Open Post | Wednesday, Jul. 13

Image of Jeffrey Okudah via Scout

Marquis Hayes Jr | Offensive Line: As discussed in Monday’s Open Post, Oklahoma hosted 2017 OL Marquis Hayes Jr. (Maryland Heights, MO) earlier this week.

https://twitter.com/ballgame__/status/752629709301649408

As you may recall, Hayes made the unofficial visit even without an offer in hand. So when TFB had a chance to speak with him following the visit, we wanted to get a better sense of where things currently stand. “He (Coach Bedenbaugh) is supposed to give me a call later this week,” Hays said.

Hayes said the OU staff are still working through their offensive line numbers with respect to this 2017 class. “That’s really the deal right now, but he (Bedenbaugh) said he will open something up for me,” Hayes explained. It was clear Hayes got the distinct impression following his visit that the staff are working to find a spot for him in this 2017 OU class. And that an offer could very well be forthcoming, possibly in the near future.

– 2017 OL Recruiting: As we suspect most of you are already aware, 2016 signee Johncarlo Valentin has yet to make it to campus. And while it was known he would arrive later than most of the other signees, the original expectation was for him to have made it to Norman by now. However, there are have been some unforeseen qualification issues. And according to some folks on the OU side of things, there is some legitimate concern at this point Valentin may not make it in.

Prior to this development with Valentin, the plans was for the Sooners to take 2-3 offensive linemen in this 2017 class. However, it’s possible that OU could now take as many as four OL depending on how things ultimately shake out.

So now seems like as good a time as any to assess where things stand with regards to OU’s current OL targets.

Tyrese Robinson (G/OT) – Committed to OU. That takes one spot.

Creed Humphrey (C/G) – Committed to TAMU, and TFB believes OU has moved on at this point.

Xavier Newman (C/G) – Committed to Texas, but everything we’ve heard regarding Newman is that it’s really more a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ he flips to OU. So assuming that were to happen, Newman fills a second OL spot.

Stephan Zabie (OT/G) – Zabie let TFB know Tuesday night that he doesn’t believe a return trip to Norman this summer is going to happen. But did reiterate his plans to make it up for a game at some point this season. OU looks to be in pretty good shape with Zabie but, as we’ve mentioned before, if Texas were to offer they’d be very difficult to beat. However at this point the Horns have not been in communication with Zabie. As of now we feel pretty good about OU’s chances here, or at least good enough that we believe OU would leave a spot open for him.

Adrian Ealy (OT) – As TFB previously reported, Ealy is planning to be in Norman the weekend of the OU/Ohio St. game. The Louisiana product has been very clear about his interest in OU since TFB first spoke with him back in the early part of May. But as with any top LA prospect, this will ultimately come down to how Ealy feels about LSU and vice versa. The Tigers have already landed a couple top OL commitments, so it’s reasonable to think they may not have room to take Ealy. But it’s still too early to know that for sure. Regardless, between his talent and expressed interest in OU, the Sooners likely have to hold a spot for Ealy as well.

Chuck Filiaga (OT) – Filiaga doesn’t do many interviews, but in the few exchanges we’ve had with him there seems to be a good relationship with Bedenbaugh and the OU staff. Filiaga did take an unofficial visit to OU a few months back, and is also moving to Texas (from California). So Oklahoma will have the advantage of proximity over a number of other schools that have been vying for his services. To be honest, at this point we don’t have a strong sense of OU’s chances here.

And finally, back to Hayes. He seems very high on Oklahoma, even prior to this recent visit. So if the coaches do in fact offer, they’d have to do so with the understanding Hayes may very well commit. And while that would certainly be a good thing, it would also fill up another OL spot — possibly even finish out the OL class, assuming you count Newman — before the coaches would have the opportunity to see how things play out with some of prospects on their board.

Our guess is that if an offer is made to Hayes, it would be a pretty solid indicator the coaches don’t believe Johncarlo Valentin will make it in giving OU an extra OL spot to fill in 2017. – (Super K)

Jeffrey Okudah: Earlier this week, 2017 five-star DB Jeffrey Okudah dropped his Top 6:

https://twitter.com/TheJeffOkudah/status/752658309287522304

The Sooners made the cut along with Georgia, USC, Ohio State, Clemson & Florida State. The list struck TFB as rather interesting…

Georgia – This is a school Okudah and I (K) have discussed in previous conversations, but I really never got the sense they’re a major threat. I think their presence and the absence of a school like LSU works in OU’s favor. LSU is a program Okudah has some ties to through people around him, and he’s visited there on multiple occasions. It’s hard to see Georgia beating OU.

