Open Post | Weekend, August 7th – 9th
Posted on: August 7, 2020
Sourced Update | Jalil Farooq
– Super K
2021 WR, Jalil Farooq recently released his top seven. He has mentioned he will announce his commitment in September.
As expected the Sooners did make the cut along with West Virginia, Maryland, Alabama, Boston College, LSU and Clemson…
I spoke with a source close to Farooq and he said that while the Sooners are in a good spot, that a couple schools to watch are…
West Virginia – apparently Farooq has a very good relationship with one of the offensive staff members who was previously at Penn State. In fact, source said that had that staff member remained at Penn State, Farooq likely would have ended up at Penn State.
Maryland – Source indicated Maryland is likely the biggest threat to OU given how hard they are recruiting him and proximity to home.
Again, we still see this one trending to OU but we do want you all to be aware that there are some schools here that aren’t letting up that do have some advantages over OU in terms of relationships and proximity.
Sourced | Team | Practice and Meeting
– Super K
***Sounds like the Sooners held a practice Wednesday morning.
***Also, I know some of you have been asking about the discussion regarding the meeting with the players on Tuesday. I haven’t commented on it because it seemed premature.
***But, I’ll give you a few notes on it to satisfy your curiosity.
***The team did meet Tuesday. It was strictly player led and only players attended. It was led by Caleb Kelly and Pat Fields.
***The purpose was to discuss whether the players preferred playing this fall or postponing till the spring.
***A vote was taken and I don’t feel there is any reason to divulge the result of the vote.
***The result of the vote doesn’t really matter at this point. It’s a temperature gauge type vote. Nothing binding. It was just a player led meeting to hear one another out and see which direction the team was leaning.
***Again, it wasn’t a decision making meeting. And the players won’t have the final say, anyway. It’s just players getting together discussing possible options and gauging the room. If it becomes anything more than that, we will let you know.
Snippet from: Wednesday Notebook | Kelly’s Injury, Big 12 Adjusting, Thoughts on Roster & More
– James Hale
Thoughts on the roster
OU came out with their official roster for the start of training camp, meaning they have their official sizes and weights for the true freshmen.
OT Nate Anderson 6’4, 281
DE Noah Arinze, 6’5, 252
Y-Receiver Jalen Conyers 6’4, 228
WR Brian Darby 6’0, 204
CB Kendell Dennis 5’11, 181
CB Joshua Eaton 6’2, 175
CB D.J. Graham 5’11, 200
DE Reggie Grimes 6’4, 266
OT Anton Harrison 6’5, 334
DB Justin Harrington 6’3, 215
RB Mickey Henderson 6’2, 234
QB Cade Horton 6’1, 203
RB Seth McGowan 5’11, 211
WR Marvin Mims 5’11, 177
QB Chandler Morris 5’11, 175
OT Noah Nelson 6’7, 317
OG/C Andrew Raym 6’3, 320
K/P Zack Schmit, 5’11, 165
LB Brynden /Walker, 6’2, 251
S Bryson Washington 6’2, 197
WR Trevon West 6’0, 175
LB Shane Whitter 6’0, 230
Also I was glad to see that the defensive line came back heavier for training camp.
NT Perrion Winfrey 6’3, 297
NT Jordan Kelly 6’3, 292
NT Josh Ellison 6’2, 291
DT Jalen Redmond 6’3, 277
DT LaRon Stokes 6’4, 278
DT/NT Kori Roberson 6’4, 288
DT Marcus Hicks 6’5, 284
DT/DE Zaccheaus McKinney 6’3, 272
DE Ronnie Perkins 6’3, 247
DE Marcus Stripling 6’3, 250
DE Isaiah Thomas 6’5, 267
Grimes and Arinze listed with freshman.
It is good to see the nose tackles over 290, but it is still disappointing that OU does not have a 300 pounder that can run. Clemson always has two or there of those guys that make all the difference in their defense. Good to see Redmond at 277, Roberson at 278, and Hicks at 284. Those guys took care of business during the off-season, and this summer, to get to their desired weight so they can handle playing at defensive tackle. The fact that Stripling has put on 20 pounds to get up 250 will be a positive factor in his play this year. He will be able to fire and be able to hold his own like a true defensive end.
Still, OU is not as big in the defensive lines at other good defensive programs, but this is where Grinch wants his defensive line, and you have to trust in Grinch that at these weights, the guys will be able to play great defense.
Wednesday Injury Note
– Charlie S
James let me know Sooners defensive lineman Marcus Hicks has sustained a lower leg injury which will likely keep him out for an extended period of time.
Hicks was likely going to be a depth player for the Sooners this year, but he used his redshirt last year so any way you look at it, this will be a tough blow for him.
He could seek a medical redshirt when all is said and done if he is sidelined for the season.
Fast Five: Team Sourced Notes | August 6th
– Super K
Below you will find five handpicked sourced notes from Thursday, August 6th. If you would like to read the full set of sourced notes, please check the Donor Board.
***The Sooners are keen on finding a group of wide receivers that can get the job done now that Ceedee is gone and OU will be without Bridges and Haselwood for a while. We have mentioned young Marvin Mims and the excitement around the program about him and their excitement about Rambo taking that next step.
***James let you know that Theo Howard has come back from injury and I did ask about him. I don’t know if this is a function of Howard taking things easy due to the injury but I’m told that right now he’s more a solid receiver but not necessarily this Uber explosive guy that’s going to separate. Just kind of got the feeling that the impression right now is he’s a potentially steady addition but hasn’t shown the big play ability…yet.
***I also asked about grad transfer, Obi Obialo. Actually, the initial take I got from a source seemed a little more glowing on Obi. I’m told they are playing him inside and while I’m told he’s not a burner, he’s extremely strong and that strength allows him to create the separation and be a big target in the middle of the defense. I have a feeling he could become a bit of a first down machine. Gives you some size but more athletic than your H-back and TE.
***I noted earlier this week that DeMarco’s room is coming along nicely. What I took from my conversation with someone about how he’s coaching the running backs is that in the past some of the running backs felt a little berated. Whereas I’m told DeMarco’s style is tough, teaching but never demeaning. So far, it sounds like the boys are running hard for him. That’s what you are looking for when you bring in a new coach, someone the players are willing to give their all for. That’s the general take I’m getting from the response the room has had towards DeMarco.
***I did hear a little additional buzz on Seth McGowan but we’ve covered him quite a bit. Same stuff…they’re excited about him. I also am hearing Rhamondre Stevenson came back to campus weighing like 240+ lbs. Murray has him trimming down to 225 but it doesn’t sound like Stevenson has lost a step even at the heavier weight. Really too bad he’s not going to get to play right away.
Preseason Coaches Poll
– Charlie S
The USA Today coaches poll has been released and there are four Big 12 Conference teams included. OU, UT, OkSt, ISU
1-Clemson
2-Ohio St
3-Bama
4-UGA
5-LSU
6-Oklahoma
7-Penn St
8-Florida
9-Oregon
10-Notre Dame
11-Auburn
12-Wisconsin
13-Texas A&M
14-Texas
15-Michigan
16-Okla State
17-USC
18-Minnesota
19-UNC
20-Utah
21-UCF
22-Cincinnati
23-Iowa
24-Virginia Tech
25-Iowa State
