Sooners Pick Up Second Commitment In As Many Days

Image of Bryce Youngquist via Student Sports

In one of the more impressive recruiting turnarounds in recent memory, the Sooners pulled off a bit of a shocker swiping 2016 LB Bryce Youngquist away from the long-time proverbial favorite Oregon Ducks.

Maybe we were a little too clever for our own good in trying to prepare you for exactly this in our Thursday Open Post, but it’s always such a delicate line you’re trying to balance in sharing information but not spoiling the chance for a player to have their moment. Regardless, Oklahoma has now added arguably the most athletic linebacker prospect they’ve had in years.

Youngquist’s commitment marks the second such #BOOM inducing occasion for Oklahoma in as many days after the Sooners picked up a commitment from 2016 defensive back Chanse Sylvie on Thursday.

When it comes to recruiting, momentum can often be an incredibly and/or fickle thing. And in recent weeks, maybe even months, it seemed to be something that was actively trying to avoid the Sooners altogether.

Well after the last 48 hours, it’s safe to say the Sooners have quickly changed course and picked up quite a bit of momentum as they look to continue closing out their 2016 class in impressive fashion.

boom

253 Comments

  • Borba22 says:

    BOOOOOM!!!!

  • KJ1123 says:

    BOOM!!!

  • CPSooner says:

    Is Denzel in da house?!?!?!

  • Brandon Hargraves says:

    BOOM!!!!!

  • C.A. says:

    BOOM!!!!!!

  • CDC says:

    BIG BOOM!!!

  • Lincoln Hawk says:

    Aaaaaand BOOM goes the dynamite!

  • William Ryan says:

    Boom!!

  • Jesse says:

    BOOM!!!

  • D Hunter Sanchez says:

    BOOOOOOOOOOOOM….Super K should never be doubted again. Take that Stephen Dale!

    • Stephen Dale says:

      You’re no happier than me…..did Viney reel him in or does Kish get the credit ????

      • Jordan Esco says:

        Dennis Simmons was his primary recruiter, Kish also definitely involved.

        • Matt says:

          Is Simmons the primary recruiter for all of California?

          • Jordan Esco says:

            No. There are several OU coaches who recruit Cali. But he, like some others on staff, has a lot of connections out there. And they, as Bob has always done, tend to recruit areas as opposed to position groups. So it’s very common for multiple coaches to recruit an individual player.

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        Stephen. I’ll delete on this happy day for all of us in the Sooner family.

  • Brad Warren says:

    Very nice!

  • 47 Straight OU Know says:

    The look of determination

  • Daddy R says:

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Awesome!!

  • sooner44 says:

    Nice!

  • Austin says:

    BOOM!!

  • Zack says:

    I won 2 beers from my buddy he thought all oregon

    • Boom says:

      What did Rod have to say about this? one post earlier about Oregon.

      • Zack says:

        He was going with K and thought OU would get Bryce. He just posted a quote he gave right after the OU trip

  • Boom says:

    TFB staff deserves a BOOM too. thanks guys

  • Sonny says:

    Speed kills and I can’t wait to see him in the crimson and creme.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    This future defense should give Riley a lot of time on the field….:-)

  • EasTex says:

    Leeloo approves this message.
    https://youtu.be/Uwzg7SYZKF0

    • rphokc says:

      very enthusiastic comments by him…..thxs for post

    • Sooner Ray says:

      That is awesome! Everyone should read that.

    • hOUligan says:

      Thanks for the link. Reading between the lines after his visits, OU was the only school to get ‘awesome’ for a description of his visit. Myself, I rarely use that word, so it really said something to me. Apparently, that visit was ‘awesome’.

    • SavageSoonerEsq says:

      That is a great article too! I feel OU hit a homerun with this young man in so many different ways! Now if we can just ride the wave long enough before the wind dies down.

  • Ed Cotter says:

    He plays 30 minutes from me. Definitely need to watchdsome of his game. Boome !!

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    He said Dennis Simmons was the lead recruiter.

