The Football Brainiacs

Image of DaShaun White via 247

– DaShaun White: This past weekend, I spoke with 2018 Richland Hills (TX) outside linebacker, DaShaun White. White informed me that he plans on visiting Oklahoma in July, most likely in mid-July. Sooners linebacker coach Tim Kish is White’s lead recruiter. White says that he and Kish have a very tight bond. White spoke highly of the Sooners new head coach, Lincoln Riley, as well.

White admitted that the Sooners’ chief competition is Texas A&M. For White, it is a wait and see deal with the Aggies because of Kevin Sumlin’s rocky situation in College Station. White recently made a trip to College Station; it sounds like he’d like to make the OU trip in July and then possibly one more before making a final decision. White tells us a decision may in fact come this summer.  A bit of a sleeper in White’s recruitment is Oklahoma State. Deshaun and his family seem to have a good relationship with OSU’s staff.

This upcoming trip to Norman will be critical for OU. With a great visit it’s not out of the realm of possibility that the Sooners could seal things up with White, but again, TAMU isn’t going to be easy to beat. – (Brandon) 

– Emmitt Gooden: Several weeks ago, 2018 Independence CC defensive lineman, Emmitt Gooden, committed to Arkansas. Gooden visited Arkansas on several occasions during the spring. Having only visited Oklahoma one time, Arkansas had the distinct advantage in Gooden’s recruitment. The last visit to Arkansas was the one that sealed the deal for the Hogs, and Gooden announced his commitment soon after.

Things are changing, however, with the commitment of Gooden’s teammate at Independence, Tramonda Moore, to Oklahoma. Moore is recruiting Gooden hard to join him in Norman for the 2018 season.

I spoke with Gooden yesterday and he let me know that he and Sooners defensive line coach, Calvin Thibodeux, have re-opened up their line of communication and they’ve talked about Gooden heading back down to Norman for another visit. Gooden said he would likely be accompanied by Tramonda Moore on a visit, which certainly could help OU. Ever since his commitment, Moore has been recruiting hard for the Sooners.

Gooden also added that the feud for his services between Hog and Sooners fans on twitter has caught his attention, saying, “I am committed to Arkansas, but it’s crazy to see just how much other fan bases want me.”

My sense here is that, despite his commitment to Arkansas, Gooden remains fairly open. If Oklahoma can get Gooden down to OU for the BBQ in late July, I like the Sooners’ chance for a possible flip. Again, it’s a good thing when you have a recruit’s teammate in his ear. – (Brandon)

– Noah Cain: Speaking of teammates recruiting one another… with TJ Pledger solid to OU, he’s been doing a great job of recruiting fellow IMG running back, and 2019 OU target, Noah Cain. Both will be starring in the backfield at IMG this season, and Pledger and Cain are very close.

Cain spoke with TFB not too long ago, but once 2019 QB Spencer Rattler committed, I figured it would be a good time to reach out and see where things stand with the elite running back.

Cain, who hails from Denton (TX), is no stranger to OU, having visited the Sooners on multiple occasions already. Cain is also well aware of Oklahoma’s history at the running back position and has a great relationship with Sooners running back coach, Jay Boulware.

Cain did confirm, once again, that he is visiting OU in late July for the BBQ. As you recall, Pledger is expected to visit the same weekend. But, as of right now, it doesn’t seem like any commitment plans are imminent. In terms of a timeline, Cain says that his only plans are to announce a list of top schools right after his junior season at IMG is over.

I get the feeling, when speaking with Cain, that he is very high on Oklahoma, and well aware that they are recruiting him to be a compliment to TJ. I do, however, feel like this is one that will drag out a bit. It may not drag out as long as Cain plans right now, but I don’t get the feeling that a decision is looming. Things have, however, changed a bit since the last time Cain and I spoke. A month ago, Cain had plans to drop a top 10 in the spring of 2018. As such, his plan to release a top list immediately after the season shows how quickly these timelines can change.

That is why I think it’s important to note that, although Cain doesn’t plan on making a decision anytime soon, a good visit to Oklahoma could change things. – (Brandon)