The Football Brainiacs

– Linebacker Recruiting: Today we’ll continue our focus on linebacker recruiting…

Brian Asamoah: Yesterday the Sooners landed 2018 LB, Brian Asamoah (Columbus, OH). While Asamoah ending up at Oklahoma wasn’t a surprise, he had told us that he would like to visit Pitt so we thought it would take a bit longer.

Earlier in the week when I spoke with Asamoah it was clear that the fact that Lincoln Riley was willing to play true freshman, Kenneth Murray early was among the things that intrigued Asamoah, “That’s the message the coaching staff has been preaching to me. The best will play and in my eyes it seems that he (Murray) earned that position”.

I asked Asamoah how he feels about freshmen playing early, “As a true freshman Kenneth presents himself as a seasoned veteran. I think he’d do just fine under the wings of Coach Kish. It’s alignment, assignment football and with the amount of athleticism he possesses he’ll do just fine.” Asamoah will be at the OU vs. Ohio State game where the Sooners will need Murray to play sound up the middle.

Asamoah is a sharp young man. This should prove to be a great pick up for the Sooners. The fact that Asamoah also plays RB is a natural compliment to linebacker skills. – (Super K)

Ayodele Adeoye: A name many of you probably haven’t heard in a while is that of Texas 2018 ILB commit, Ayodele Adeoye (St. Louis, MO/IMG Academy). I spoke with the talented and true inside linebacker yesterday and he said, “they (OU) been on me hard. They hit me up all the time. They want me to come out for an official visit”.

Ayodele said the Sooners would like him to take an official visit to Oklahoma for the Texas Tech game in October. Ayodele did say he will take all five of his official visits. Texas and LSU will likely get two of those. Outside of that he isn’t certain about any others. Ayodele’s older brother was coach by both Todd Orlando (DC at Texas) and coach Arranda (DC at LSU) so both come very highly recommended to him by someone close to him. But Oklahoma seems determined to get Ayodele on campus.

But will he visit? Ayodele was a little non-committal about it on the phone and interestingly his hesitation seems to stem from the fact that Kenneth Murray is currently the starter at the position he projects to play. “I like that they’ll play freshman but if a true freshman already has my spot on lock then where do I play?”

My guess is Ayodele will be swayed to make it to Norman and I won’t be surprised if the Sooners plan is it to get him to Norman for the same weekend as Ronnie Perkins potentially visits. – (Super K)

Merlin Robertson: Last week we reported that 2018 LB, Merlin Robertson will visit Oklahoma next weekend for the Tulane game.

After talking to a few sources about the visit I was told that it’s going to be tough to pull Robertson away from the West coast. OU is hoping to sell him on the game day atmosphere in Norman which is far superior to what they’ve got in California. Not saying this one isn’t possible but temper expectations here. – (Brandon)

DaShaun White: We already covered DaShaun White earlier in the week here. To add to what we noted yesterday, our sources have indicated that White is expected to take an official visit to Oklahoma. No date set just yet. – (Super K)

With the match up against Ohio State being the biggest game of the year for the Sooners this season, I wanted to reach out to the commitments to see what their predictions were for Saturday night. Wasn’t able to get one from everyone but the ones I did get I think you guys will enjoy.  If I get more I will add them for ya’ll to see.

– Commit Predictions: Below are predictions for the big game this weekend by some of the 2018 Sooner commits. – (Alex King)

Tramonda Moore (2018 OL Commit) –

“You know I’m rolling with my dawgs. 100-0.”

Jaylon Robinson (2018 WR Commit) –

“I see it being a close game between two good teams but I see OU winning with the score being 42-28.”

Austin Stogner (2019 TE Commit) –

“45-24 OU”

Tanner Mordecai (2018 QB Commit) –

“I think it’s going to be a really good game. I see OU coming out on top 42-38.”

Patrick Fields (2018 S Commit) –

“34-27, I think OU comes out hot & Ohio St tries to make a sure 2^nd half but falls short.”

Jaqualyn Crawford (2018 WR Commit) –

“I think it will be a good game. Gotta stop dobbins, make JT beat you. Indiana picked them apart so I think Bake and those guys will do even better. 42-31 OU.”

Ron Tatum III (2018 DL Commit) –

“I see it being a very close and good game but you know I trust my team and I think they’re gonna come out with the W, 24-21.”

Starrland Baldwin (2018 CB Commit) –

“31-21, OU.”

TJ Pledger (2018 RB Commit) –

“30-17, Oklahoma”

– UPDATE (Friday, 1:35 PM): So we’ve been receiving quite a few messages/dms asking if Du’Vonta Lampkin is expected to travel with the Sooners.

I spoke with a source on the OU side and have confirmed 1) he will travel to Columbus 2) he is expected to play and 3) the staff does believe Lampkin can “no doubt” help the Sooners defend against Ohio State’s potent inside running attack. – (Super K)