  • Travis Coyle says:

    BOOM! #CALISOONER

  • Robert Boone says:

    Super K, in your opinion, what does this do to our chances of landing Caleb Kelly?

    • John Garner says:

      Stoops dancing?! This is great. LOL. Thanx for sharing.

      • hOUligan says:

        I can’t help but lol every time I watch this. BS looks so nerdy and ‘white’ trying to dance. Needs to get Mayfield to give him a few lessons after practice.

  • Boom says:

    Got us some CaliBOOM

  • Sooner Ray says:

    In a year or so. our linebackers could be known as the steel curtain.

  • jonnyBgood says:

    BOOOOOOOM! What a great couple days for Sooner Nation! Props to the staff and let’s keep this MO going! Awesome. Just friggin awesome!!!

  • Rick says:

    Caleb Kelly just retweeted the BY going to OU announcement….hmmmmmmmmmm

    • Zack says:

      It’s a long way until Kelly announces but for now I’m considering him an OU lock. I think we land at least 3 from Cali. The other will be burton IMO

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      Let’s go Caleb…Cumby/Hunt, Bosworth/Migliazzo, Calmus/Marshall…Kelly, Youngquist, Hulk, Deberry…

      • Ed Cotter says:

        Curtis Lofton and Travis Lewis were pretty darn good as well. Just adding my two cents there.

  • hOUligan says:

    Hmmm…so who’s conspicuously absent for the BY announcement and celebration? Where could he be? Such an OU fan…surely would want to be present for this. Hmm…

  • Fear The Magic says:

    Pretty amazing to think that in less than a year the OU LB situation went from a complete disaster area to what can potentially be one of the strongest positions on the team.

    • ccmosaic says:

      Heck maybe in the nation.

    • Cush Creekmont says:

      You said it, brother – you said it! As a repenting Kish basher, I will re-evaluate (after the saxet game that is)

      • Hollerback says:

        Simmons was the lead recruit on Youngquist. IIRC Bowlware and Montgomery rerespectively recruited the studs in last years class, so i am not sold on Kish’s recruiting. LB core this year is loaded with talent and experience.

  • Zack says:

    I know some are going to question our ranking still for recruiting 55th according to 247 but I think we have 3 guys who have a chance to really improve their ranking. Roberson has a chance to really help our ranking because I bet he will become a 3 star and about and 85 composite rating which is a massive swing.
    Terry has a chance to become a 4 star and hardy a higher rated 3 star.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      It’s a marathon.

    • Rick says:

      Im not as concerned about the national ranking as I am the quality per recruit this year. We are going to have a small class. The teens to maybe the mid 20’s depending on what service you read. Quality wise, this class is already pretty good. We now have 5 4 star players on somebody’s board, 2 3 star players and 1 2 star recruit. Of the 4 star recruits 2 are already consensus 4 stars. All of them could either becomee consensus or move up a star during their SR. years. I like the quality. We all know the stars dont always translate into winners, and likewise the lower stars dont always translate to scout team players. Fewer players this year, maybe more quality than ever.

      • Zack says:

        If we get to 20 or even 22 kids that ranking will be much better. Remember fsu had a top 3 class last year with only 20 recruits so rivals for sure only ranks your top 20 players or something to that extent. I think we will add one 5 star who is top 10 in the nation and I’ll have to do more research but I’m sure we will land other top recruits. Whaley for one.

    • Stephen says:

      Roberson will be bumped now that he’s got some media exposure that reveals his game. I think both Slyvie and Chandler will become consensus 4* athletes. I doubt Hardy moves too much as he hasn’t primarily played the position he’s being recruited for. Bold prediction…Kendall gets his 5th star.

      • Zack says:

        I like your boldness but unless he is just a flat out stud this year, I think scouts are gonna look at his throwing motion (heard it questioned a lot don’t personally have an issue) and the fact that he decommitted from a school with multiple QBs and will say he’s afraid of competition.

        I don’t agree with those points but there will be scouts that feel that way.

