Open Post | Tuesday, February 21st

Scott Pagano: In case you missed it, yesterday we noted that Clemson DT grad transfer, Scott Pagano, will visit Norman this spring. I also mentioned in the note that Cal and Oregon seem to be the other two schools standing out. I have confirmed with an additional source that indeed Oklahoma, Cal and Oregon are the top ground for Pagano. – (Super K)

Izaih Filikitonga: A prospect we thought could pick up an offer this past Sunday was Izaih Filikitonga, 6’3” & 240-pound 2018 DE out of Trinity High School in Euless, Texas. Before coming up on his visit Filikitonga had already picked up offers from programs like Colorado State, Oklahoma State, TCU, Utah & Utah State.

That offer as you know did come to fruition before the long& athletic Tongan prospect left Norman. The news had Filikitonga excited as he said Oklahoma is a program he has always been a fan of.

The family atmosphere and the facilities/future facilities are something that you can tell definitely stood out to Filikitonga, who also brought his Dad and two cousins along with him. In fact ‘family’ was something he mentioned multiple times about the program after being on campus for most of the day Sunday.

From the sounds of it Coach Thibodeaux and the Sooners couldn’t have done anything any better to make the visit any more impressive to Filikitonga. With the offer being extended it sounds like they are now firmly planted in this race as a major contender.

Filikitonga said he will ‘most definitely’ return to Norman for an official visit during this upcoming season. Moving forward he will head to Austin next weekend to attend Texas’ upcoming Jr Day he says. – (Alex)

Trent Gordon: One of the top 2018 defensive backs in Texas made his way up Norman this past weekend. Trent Gordon (Manvel, TX) is a guy, I’m told, the Sooner staff is really high on because of his size and ability to play any position in the secondary (CB, NB or safety). I have to say I agree. I saw Gordon in person and he’s a big DB, very muscular. He reminds me a bit of Steven Parker in that you see a big guy with the hips to play corner, the instincts and recognition ability of a safety and the physicality of a nickel.

Based on my exchanges with Gordon it sounds he’s very interested in Oklahoma.

Gordon said about his visit to Norman, “The OU visit was really good…[I liked] the fact that the entire coaching staff was so humble and they’re investing so much into the new renovations to make it better for the players, the students and the visitors”.

Gordon’s father reiterated Trent’s sentiment, “He (Trent) had a great time. He and coach Cooks spent one on one time and Trent really likes him…[it’s] a special place with special coaches”.

As many of you know, Gordon isn’t the only prospect the Sooners are pursuing at Manvel High School. Gordon was in attendance with 2018 WR, Jalen Preston, who is also a highly coveted player who made his way up to Norman this past Sunday. Gordon said both he and Preston enjoyed the trip.

This upcoming weekend Gordon will be at TCU. As far a decision timeline and whether he will make a decision sooner rather than later Gordon said, “I actually have no clue yet…[my] options are still open” and with offers pouring in every day I suspect the decision won’t be an easy one but it is pretty clear that the Sooners have, again, planted themselves firmly in this race. – (Super K)