Open Post | Weekend, June 23rd – 25th – Version 2.0 By: The Brainiacs Posted on: June 24, 2017

Image of Austin Stogner via Stogner Twitter

– Austin Stogner/ 2019 TE recruiting: Yesterday was quite eventful for the Sooners, picking up two big-time commitments and seemingly setting up a big run in the 2019 class as well. The first commitment came in late Friday morning, with 2019 Plano, TX (Prestonwood HS) committing to the Sooners.

I was informed of Stogner’s commitment Thursday afternoon and was a little shocked by his decision to announce this early, as he had told us shortly after this visit to OU that he wanted to announce later in the summer. But as I thought further into it, it made a lot of sense. For one, Stogner’s visit went exceptionally well. The elite 2019 tight end got to hang out with star 2019 quarterback, Spencer Rattler, while on his visit. Both walked away feeling really good about Oklahoma. When Stogner contacted us about his eventual commitment, he said, “I love the way I fit in the offense. Just love the staff. Love Coach Riley and everything about OU.” He added, “I really felt at home in Norman.” Not surprisingly, the highlight of the visit was Lincoln Riley’s office. Something Stogner said about it, “It’s as big as a house.”

With Oklahoma wanting to take two commitments at the tight end position in the 2019 class, it’s a good thing Stogner is so versatile. Stogner said he can put his hand in the ground, but “I feel much more comfortable standing up and splitting out wide.” That is where 2019 Collinsville (OK) tight end Grayson Boomer becomes very important for OU going forward. Though Boomer is an outstanding athlete and likes to split out wide, he is very well-versed at playing with his hand in the ground. Both Stogner and Boomer could become a massive matchup problem for opposing defenses, as they both can play the H-back, split out wide, and line up with their hand in the ground. Add that both are 6’5′ or taller, and you have clear mismatch problems that Lincoln Riley could exploit in a variety of ways.

Lastly, like we reported earlier in the week, Boomer is very savvy for a kid his age. He understands the X’s and O’s, having grown up with his dad coaching football for years. Boomer also understands the recruiting  game and sees through the junk that most kids don’t. Boomer told me last week that OU, Arkansas, and Michigan would be his top 3 if had to name them right now. That is big because that comment came on the heels of his Ohio State and Texas visits, where he was offered by both schools. Boomer walked away liking both programs, but just didn’t feel comfortable with either. You can guarantee that OU and Stogner are going to try to get the star OKpreps TE on board sooner, rather than later.

Again, Stogner was a massive get for the Oklahoma 2019 class. Stogner and Boomer are good friends, so having one on board should assist OU to recruit the other. Either way, Stogner adds to the growing sentiment that Lincoln Riley and the OU staff are doing some really impressive things on the recruiting trail. (Brandon)