        • Stephen says:

          If he keeps killing it at these big camps, he’s got a chance but you’re right there’s definitely some political obstacles to jump through.

  • Steve McQueen says:

    Do you hear that shuffle noise? Is that people backing away from the cliff? Na, probably not.

  • Sooner 4Ever says:

    Question for Special K… you use superlatives when describing Younquist… “arguably the most athletic linebacker prospect they’ve had in years.”

    My question is, whom would you compare him to? I hate bring up the enemy, but your description of his athleticism, lightness of feet, etc., reminds me of Derrick Johnson. I hate the whorns as much as anyone and more than most… but he was a hell of an athlete at LB. How would you compare BY to DJ both as an overall linebacker prospect and as an athlete?

  • Sooner 4Ever says:

    OU fans have posted “FIRE KISH!!!”

    Are Oregon fans posting “HIRE KISH!!!”?

  • Stephen says:

    Did Tyrie commit, too?? (-:

  • Chris White says:

    He reminds me a lot of Dante Jones, great pick up for the team. I’m not sure who the lead recruiter was but good job whoever!

  • Cedarsooner says:

    The one downside I see in him watching his highlights is that he always tackles from the side. He never takes on the ball carrier head on. He almost avoids head on contact. I’m sure the coaches can help him with that.

  • Boomer4life says:

    Hell…yeah! Boom!

  • Easton says:

    Sick quick foot-baller. Special, special athleticism. BOOM.

  • Kdl says:

    Idk if anyone has mentioned this, but u should definitely read the UO comments on one of their sites bashing him and OU. http://www.oregonlive.com/recruiting/index.ssf/2015/07/bryce_youngquist_4-star_lb_com.html#incart_river_mobile

    • ToatsMcGoats says:

      So much butt-hurt.

      • EasTex says:

        I was going to say they must have a proctologist shortage in psychedelic duck land.

      • Kdl says:

        I read the other story about how he will be commuting today between Oklahoma and Oregon and it was just as bad… I never really had a problem with Oregon except that game we got screwed a while back but…. Lol… They are just as bad as SEC fans, only I am not sure, but don’t think they have ever won a national championship and had one good run with an amazing college quarterback then think they are head and heels program wise over Oklahoma!

      • Sooner Ray says:

        Their quackers are a flappin’.

    • Daddy R says:

      I was reading a few from the Oregon Daily…and I tried to comment to a guy, but I didnt want to register. lol He was rattling off this list of reasons why BY should have chose the ducks, and said he couldnt think of one reason to go to Oklahoma.

      I was like, “How bout 7 reasons!!!” How many NC’s does Oregon have again!? lol, these people. But again, I didnt get to say that to him, cuz I didnt register. But I wish I did! ha!

    • Fear The Magic says:

      I read the comments and got a good laugh. They’re mostly fighting with each other of him committing to OU.

    • Daryl says:

      This one was my favorite!

  • Robertson / Robertson 2016 says:

    Welcome to Sooner Nation, Bryce. Train your angry bones and come be magnificent.

  • John Garner says:

    Awesome BOOM! And thanks Super K for the heads-up. You predicted it. Maybe now the Coach Kish naysayers will acknowledge what Coach Stoops and many top-notch LB recruits have seen all along: a damn fine coach.

  • Zack says:

    OU players, former players, coaches and support staff are all over Twitter man. I think it’s gonna be hard for southall not to commit tomorrow.

  • Mr. Jones says:

    This was fun guys. We should do this again tomorrow.

  • Rick says:

    It’s kinda funny #OUDNA is actually trending right now on twitter.

  • pitbull17 says:

    It just makes me happy anytime OU gets a stud LB to commit. This guy looks like he has everything he needs to be coached into a special player.

  • Will Narramore says:

    Anybody notice this??? a 3rd commit???? looks like a late 2015 JUCO WR??

  • Slim Sooner says:

    Just got home and logged on after a tough day and….BOOM, BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!! BANG, BANG, BANG, BANG!! Keep ’em coming!

