The Football Brainiacs

Image of Clyde Edwards-Helaire via The Advocate

– Defensive Line Coach: We’ve been kicking around some names internally and put out several feelers as to who the Sooners could target as the next defensive line coach, and we’ll probably post some of our thoughts on possibly candidates either later today or tomorrow.

In the meantime, we wanted to pass on a note from a source who shared that both Mike & Bob Stoops are still in the process of completing their list of potential candidates. However, we were also told they actually did reach yesterday out to one candidate in particular.

It does sound like Diron Reynolds’ departure was a bit unexpected, if for no other reason than it simply happened so quickly. So understandably there wasn’t really a list of possible replacements in place. But at a program like Oklahoma and with a head coach of Bob Stoops’ caliber, they should have no problem attracting a pool of quality candidates.

– Grant Delpit: Recent OU offer, 2017 safety Grant Delpit (Houston, TX), told TFB he has upcoming trips planned to Miami, TCU, Texas A&M & Oklahoma. Physically, Delpit is a massive safety who can squeeze space in a hurry. Despite his size, however, he stays low and can transition well enough to cover slot receivers.

Delpit is someone to keep an eye on. Delpit recently told me that he’s always been high on both Oklahoma and LSU (Delpit’s family is originally from Louisiana). – (Super K)

– Charleston Rambo: Another early 2017 target the Sooners seem to be in a good spot for, perhaps even a great spot, is WR Charleston Rambo (Cedar Hill, TX). In fact, Rambo will be taking his third unofficial visit already to Oklahoma this upcoming weekend. TFB asked Rambo if a commitment was possible to which he said, “no, just coming up to chill with the coaches and watch the basketball game against Kansas.”

But as many of you know, recruits who frequent a campus as much as Rambo have a tendency to eventually end up at that particular school. And with guys like Robert Barnes heading up there as well, the Sooners are looking to continue to build an early core of recruits to help them build a strong overall 2017 class. – (Super K)

– Clyde Edwards-Helaire: It seems the OU staff may have found another potential 2017 running back target in Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Baton Rouge, LA). Edwards-Helaire told TFB he has been in communication with the OU coaches, and more specifically spoke with Jay Boulware on Wednesday night saying of their conversation, “I feel very close to him.”

Now with any prospect from The Boot, it’s a requirement to point out Edwards-Helaire does hold an offer from LSU. We all know what that typically means. Rarely to top flight in-state kids leave the state when the Tigers offer. But interestingly, Edwards-Helaire shared with TFB he has a connection to the state of Oklahoma and has been to the state on numerous occasions.

Edwards-Helaire’s brother attended Langston University, so he is familiar with both the state of Oklahoma and the tradition at OU. “It’s a very nice area. I know OU has put out a lot of great running backs, and their academics are great.”

The Sooners have not yet offered Edwards-Helaire, but it would not surprise me to see one happen soon. – (Brandon)

– UPDATE (12:30 pm): The NFL just released the official list of those prospects who received invites (and are expected to participate in) this year’s Combine. Among the OU guys included are:

ILB Dominique Alexander
OLB Devante Bond
OG Nila Kasitati
CB Zack Sanchez
WR Sterling Shepard
OLB Eric Striker
DE Charles Tapper

– UPDATE (9:32 pm):

I have received an offer from The University of Oklahoma! Words can't express how grateful I am. ❤️ #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/So6OKy2rNJ

— GLYDE (@Clydro_22) February 12, 2016