continues to build a relationship with Lincoln Riley and while an OU offer has yet to be officially made, Jackson is hopeful that will change during this visit.

And the Sooners certainly aren’t the only school showing interest in Jackson. He’s also hearing from schools like Virginia Tech, Penn State and North Carolina in addition to the several other schools he already holds an offer from.

I asked him if he was excited about the upcoming visit, “Yes. To be offered by OU would be great. It doesn’t get much better than that.” If OU does offer, it will be interesting to see if Jackson pulls the trigger. Which I get the sense could be a definite possibility. But at the same time with more recent Austin Kendall offer and news the Sooners are currently his top school, the coaches may hold off on an offer for now. We’ll just have to wait and see how things play out. – (Brandon)

– Chris Baccus: The current 2016 NEO and former Beggs High School linebacker made his way down to Norman this past weekend with his teammates 2015 DE Austin Roberts and the newly offered 2016 CB Maurice Chandler. Baccus said he enjoyed the visit and admits to growing up an OU fan. He also shared that Tim Kish talked to him a bit, and said he’d be up to watch Baccus soon for an NEO spring practice.

Baccus said Kish told him he loves his size and film, but it’s always good to see a player move around in person. Baccus talks to Kish and Dennis Simmons quite a bit and there is a feeling from those around the NEO linebacker that if the Sooners like what they see from Baccus at this eval, then he will likely get an offer. – (Brandon)

– Levi Draper: if you’ve been reading TFB in recent weeks, you already know Levi Draper’s name. The 2017 LB out of Collinsville (OK) was in Norman this past weekend, and told us none other than Bob Stoops has taken a personal interest in his recruitment. In fact, Stoops went out of his way to approach Draper prior to OU’s scrimmage on Saturday to officially introduce himself in person. Draper said he couldn’t have been more pleased with the visit and ‘loved every minute of it.’ As he continues to garner attention from around the country, one has to wonder how long it will be until OU offers. – (Brandon)