  • Zack says:

    Seriously I think Twitter is about to implode. I’ve never had such an insane time line.

    • Borba22 says:

      It’s insane. Even crazier that it’s lasted well over an hour. Couple recruits (incl Caleb Kelly) asked who had the best fans in the nation during this and their mentions got absolutely destroyed by OU fans. It was pretty funny.

  • Tim A says:

    Youngquist looks on film like a different speed than everyone else!

    • Daddy R says:

      Any comparisons you can think of ( I haven’t watched him yet..)? Is he a Von Miller type of player?

      • Tim A says:

        that is probably as good of comparison as any in terms of style. hard to compare a high schooler to nfl pro bowler – but i dont get too excited about recruits except this kid looks like he has a chance to be special.

    • Zack says:

      Says he runs a 4.4 and had the highest sparq rating at some Nike camp he was at. That’s impressive.

      • EasTex says:

        The caption to his vid said he had the highest SPARQ in the state of California. That’s a whole bunch of athletes he finished ahead of.
        His physical speed is one thing, his identifying and reacting speed is another. I really like this young man’s game.

        • Zack says:

          Oh ok it moved so fast I couldn’t see I just saw highest sparq but yeah that’s still a good deal to beat out anyone from Cali at that camp.

          • EasTex says:

            It was quick. I backed it up to read it thoroughly. And it wasn’t just for a particular camp, it was the SPARQ rating…period. The last year I saw, which was 2014, there were 1,400 kids nation wide rated in the SPARQ system.

          • Zack says:

            I think we’re gonna have to work to hold off other schools but I think we’re good if the schools he’s talking about, are the same ones he tours/officially visits. If asu and Wisconsin are swapped with fsu and Michigan then we might need to worry.

          • EasTex says:

            Yessir, until there is ink to paper this is just an exercise in semantics.

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      the way he uses his speed he reminds me of Teddy Lehman

  • Sooner 76 says:

    Dang! Just got in from a week at NYU and read this! Where are all the tards that want Kish fired?

    • John Garner says:

      Exactly. Kish is underrated by many OU fans. The man can damn well coach up LBs. Look what he did with Dom when Frank got suspended. Made him a FR AA. Got great LBs in the 2015 class. And now Youngquist.

      • Sooner 76 says:

        For 2016, we have: Youngquist, Terry, and hopefully Kelly arriving. Holdovers will be Jordan Evans, Dom, Obo, McGinnis, DeBerry, Tay Evans, and Bolton.

        That’s a pretty good LBer corps, IMO.

  • Borba22 says:

    Apparently there’s word out there OU could be picking up a commit.. or 3, this weekend. No word as to who yet, though.

    • Zack says:

      More? What site?

      • Borba22 says:

        Josh M at Rivals said kind of in passing to keep an eye out, but a respected poster for his recruiting news over there made a thread also saying he’s hearing some word of it as well, neither giving any hints to who, and neither saying it will happen.

        Edit: just saw that TFB tweeted they’re hearing that some more good news could be coming next week as well.

        • Zack says:

          Yeah my guesses are these visitors from today may be high on #oudna right now. The Audie wr from Texas seems to be enjoying it. And the Daniels and southall are getting a lot of love. Clearly our big target is caleb Kelly but I just don’t see him being ready to pull that trigger. Now if somehow mayden is flipping that would be huge.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Those double wide trailer locker rooms they are in right now must be impressive. ?

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Awesome news, welcome to Sooner Nation Bryce

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    FWIW Perroni the Aggie guy from 247 is picking Obi Eboh to OU now

  • Daddy R says:

    Great couple of days, hope to keep the momentum going! Evening all!

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Not really trying to stir up expansion talk but, if OU did go to the PAC boy they’d have all kinds of inroads in recruiting already and could probably start getting some of the “USC only” guys.

    • Borba22 says:

      This is one of the main reason I want to go to the PAC. We’re already getting top notch guys out of Cali, just imagine if we were in the PAC..

