The Football Brainiacs

Image of Caleb Kelly via Fresno Bee

– Team Note | 7-on-7 workouts: We mentioned last week that OU freshmen LB Caleb Kelly is being groomed to see the field this season, even doing some film study with the upperclassmen. This week it sounds like Kelly stood out during the player led 7-on-7 workouts.

TFB was told Kelly returned an interception for a touchdown during one Wednesday session. And while interceptions can be the product of simply being in the right place at the right time, our source offered some, shall we say…colorful context as to the play Kelly made. “It wasn’t a bull sh*t pick. He (Kelly) made a great play.”

TFB has also learned that true freshmen CB Parnell Motley took a few more reps than usual during 7-on-7’s this week as a result of PJ Mbanasor being limited while dealing with a minor foot issue. We’ve spoken to a few people about Motley, but have yet to really hear back anything of true significance. “He’s taking more reps. He moves around well, but he’s not being targeted a lot right now. So it’s tough to get a good feel,” one source told TFB. – (Super K)

– Kenneth Murray: 2017 LB Kenneth Murray (Missouri City, TX) is approaching a decision as he is expected to announce his commitment around one month (August 10th) from right now. Murray is planning to enroll early at whatever school he eventually chooses, that along with his ability to play both ILB and OLB will only increase his chances for early playing time.

As we reported on Thursday, Murray let TFB know he plans to be in Norman on July 29th for the Sooners’ big recruiting event. Murray has already visited Texas and Texas A&M this summer and could very well wind up making return trips to both at some point. But as of right now it looks like the Sooners may get his final visit prior to announcing his commitment. – (Super K)

– Addison Gumbs: 2017 LB Addison Gumbs (Heyward, CA) is another OU target expected to announce his commitment very soon. Gumbs planned on announcing in June, but recently decided to push that back to July. TFB checked with Gumbs to see if he’s any closer to announcing to which he said, “No set date yet. Whenever I’m ready I’ll just commit.”

We continue to hear that Oklahoma is a great spot for Gumbs. But given the delay, one can’t help but think there may be another school (or two) that is making the decision difficult for him. – (Super K)

– Stephan Zabie: With Tyrese Robinson, who is a guard that could play some tackle if needed, already committed, the Sooners are looking to fill at least two more OL slots in this 2017 class. And as previously mentioned on TFB, we’re still expecting the likelihood that OU can flip the commimtent of current Texas commit Xavier Newman.

So presumably the Sooners are looking to grab an offensive tackle for that last (and we say ‘last’ but as with anything recruiting related, the numbers are fluid) OL spot. Enter Stephan Zabie.

Zabie visited Norman a few months back and really enjoyed the trip. After which it became pretty clear that Texas A&M and OU were at, or near, the top for the talented OT prospect. Since then TFB has spoken with Zabie’s adopted father about whether they plan on making a return trip to Norman this summer. “We’re trying to. We are working on it,” he said.

The biggest threat to OU (or A&M for that matter) for Zabie will likely come if Texas chooses to throw their hat into the ring. Zabie’s adopted father is on the faculty at Texas, though to be clear the family insists that it will ultimately be Stephan’s decision. And in talking to Zabie, he seems to genuinely like OU. And with the Aggies having landed a few offensive linemen in the past few months, we’re not exaclty sure where things stand between them and Zabie.

If Zabie makes it back up to OU this summer, and Texas stays on the sideline, he’s a prospect the Sooners are going to have a very good shot at landing. – (Super K)

– Anthony Hines: Anthony Hines released his Top 10 yesterday which included: OU, OSU, SMU, Auburn, Texas, UCLA, TCU, TAMU, Ohio State, & Florida.

No change with regards to Hines & OU in that we still have every reason to believe the Sooners are in a good spot as thigns stand today. – (TFB)

– Marquis Hayes: 2017 OL Marquis Hayes (Maryland Heights, MO) tells TFB that he plans to visit Oklahoma this coming Monday. Hayes holds a number of offers up in the Midwest, including an in-state offer from Mizzou.

We will try to catch up with Hayes after his visit to bring you more. – (Super K)

– July 29th Recruiting BBQ: It’s still a couple weeks away of course, but just a quick reminder as to the event itself and the visitor list TFB is continually working on.

You can see the full list HERE, which already includes a couple new names added in recent days.