USC – This is another school Okudah has not mentioned much when we’ve spoken in the past. In fact, they didn’t even make his original Top 10, so I was surprised to see them in there now. While the west coast school that did make his original Top 10, Stanford, is now no longer listed. Knowing that Okudah is big on academics, I surmise he sees USC as a mix of the tradition and intensity of a big-time football program that’s he’s looking for, along with some academic prestige.

Although once again, this be a revision to his original list and one he hasn’t discussed much. So it’s also hard to see the Trojans being a huge threat to OU. Worth mentioning Okudah did take an unofficial visit to USC last summer and had a good relationship with their DBs coach, however that coach has since been replaced.

Clemson – Yet another newcomer to Okudah’s list of top schools. Despite being one of, if not the, latest school to offer, when TFB spoke with Okudah previously he seemed genuinely interested in what Dabo Swinney and Brent Venables have built at Clemson. I suspect he will take an official visit to Clemson and have every reason to believe he comes away from that visit impressed.

Florida State – The Seminoles were also not in Okudah’s original Top 10, but he’s had long relationship with FSU during his recruitment. Okudah has visited Tallahasee and knows the staff well. At one point, I got the sense the Noles were at, or near, the top of his list. Okudah models himself, to some degree, after former FSU star DB Jalen Ramsey, which certainly works in the Noles’ favor.

The impression we’ve received from Okudah is that he and Ramsey are very similar in terms of size and athleticism. And that he believes FSU is a school that has proved they know exactly what to do with an athlete like himself.

Ohio State – No secret here, the Buckeyes remain the biggest threat to the Sooners when it comes to landing Okudah. Only putting an additional emphasis on the upcoming match up in Norman between the two schools, and the importance of the Sooners needing to protect their home field.

Having said that, OU does have some advantages over Ohio State (in addition to pretty much every other school in that Top 6). The first being proximity to home. The second being his relationship with the current commits.

In case you missed it, TFB had a great quote from Okudah after his most recent visit to OU where he said, “It (OU) felt like home, as it always does. And just being with the guys they (OU) have committed in the 2017 class, it’s like I’m with my teammates.”

The third thing working in OU’s favor ties back to the first, proximity, with regards to Okudah’s private trainer, Clay Mack. Mack trains in Dallas and frequents Oklahoma often, even working with a number of current OU defensive backs in the offseason. A fourth advantage OU has is the fact Okudah’s high school head coach is an OU fan. In fact, the head coach’s son was a walk-on at Oklahoma, and the OU staff has a great relationship with the coaches at South Grand Prairie (Okudah’s high school).

Lastly, the Sooners can sell a clear path to early playing time. If Jordan Thomas and Steven Parker both leave early for the NFL — which is a distinct possibility — and if Dakota Austin wins a starting CB spot, OU would be looking at losing four (with Ahmad Thomas) of their five starting defensive backfield.

Whether all that proves to be enough for Oklahoma to land the ultra-talented Okudah to be seen. But the Sooners are certainly right where they want to be…within striking distance. – (Super K)

278 Comments

  • UGA Sooner says:

    I’ve never been first before! BOOMER

  • Matt S. says:

    Morning!

  • soonerbred4ever says:

    Good Morning all ! SOONER

  • paganpink says:

    Wow. Too bad about Valentin- it really doesn’t sound good for his chances. We need some more hawgzilla’s coming in and training up for the intensity of top level college play! Let’s hope we get them reasonably soon.

  • Bob Edwards says:

    And of course the main reason to believe Okudah is coming to OU is that Sooners appears on the jersey in the edit.

  • Scott says:

    Will Johnson is a Junior I believe.

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    OPEN POST!! This is some great info, a lot of great stuff here. Thanks Super K!

  • ouwooferman says:

    Great update on the Hogs Mollies. Thanks Super K!

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Thanks guys. TFB is the best

  • David Morris says:

    I cant wait for this season to start!