      • John Garner says:

        Not to rain on your parade, but we’re getting quality guys out of Louisiana and Mississippi as well. Just sayin’. I like the SEC because, culturally, we have more in common with those schools than the PAC schools, especially those in Cali. For one thing, BBQ in Cali ain’t at all like what you find in OK or the SEC.

        • JJSoona says:

          Cannot argue with this point……..

        • D Hunter Sanchez says:

          Ah, if you aren’t counting mama’s backyard Bar-B-Q or Dr. Wogley Hoagley’s Texas style restaurant, I agree.

          • John Garner says:

            Where are those places? South Cali I hope. We have Lucille’s and Famous Dave’s. Not bad. Actually pretty good.

        • Soonerfandave84 says:

          I prefer the sec too but the pac would be great as well

          • John Garner says:

            Yeah, except for me the Pac is too Hollywood and the SEC is country. Maybe I’m feeling this way because I’m in South Cali. Probably so.

  • John Garner says:

    Getting Youngquist has really fired me up for the coming season. Not just about recruiting, but about our chances to kick some major ass. Getting another WR with Jalen- Saunders-like skills is really a bonus. Anytime is a good time to be a Sooner, but I think — feel — that 2015 is going to be a special time. Boomer!

  • OceanDescender says:

    This website has made Denzel Washington my favorite actor haha. So awesome that youngquist and Sylvie are now sooner commits! So freaking awesome!!

  • OU85 says:

    Youngquist looks like he has all of the physical attributes to be big time. The thing I like the most about him is that K said he has a unique seriousness or maturity about him. Think Perine on defense.

  • JJSoona says:

    3 simple words………….

  • JrsySooner says:

    Silent Boom,

    http://www.scout.com/college/oklahoma/story/1569061-jarvis-baxter-joining-sooners?s=73

    Sooners pick up a blazer in the Ryan Broyles mode going to walk on this is a big deal as he is an automatic qualifier and has 3 to play 2 I kept telling people a few months back, all the haters OU is going to coming back strong and 14 was an anomaly, not to get past 15 but we are setting up pretty good for 16 for sure…..

    • hOUligan says:

      Thanks for the link. Seem to recall his name. Looks like a kid who has the skills and the hunger to maybe make the depth chart. Hope he has success at OU.

    • Slim Sooner says:

      Boom and welcome to the young man! We’ve got history of some walk ons who worked out to be pretty freakin’ awesome.

  • paganpink says:

    All I know is other teams better watch out for the Sooners this year. We are loaded for bear with newly acquired talent on both sides of the ball and even in our coaching ranks as well. We are going to be hard to stop with an air raid offense loaded with receivers and coupled with what are easily the best running backs in the country. With an improvement in our defense, also full of fast young talent and schemes, we are going to be hard to beat. I believe we will blow some teams UP early on, but be dismissed anyway as it’s attributed to lack of quality opponents and a “bad day” for Tennessee. Then some fellow Big 12 teams better watch out. It ain’t 2014 no more, bitches!

    • Slim Sooner says:

      Amen to that! Fly low and play hard. Work the chips on every shoulder with that underdog mentality that has served us so well in the past. Aggressive defense every damn play and put the O back on the field so the beast can feed. Set the pace and dominate. This is not too much to ask with the weapons we have. I want my TEAM back. Boomer!

    • Fear The Magic says:

      Playing at Tennessee worries me some but overall I agree completely.

      • Walter Sobcek says:

        Agree. Tennessee is going to be a very tough game. Largest partisan crowd OU has ever had to contend with, and Vols are legit contender for SEC East title. If Sooners can pull out a win, the sky is the limit.

        • John Garner says:

          Agree. This game is the measuring stick of how far we have come and how far we can go.

      • EasTex says:

        The only thing about playing there that worries me is how much whiskey those folks drink. No telling what may happen when the Sooners kick that booty.
        Even their tickets for home games are printed in a Jack Daniels format.

