Open Post | Weekend, December 20th – 22nd
Posted on: December 20, 2019
Running Back Names to Watch
– Super K
As I previously noted, to prepare for the possibility of losing Jase, the Sooners had been in touch with another 2020 running back.
***Corey Wren – Wren is an electric athlete out of Louisiana who was committed to Georgia and is now trending toward Arizona State. He tells me he isn’t signing until February. I actually wrote about Wren for this exact scenario just two weeks ago. I said the following…
“Another thing to watch is I’ve been told there is a bit of confidence on the Alabama side that they may flip Sooners RB Jase McClellan.
The Sooner sources I’ve spoken to don’t seem too concerned and it may not be nothing at all. But, I wanted to note it because to be honest, we simply aren’t going to get anything out of Jase or his family. So, until he signs it’s really going to be a bit of chasing speculation from sources on both sides.
On the one hand, OU is closer to home and McClellan has been committed to OU for so long. On the other hand, he’s been to Bama on multiple occasions and with the way the running back situation played out this year, it doesn’t look OU will clear anyone out of the running back room.
If (and that’s still a big if) anything did happen, I’d like to see the Sooners go after Corey Wren (John Curtis HS, LA). I’d like to see them take Wren regardless. That speed is too much to pass up. He’s a legit 10.4 4.3 type guy.
The trade wouldn’t bother me at all.”
I mention this, in part, because I want to make it clear that whether Jase stuck or not, Wren was the kind of guy we wanted Oklahoma to pursue.
I’ve been in touch with Wren throughout past few days and it looked like OU been in communication with him. I mentioned I would not be at all surprised to see an offer go out to Wren sometime this week.
Wren said he’s very interested in the Sooners and the word I’ve gotten through the grapevine is that when the offensive staff watched the film on Wren there was a bit of a “gotta have him” type reaction.
Last night, Wren got the offer…
We expect him to visit in January.
Lincoln Comments on Suspensions + Sourced Notes
– Super K
***As you all know by now, earlier this week we reported, citing multiple sources, that three impact players on OU’s team have been suspended for the playoffs pending an appeal.
***Specifically we reported on Monday, in part, the following (you can read the full report here)…
Per sources, as of right now, yes there are suspensions.
Some of the names floating around are accurate some are not.
Three specific names which we have been given are starters and they could have a significant impact on the game.
Correction: 9:37 – Two of the players are starters, one is a significant contributor.
***In today’s presser, Lincoln Riley was asked about the report and he said,
“I am aware of the report that’s out there. Unfortunately, at this time I cannot comment on it”
***Lincoln was also asked if Kennedy Brooks will play. Riley answered in the affirmative. When asked if Rhamondre Stevenson would play, Riley said, “Kennedy Brooks will play.”
And, left it at that.
***We have chosen not to release the names of these student athletes but Riley’s comment is easy to read so we will confirm that one of the players we referred to in Monday’s report, namely the player who is a “significant contributor, was indeed Rhamondre Stevenson.
***We will continue to withhold the names the other two suspended players who are starters.
***Also, we have been aware of additional non-starter suspensions. But, we saw no reason to even note those, as those players haven’t played a significant roll all season. As such, we wouldn’t have anticipated them impacting the game.
***However, the two starters who are currently suspended (one on each side of the ball) could, obviously, very much have an impact on the outcome game.
More on the Surprise Notes
– Super K
***One the possible surprises I had my eye on was running back Zach Evans. Evans liked Oklahoma a lot early on and I spoke with someone close to Evans who told me that Oklahoma had been reaching out. They were hoping to get Evans to reconsider. For a minute there it looked like something could come of it. I’m not as optimistic now.
Source close to Evans said that it’s probably just a little too late at this point. Evans is an early enrollee. I’m not necessarily closing the door here…just saying it’s not likely.
This morning, we have been told that Evans did in fact sign his NLI and we do not believe it was to Oklahoma.
***Another thing we were watching was Eaton. It seemed he was insistent on not signing and the word was that OU was going to part ways with him if he didn’t. Eaton has long liked OU but still had some visits he wanted to take. By the night before signing day, it started to look like Eaton and OU were never going to happen.
Then it did.
***There are still some things going on behind the scenes including what was described to me as a “Haselwoodish situation”…meaning, a player or two that have signed but are announcing later.
Signing Day Presser | Riley
– Charlie S
Lot of momentum with what the team has been able to accomplish and you can feel it on the recruiting trail. Credits the staff and coaches.
Challenging last few weeks…winning the 5th straight Big 12 Championship. The calendar created some real issues. Thrilled with where they are at on National Signing day.
There will be more additions. A tremendous start.
The offensive line stands out in particular.
All of the defensive recruits, thrilled about this class. Going to continue to get defensive recruits based on the trajectory of the defense.
Doing groundbreaking things on social media. Will continue to be on the cutting edge. It was a tremendous amount of work.
Awesome day, fun to enjoy it with the staff, the signees, and the families.
Riley on DL recruiting: Graduation will hit us hard, losing all those guys. It’s a big part of this class. Felt like we needed some immediate help. Glad we were able to add quality guys. There is going and signing a JUCO cause you have too, and then there is going and signing the guys you want.
Riley on Portal and QBs: I don’t think it changes anything. I think it has worked out that way with transfer. Baker was here before I got here and then we decided to bring in Kyler and Jalen. It’s about do you feel you have what you need and is there something that can help your team. Wherever we can find the right guys…we’re gonna do it.
Riley on the recruiting calendar: It was challenging…it still is, ask me in a couple weeks when we come up for air. I have voiced my displeasure with how the calendar went…to not be able to go see these guys multiple times while 96% of the rest of the schools are isn’t right. It’s too important, it comes up too quick. We have to do better.
On additions to this class: We will have a lot of good news coming up…
Riley on 2020 and no QB: That’s a good question…I think we have a lot of good leaders in this class. Had a lot of prime time players who jumped on early and made a difference. (Took a while to answer…)
Riley on draft eligible OL and how important was it to land Andrew Raym: It was big. You’re always going to sign linemen each year, but this is one you’re gonna look at with the attrition we have had over the last years based on quality play…this years class is going to help address losing the guys we have recently. These are five really really solid…good students…good guys all around. Multiple guys in this class who can play inside or out. Great flexibility.
Riley on suspensions: I am aware of the report that is out there…at this time I cannot talk on it.
Riley on guys committed but not signed: Every situation is different…it’s not always how it appears on the outside. We anticipate some are going to go longer than others. At the end of the day, sometimes guys tell you they’re committed and maybe maybe not…you have to have that feel. Do you hold a spot for this guy? Do you continue recruiting that positions? There isn’t a cookie cutter answer.
Riley on Kennedy Brooks if he will play in Peach Bowl: Kennedy Brooks will play…was asked about Rhamondre Stevenson and if he will play, and said ‘Kenned Brooks will play’….so…
Riley on the OU social media stuff: It will be copied next year…hopefully we are beyond that.
Riley on the suspensions; I will comment when I can. I don’t know that there is an exact time table.
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