  • Brian says:

    Also worth mentioning is that Texas (or any other TX schools) was absent from the list. Seems like Ohio State is 1a and we’re 1b at the moment but the gap is closing…Florida State seems like the biggest threat after that. We just need to stay after him

    • David Morris says:

      It seems to me he wants out of his state. Would be good for us though if he wanted to stay close to home.

  • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

    Super K, I literally made the same comment about all four of our secondary guys leaving depending on who wins the jobs and who leaves early but the comment was never approved. Maybe now I know why! Either way this is music to my ears! I’m freaking excited as heck right now lol. Once we lay that whoop azz on Ohio state it will all but seal the deal!

  • KJ1123 says:

    I think half of Okudahs list is fluff. Possibly only 3 real contenders.

  • Dick Bump says:

    Good stuff! Thanks.

  • Boom says:

    SS17 are working hard on Okudah along with Marvin Wilson. The sleeper is a WR who doesn’t have an offer – Tyrell Shavers. I’m curious if he does get an offer.

    • SoonerFan92 says:

      I’m not too sure that he would flip from an Alabama commitment. Although, Robison did say in an interview that he was working on him to flip to the good guys.

    • ALar03 says:

      I would love to get Shavers! I also think that would help Bandy having someone from home and someone he liked to compete against

  • SoonerFan92 says:

    Has he ever said when he would like to commit? I’m guessing that it would be after OU plays tOSU?

    • UGA Sooner says:

      I’m guessing the same, but if i were a 5 star, I’d draw the process out as long as I could. I wouldn’t drop any hints. Of course I’d go to Oklahoma, but still. I’d milk it until after signing day. The last possible day in May is when I’d notify everyone. They would make room

      • SoonerfanTU says:

        The only reason I would want to drag it out, if I knew where I was going, is for the visits. No other reason for me, personally.

        That said, Okudah probably didn’t grow up a die hard fan of any of the schools he is considering. I’d probably want to wait things out a bit too, to just see how things go.

        • UGA Sooner says:

          Apparently he’s from New Jersey so maybe Rutgers? Which would be foolish for him to attend when he has these other schools after him that can pump out the NFL talent

      • SoonerFan92 says:

        If I was in their shoes then I would commit immediately, to the Sooners of course, but I have no problem with them taking their time and using all of the official visits. Those trips would be amazing when you’re a 17 y/o kid and you’re getting wined and dined by the big boys of college football. Go and live it up.

        • UGA Sooner says:

          I’d get all the clothing and cash I could because, let’s be honest, that stuff happens. I’d meet coaches to get my name there for a potential GA spot if the NFL didn’t call, etc. I would milk the system, Would always end up at OU, though

      • Bob Edwards says:

        Wait to the last possible day in May and you may not be able to go to the school you want. A lot of schools, especially the elite ones, aren’t going to save a scholly because a prima donna wants to drag it out well past signing day. They will go ahead and sign someone and then hope, if he ever makes up his mind, they’ve had one come open.

        • UGA Sooner says:

          I just don’t see a school passing on a 5 star. Oklahoma actually may because Stoops is a standup guy (which destroys my fantasy), but I just don’t see a school passing on a 5 star.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            But you aren’t talking just a five star. You are talking a five star who is not dropping any hints, dragging out the decision unnecessarily and milking it for everything he can. So the coach has no reason to believe he is going to get the call and so keeping a scholly for him is probably going to be a waste. In the meantime he can probably get a decent player who will come in and at least provide some depth.
            Then there is the fact that the kind of player you are talking about is going to be a cancer on the team. He’s a narcissist who makes it all about him. I think more coaches than you realize are going to pass at that point.

          • UGA Sooner says:

            Agree to disagree. In this day and age I think the value and risk of a 5 star is well worth it. I understand what you’re saying and there is a chance the player could be bad in the locker room and a chance he couldn’t sign where he truly wants to, but with attrition everywhere, why not milk it? These highly rated players are treated like royalty. If I got the skill, I’m cashing in. The NFL isn’t guaranteed. A free college education and a boat load of free stuff is, though. I get what you’re saying, but I’d take the risk of not signing where I truly want to. I think the chance of a school not accepting a 5 star to save a preferred walk on or low rated player’s feelings is extremely low. Happened with that linebacker that was committed to Alabama. He was told to look elsewhere. Think Saban cared? Nope. It’s rude and selfish, but that’s pretty much today’s sports. You made excellent points that would have to make a recruit think twice about it, but I’d milk it.