        • Rick says:

          It’s ok ET, I have lots of relatives in the KVille and Chatanooga area. They display the whiskey stuff, but they really just smoke lots of weed in the Tenn east, the whiskey stuff just looks cool to them.

    • EasTex says:

      I agree, I like this team.
      If the team chemistry and leadership come through, this could be a memorable year.

      • SamSooner says:

        Good morning, EasTex. This is my last day on the beach. We will pack up tonight and get an early start tomorrow morning.

        • EasTex says:

          Hope y’all had a great visit. Safe journey home.
          Oh and thanks for hitting the beach yesterday, your ploy for the Youngquist commitment worked.

        • WilliamJack says:

          Glad you enjoyed it! I finally got tired of heading North back home to Tulsa after each vacation and just moved to the beach. Never regretted it, Hurricanes notwithstanding.

          • SamSooner says:

            That’s the future plan. I have to get these kids through high school and college.It will be a take a minute but that’s the plan.

        • Ed Cotter says:

          Safe Travels Sam.

        • boomersooner says:

          You do realize if you go 3 for 3 you can’t come home right? We can send your things. And sell your house

          • SamSooner says:

            I’m a team player. I will do what I have to do. Heading out now. Let’s see if I can get the hat trick. As for moving, I have my family and golf clubs. What else do I need? LOL!

          • boomersooner says:

            Haha. Fishing pole, cold beverage of your choice and a grill. Other than that you’re golden. Thanks for your help and glad y’all are enjoying yourselves

        • Exiled In Ohio says:

          Travel mercies , bud!

      • RBear says:

        I’m pretty excited to see how much of a difference the new play-calling will make- I have a feeling, a really good feeling, that we’re gonna be enjoying a memorable year.

        This year, IMO-

        Biggest intangible difference makers:

        1- Play-calling/schemes
        2- Available talent/Use of available talent
        3- Chemistry/Attitude (which will build each week)

        Biggest tangible difference makers:

        1- Mighty Joe Mixon
        2- DeDe Westbrook
        3- Mark Andrews

        What say you?

    • SamSooner says:

      Paganpink, I agree. I can’t wait.

    • Walter Sobcek says:

      I expect OU to be improved at every unit, with the possible exception of O line and D line, but hopefully the dropoff won’t be much, with some good athletes stepping up as starters. The season will largely depend on how well they grasp the new offense and whether they can flip the turnover ratio.

    • WilliamJack says:

      Like your attitude! I got a good feeling about this Vern!

    • SoonerinLondon says:

      Just need a QB and we could be scary in the coming years.

      The OLine is a bit of a worry for this season. BS has never lost fewer than 4 games when starting a new OLine.

      • paganpink says:

        Yep. Surely we have one in there somewhere. I tend to share the opinion of others that we haven’t seen the best of the ones we have in the last couple of seasons.

      • Rick says:

        From what I’ve read about Riley, he could take the water boy off the sideline and make him the next BIG 12 POY. Trevor has had several outstanding games under his belt, Mayfield has had 1 outstanding game as a frosh at TacoTech. (Cody too), All could really excell in this offence. I expect any of the 3 if starting and finishing will be in the hunt at the end of the year for offensive POY.

        • SoonerinLondon says:

          Well, you can be certain that I’ll be there trying to pull them through.

          I fly back for every home game and am usually the old guy yelling the loudest. I used to be able to carry those 22 guys to victory myself, but am a little too old to carry all 22 now. I give it my best shot, though.

        • JB says:

          Texas Tech (and briefly, OU) had an OC and QB coach who could do that named Dick Winder. I used to work with a guy in 1996 who was on the TTU staff in the 80s and early 90s, and he told me about coach Winder and his ability to develop QBs.

          Remember Zebbie Lethridge? That guy was TERRIBLE as a freshman…couldn’t hit water falling out of a boat. By his junior year he was pretty salty and led the nation at one point with most passes without an INT…I think he threw his 1st and 2nd vs Texas about 6-7 games into the season.. Winder did some good things with TTU QBs during the Spike Dykes era. TTU also had a hell of a college QB named Robert Hall that Winder developed. I’m sure many of you remember the name Billy Joe Tolliver who played in the NFL for 12 years. While serving as TCU QB coach, he produced some good QBs like Jeff Ballard and Tye Gunn.