          • UGA Sooner says:

            Also a coach thinking twice about it.

          • UGA Sooner says:

            Also a coach thinking twice about it.

          • SoonerOracle737 says:

            Milking the ego trip is the only part that bothers me. The kid is free to do what he wants, but he better be forewarned that a lot of programs fill up slots and don’t make room. There is a bit of a gamble there.

          • UGA Sooner says:

            I don’t look at it like an ego trip. If i got the talent, I’m getting the free stuff. Granted for an athlete nowadays it probably would be for the ego, but I’m putting myself in the shoes of said athlete and I purely want the cash and free stuff and getting my face out there for a GA spot. NFL ain’t guaranteed. I see no point on not cashing in

          • UGA Sooner says:

            You better believe I’d be shouting that at Hugh Freeze. Maybe not the black people part. I’m not racist, but that could get a bit weird

  • luvsoonersA53 says:

    Question TFB are we taking 2 RB’s 2017, Trey Sermon???

    • SoonerFan92 says:

      I have been wondering the same thing. Who are some other RB’s that we have a legitimate shot with?

      • Fear The Magic says:

        I look at Sutton as kind of a Brooks type RB. Good to have for insurance but not a game changer. I love what we have in Anderson and Adams but I would like for OU to go after another top notch RB. Dobbins is a very long shot as is Ackers…maybe AJ Davis is still interested?

        • SoonerFan92 says:

          I forgot about Sutton, but Davis was the only one that I can think of OU having a shot with in regards to 2017.

        • Bob Edwards says:

          I have heard they are looking at Sutton as a flex guy. Play some RB some slot receiver.

        • SoonerfanTU says:

          Gotta be careful with the RB’s. Most don’t like having another top RB in the same class. If we can get one stud a year, that will keep the cupboard stocked.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      argument to be made they already have two w/ Sermon & Sutton

    • Bob Edwards says:

      We already have two committed. Sermon and Marcelias Sutton who is a JUCO RB/Ath.

  • Birddawg says:

    Need to have ourselves a buckeye beatdown.
    I’m assuming Okudah is coming with other ss17 to that game.
    Them in his ear, OU performing on the field.. he’s home.

  • West Coast Sooner Fan says:

    I must have missed something, but what happened with Johncarlo? Did he have a change of heart about playing football or is it grades.

  • Dick Bump says:

    I’m especially interested in the defensive talent we’re recruiting. There are some really talented guys in the mix to go with the current group of commits. Lookin’ good!

  • metzker says:

    What a hump day,a great daily from Jordan and a great OP from Super K yee haww BOOMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Birddawg says:

      SOONER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • cush creekmont says:

      Hey man! Taking 10 minutes from my toooooooooo much work to read through the OP. You did well in Sam’s absence – I think he owes you some time off for good behavior.

  • DR LEO MARVIN says:

    Okudah we want you at OU.

  • Framoka says:

    Great post TFB! Comprehensive info about the Oline and Okudah. I hope JonCarlo qualifies, he is a solid prospect!

  • luvsoonersA53 says:

    Thanks in the RB’s insight I was wondering if the Open may have had some recruit’s looking around and gaining new friendship’s and possible new beginning’s. We are aware of Newman, Rogers, Wilson, and KC(Chassion???) Oh Jeff Okudau.

  • Bill Duncan says:

    It’s funny that outside of TFB, all the talk about Okudau excludes OU as a landing spot.

  • j l says:

    Having a little fun with the 247 class calculator. Have us landing zabie, ealy, newman and manning on offense. Wilson, rogers, chaisson, hines, browning and okudah on defense.

    Gives us a score of 295.94, good enough for 2nd in last years class. Crazy how bama has a better rated class than what a dream class for us would look like.

    • UGA Sooner says:

      Yet they only had 1 NFL 100 player. That’s sad. Apparently Saban threw a hissy fit at media days today when the cameras turned off for commercial break. He can recruit, but he’s a crap coach IMO. Nice class you made, though. The crazy thing is, it isn’t an impossible class. Highly unlikely, but still possible

      • j l says:

        ive never thought he was as good a coach as he gets credit for. Now the guy can recruit, and its hard to have bad seasons with all that elite talent(texas excluded lol).

        • Sooner4life says:

          Wow I just can’t agree with this at all. Of course having talent on the field helps but you also have to know how to use the talent. A guy that has won 3 NC cannot be considered a bad coach no matter how you put it. Plus recruiting is part of a coaches resume.

          • UGA Sooner says:

            He also didn’t have to play against McCoy for Texsa or a full health Mackenzie Alexander for Clemson (ended up being helped to the locker room during the game). I think if a healthy Alexander and McCoy play, that’s 2 losses right there for Saban and Alabama doesn’t become as prominent as they are now. With the loss to Texas they wouldn’t have even played Clemson because everything would be different, but that’s just technicalities.

          • j l says:

            And thats not even talking about how they backdoored into a rematch with LSU in 2011. Or how oregon and KSU lost the last game of the season to let them face an overrated ND team in 2012.

            Winning a title in football is so many things going your way. They have been as fortunate as they have been good.

          • j l says:

            And thats not even talking about how they backdoored into a rematch with LSU in 2011. Or how oregon and KSU lost the last game of the season to let them face an overrated ND team in 2012.

            Winning a title in football is so many things going your way. They have been as fortunate as they have been good.

          • j l says:

            Big difference between a bad coach, and not as good as he gets credit for. I never said he was a bad coach. I just dont think hes the best of all time like many are pegging him. Hes probably top 10 though.

            I understand full well that recruiting is part of coaching, and admitted hes a great recruiter.

            Had mack brown not had to play us every year, he probably wins 2-3 titles, but that dosent make him a great coach, in fact he really wasnt. He could recruit like a madman though.

    • bommer85 says:

      i wish there was an early signing period to ensure this class stays intact…it rarely does so I’m sure at least one guy who is on SS17 right now won’t be come signing day. Also I would love to land that class but it aint happening

      • j l says:

        If we get half those kids, it will still be a really strong class for us. landing half of them is pretty reasonable.

        • bommer85 says:

          thats true. although i tend to be more pessimistic. I do think we could lose zabie to texsa ealy to lsu, newman sounds like ours. manning to tcu/texsa wilson not coming to OU. rogers looking more and more like USC chaisson should be ours with a win against houston. hines feels like 60% chance atm. browning not coming to OU. okudah 50/50

          • j l says:

            UT taking all those OL, makes zabie harder to take IMO. LSU might not have room for ealy. manning sounds like a TCU lean. Wilson is a huge longshot. I still like our chances with rogers. Think we land chaisson(and possibly lamb, good replacement for manning). Think we land hines, and i agree we have no shot with browning.

          • Scott says:

            Don’t forget Phillips , Gumbs , Cunlife, DJ Johnson , Fred Hansield.

          • j l says:

            dont think we get phillips if we get hines, too many ILB. Dont think we get gumbs if we get chaisson, too stacked at the jack position.

            Havent heard much on the rest.

          • Scott says:

            I would still go after Phillips if we get Hines , the more depth the better. Johnson and Hansield are both top 10 Dline men , Hansield is 6’3 330 lb monster and DJ Johnson reminds me of Myles Garrett for the Aggies.

          • j l says:

            We can go after him, just dont think he will pick us, same goes for gumbs. I remember them talking about hainsleid, made his top 10 i believe, just not much chatter around here about him.

          • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

            60 percent to the Aggies? Wtf are you smoking? I’d say the dude is easily OUrs to lose at this point. Y’all don’t understand the power of SS17 current commits. Everyone is doing work and loves each other except maybe Bandy.

          • bommer85 says:

            i don’t smoke…but see how you used WTF as, what the f***
            atm means, at the moment.
            so to re-iterate for you, hines feels like 60% chance at the moment
            love your excitement tho

          • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

            Ok.

      • j l says:

        If we get half those kids, it will still be a really strong class for us. landing half of them is pretty reasonable.

    • Dick Bump says:

      I think that says a lot about the Star System.

      • j l says:

        Maybe, maybe not. Just shows what kind of talent bama lands year in and year out.

      • ALar03 says:

        I think it says alot about what a national championship can do to your recruiting….

  • UGA Sooner says:

    Cody Thomas batting .489 in minor league according to Bob Przybylo. Impressive

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Nice OP. I actually like our chances with Okudah and I expect some good O line commits when the dust settles.