          He didn’t get much of a chance at OU with goober Blake and his uber-douche friend Joe D interfering and Blake trying to force Eric Moore into games even though Winder wanted Fuente and his passing ability. It also didn’t help that Dick became a full-fledged alcoholic after his wife Ann died, just before he came to OU.

          But he knew offense and knew how to coach QBs. Many of you will remember one of his trademarks…when the offense broke the huddle all 10 players sprinted to their respective positions, but the QB approached more deliberately but still quickly. The idea was to create the hurry-up offense effect which forced the D to take a position to fit the offense and leave little or no time to adjust. Meanwhile, the QB could quickly scan the defense and quickly read what coverage they were in. His TTU offense was pretty high-powered for the time before the pinball machine offenses of Hal Mumme and Mike Leach became more fashionable outside of just BYU.

          Drunk or sober, he would have made for a better OU head coach than John Blake could ever hope to be. Justin Fuente considered coach Winder a mentor as a player and a current up and coming coach. Dick Winder passed away in December and his players absolutely loved him.

      • leatherneck1061 says:

        Agreed. eliminating the errors at qb is a must. And losing veteran o-line players is definitely concerning.

      • JB says:

        To be honest, i’m not worried about the offense, the OL, or even the QB assuming Mayfield starts. We need more WRs to step up, but a healthy Shepard, combined with an improved Miciah Quick, Jeff Mead and hopefully Dede Westbrook, we should be better there too. Bedenbaugh is a heck of a recruiter and coach, so I think the OL will be fine. We have the best RB in the country with capable backups. We have to replace our kicker & punter, but seibert may do both. Our return guys are proven threats.

        I just worry about the defense. I like that we’re building some serious future talent, but I’m realistic when it comes to the current state of the OU defense which is piss poor until proven otherwise. Fingers crossed…prove me wrong, D. The challenge has been set forth!

      • Hollerback says:

        Riley will get whatever QB we have to be good, and Bedenbaugh will have the OL ready. I am more worried about Mike Stoops, as he has been getting worse.

  • SamSooner says:

    OU’s LB corp is going to be very scary in the future. Deberry, Arthur, Bryce. Wow!

  • Walter Sobcek says:

    Outstanding. And after OU puts in a great season this year, the recruiting will bump even more. (Um, go easy on the Stoops’ dancing from here on in, if you don’t mind. There are children on this site)

  • RBear says:

    Great get..

    On an entirely picky note though, I noticed that the graphic shows “12 NFL Draft Picks” but shows 13 NFL Shields. Thinking that it ought to be perceived that we know how to count here in Oklahoma 😉

  • soonersd says:

    Every time I see the Boz’s 30 for 30 being replayed on the espn channels out here in Cali I can’t help but wonder if it might play a tiny role in recruiting… especially on the defensive side of the ball. I realize there is a lot that goes in to recruiting and I believe the relationship with position coach and other coaches is probably #1. Having said that, it definitely can’t hurt for these kids to get a glimpse of the swagger, the passion and the tradition that is Oklahoma Football. Oregon, doesn’t know what it means to be champion… Oklahoma invented it.

  • JJSoona says:

    Didn’t we start the season in 2000 at 19th in the polls?

  • John Garner says:

    Don’t doubt that this pump up video has already been posted. It’s a Hambone production. Get past the first 2 minutes and this thing kicks ass. It’s a feel good vid in a feel good weekend and worth a second look.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAyJX1PK-BY

  • DCinAZ says:

    This is a change. I think Bryce is “all in”.

    User Actions FollowingBryce Youngquist‏@49BryceFootball

    I am ALL IN SOONER NATION !!! NORMAN IS MY ONLY OFFICIAL VISIT #OUDNA #OU16 #BOOMERSOONER #CALISOOONER