    • SoonerOracle737 says:

      That much column space dedicated to one single recruit seems to indicate OU has a good chance.

      • Slim Sooner says:

        I’m thinking Marquis could really be OUr marquee guy for the future. Just a feeling he could develop into something special. Maybe it’s the name.

  • Alwaysasooner says:

    So is Okudah set on playing CB or is he receptive to playing safety. It seems i keep hearing he is set on playing CB and if so is OU recruiting him to play either one. It looks like ou is done at recruiting CB and Okudah is the safety prospect they are set on landing.

    • SavageSoonerEsq says:

      Good question. I have kept up with his recruitment and his twitter. It seems to me that unless something drastic happens Ohio State will win out on this one. He’s “comfortable” with OU, and it “feels like home,” but his comments seem pretty much like a consolation prize at this point. I SINCERELY hope I’m wrong, because he is an absolute BEAST and would seemingly be able to come in and compete right away for a safety spot (especially if Steven Parker leaves.)

    • Birddawg says:

      More money in nfl playing as a corner.
      Plus, the dude can match up on whoever.
      Every opponent just match him against the best player from the offense.. WR/TE.
      He will win that one v one for the defense.

  • Alwaysasooner says:

    So is Okudah set on playing CB or is he receptive to playing safety. It seems i keep hearing he is set on playing CB and if so is OU recruiting him to play either one. It looks like ou is done at recruiting CB and Okudah is the safety prospect they are set on landing.

  • hOUligan says:

    Great OP today w/ a good mid-point breakdown of OLine recruiting. And I am absolutely flummoxed by the continued difficulty in getting top hs Oline prospects to ‘commit’ to OU. Bedenbaugh is a heckuva good coach and is putting his guys in a position to play in the nfl. The perception that the linemen coming out of the B12-2 are not prepared for the next level? WTF?? Pass protections, which are much more difficult to learn and execute than run blocking, are emphasized and OU is ALSO a top rushing team. Look at the parade of top RBs from OU in the last 15 years that have played. Someone was blocking for those guys, guaranteed!!! So Coach Bedenbaugh will keep bringing in guys further down OU’s board and making fighters out of them until some of these kids, Tyrese being an exception, finally start to wake the F up and quit wasting their talents at UT or aTm or Tech. OK. End of rant.

    • Brent says:

      totally agree, but take a look at the depth chart and you will realize why it’s so difficult to get recruits.

      • hOUligan says:

        Not buying a nickels worth of that. Maybe if you’re an OT w/ low confidence who doesn’t want to work and fight. Bedenbaugh would love to move Samia inside but there isn’t enough depth at OT. Only 1 guy has earned anything .. Orlando. Possibilities abOUnd at OG where OU is thin this season and Coach B had to fill up on JC guys just to get some depth.

        • Birddawg says:

          I thought Daimler was about to take the RT position until he got hurt.

          • hOUligan says:

            True..as a RS JR he is finally ready to contribute. Of 17 roster spots, 3 are non-scholarship, 1, Orso, just moved, 1 Grant, is a SR yet to contribute, 4 are JC additions, and Danley is a SR. Maybe Julius or Powers contribute their JR year. There is nothing on the OU depth chart that should scare any hs lineman worth his beans and rice.

        • Birddawg says:

          and lets get through some two a days..
          Bobby Evans…Orso…. Swenson.. might slide to RT…
          I think ideally they wanted Daimler with his 6’7 300 frame to be at RT but the injury bug bit him..

    • Birddawg says:

      I hear ya..
      NFL olineman,
      Trent Williams
      Lane Johnson
      Phil Loadholt
      Donald Stephenson
      Chris Cheester
      Gabe Ikard
      Tyrus Thompson
      Daryl Williams
      Orlando Brown and Dru Samia are next gen
      Brey Walker.. Tyrese Robinson future gen..
      We aren’t doing as bad as you think..
      Bendenbaugh is getting the right guys

      • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

        Agree. We are O line U. I think it’s a numbers crunch this year rather than lack of interest by high profile guys.

        • D Hunter Sanchez says:

          Let’s see at the end. I hope your right.

          People talk about the SEC recruiting appeal, this is where it gets real, on the LOS. OU is not representative of the Big 12 on the LOS…We should not be touched or soured by any negative recruiting talk by other schools or the media. Yet here we sit with only 1 OLM.

    • metzker says:

      hOU———

      • hOUligan says:

        Metzimus!!! Woke up ornery for some reason and the Oline thing is just stuck in my craw. Every year I look at the Oline and think ‘next season will be better’. Just need a few hs kids to wake up and sign on and be willing to work. Every other position group is solid w/ great kids waiting and great recruit projects being turned away.

        • metzker says:

          i BET we will be ok, but i agree with ya.

        • cush creekmont says:

          hOUligan – always keep your craw clear! We don’t want you gagging in the middle of an OP – it’s unseemly as well as unsafe 🙂

    • DCinAZ says:

      I wasn’t aware we really had an Oline recruiting problem anymore.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      We have 1 OL committed. 1. What is this? And 0 DT.

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    247 put out new rankings and Walker Little moved up to number 2

  • cush creekmont says:

    Thanks TFB for great info in the OP (nice News too Jordan). Unfortunately, I have the old work, work, work, so I will re-read and “contemplate” it all tonight.

  • LottsSocks says:

    Lapdog Finebaum actually pushes back against Saban:
    https://twitter.com/footballscoop/status/753267311277019136

    • metzker says:

      WTF Satan

    • SoonerFan92 says:

      They got into it a little after the segment ended and went to commercial. Someone recorded it on their cellphone. Couldnt really hear the words, but they were both waving their hands around at each other lol.

    • BigJoeBrown says:

      Dang wish I could see more. May have to find some clips later. But when Saban say’s ” I am not going to suspend them and I don’t care about that, that is the end of the conversation.” Then someone goes…”fair enough…another topic”

      Basically Saban just put those guy’s in their place, and they just cowered. Really, “fair enough”, what kind of reporter or journalist tucks tail from Nick Saban? ESPiN

    • BigJoeBrown says:

      Dang wish I could see more. May have to find some clips later. But when Saban say’s ” I am not going to suspend them and I don’t care about that, that is the end of the conversation.” Then someone goes…”fair enough…another topic”

      Basically Saban just put those guy’s in their place, and they just cowered. Really, “fair enough”, what kind of reporter or journalist tucks tail from Nick Saban? ESPiN

    • Slim Sooner says:

      I’m betting he has since prayed for forgiveness and atoned for his small sin against Saban.

  • DR LEO MARVIN says:

    Texsa sucks saw this add on tv last night—————–

    • j l says:

      Thats funny. They were so adamant in not moving them, even after seeing last years abysmal ratings. Now they are changing their tune.

      Probably getting pressure from the advertisers, since they arent giving them their money’s worth of viewership.

    • Tony B says:

      Although ESPN won’t say it. It might also have something to do with it being on ESPN too. LOL

  • SoonerMagic76 says:

    Thanks for all the notes – awesome recruiting year for us

    Really would like to nab Okudah. Talented dude

  • BleedCrimson says:

    52 DTG
    Chris Bush 02-05; Rick Uhles 81-85; Mark Lucky 77-80

  • metzker says:

    It was a great day on TFB,The night crew might not catch our comments all about FOOTBALL i might add on Jordans daily.Nice OP,thanks K.Metz out———–

    • Lane Gilstrap says:

      Give something to talk about KJ. Tell us what you know.

      • KJ1123 says:

        “Well…there was this one time….”
        Haha there TONS of intel above.

        • Lane Gilstrap says:

          No new info about players on campus?

          • KJ1123 says:

            Not really, last summer block starting. Just hearing that workouts are getting harder and harder……to which I respond “cry me a river”.

          • Lane Gilstrap says:

            I mean realistically a lot of what’s up there has been previously discussed in previous open posts. Jeffrey Okudah’s standing hasn’t changed. We know we have a chance with Zabie. We have been led to believe Newman will flip at some point.

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    I’m curious if Chaisson does end up at OU if that would be enough to make us the favorite for Marvin Wilson.

    • KJ1123 says:

      I think it’s a good bet. But Wilson is spending and has spent alot of time at Texsa.

    • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

      I think it would. Both could have immediate playing time if they came in and worked hard. Well K’Lavon has a harder chance considering we’ve got Jackson who will be a sophomore, but big Marv has who? Q and that’s about it lol.

      • KJ1123 says:

        The crappy thing about having depth, scares away kids during recruiting.

        • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

          That’s what worries me with K’Lavon. Jackson will be a stud IMO and even if he leaves after a junior season K’Lavon will have to redshirt or just rotate teeing off on the tackles with Jackson. Caleb will all but sure up the opposite lb spot so it’s not like we would have two nasty pass rushers in at once, unless K’lavon develops coverage skills and same for Jackson. We also don’t even run a true 3/4. That’s what’s different as well. Should be interesting.

          • Birddawg says:

            Don’t forget about Gumbs too.
            Trying to stack that OLB position

          • KJ1123 says:

            I think Chaisson will develop into a stud, he’s got the frame, got the explosiveness off the edge, just needs some coaching up tech wise and some heat coming off the opposite side.

          • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

            He’s so tall and lean it’s crazy. his moved against the tackles during the opening were based purely on speed and a quick inside out move. I mean my god, could you imagine if he learned how to use those hands? Add another 20 lbs and he can throw that hand in the dirt or stand up and just tee off. Man my head is going to explode thinking about all these possible combinations lol.

          • KJ1123 says:

            Exactly, he relies a little too much on speed right now, which is ok obviously, but man when he gets a little more well rounded he’ll be a stud.

          • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

            I think the sales pitch on being a bigger faster Eric striker is why we are his number 1 choice as of now.

          • DCinAZ says:

            And he will be just that. A bigger, faster, run stopping Eric Striker.

          • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

            I mean, it did work on Jackson lol

        • Lane Gilstrap says:

          Well that’s great as far as our Dline goes.

    • Birddawg says:

      My bet is Wilson ends up at Flst

      • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

        They’ve got 4 and 5 stars at DT already. We’ve got Q and that’s it. If we ran 4 down linemen then I’d really like our chances but idk.

      • DCinAZ says:

        I’m betting he ends up at Texas unless they have another bad year.

  • metzker says:

    Just doing my part for the night guys!

  • Birddawg says:

    So the way future OU secondary,
    Barnes/Haughton at safety
    Parker DB2
    Sylvie Nickel
    Okudah at DB1
    Yay or nay?

    • KJ1123 says:

      I think PJ will be in the mix.

      • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

        For sure. I’m thinking PJ, Okudah ( if we’re playing that game ) at the corner spots. Nickle would be Bandy ( if he stays ) Barnes and Chanse will round out the safety spots. I know haughton is an animal but something tells me Chanse will win the job. Should be interesting to see if he gets a redshirt this year or if he plays on special teams. I think that will tell us a lot.

        • KJ1123 says:

          Definitely would have some crazy depth, would feel confident with any package we throw out there.

  • KJ1123 says:

    I dont think we land Filiaga, he’ll stay in Texsa or head out west.

  • Fear The Magic says:

    Really looking forward to seeing the quickness and athleticism of Kelly and Draper playing together at LBs in a couple of years. Im not sure how our DL will pan out ( depending on the development of Overton, Lampkin, Gallimore and do we get Rogers, Wilson etc ) but our back 7 should absolutely dominate.

  • Dylan Cornell says:

    I know there was a little mumbling about Broiles not having any OU stuff in his Twitter bio. He just replied to someone else saying that and said “Don’t worry boss I’m TOOOOOO CONCRETE with OU”.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      That’s the kind of news I like after mowing the yard. Now on to reading everything else from the past few hours.

  • Jesse says:

    Any news on Mykel Jones? Just curious to how he’s been in 7-7’s. Feel like he could make an impact.

  • Farmer Glickstein says:

    Grant Calcaterra “I’m staying with #OU. I’m not going anywhere.”
    good to hear after his tremendous showing @TheOpening

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    So I’m just curious if anyone knows because I didn’t go the college route but if you are close to qualifying to a 4 year school but fall just short, do you have to do two years at a juco or can you go for just one?

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    So I’m just curious if anyone knows because I didn’t go the college route but if you are close to qualifying to a 4 year school but fall just short, do you have to do two years at a juco or can you go for just one?

  • Cathy Hoskins says:

    <<o. ✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤✤:::::::!be10p:….,.

  • Jesse says:

    Love seeing the recruits talk about each other like this. This class has an incredible bond already https://twitter.com/r0bertbarnes/status/753413503361384448

  • bommer85 says: