Open Post | Weekend, March 22nd-23rd (UPDATE Sun. 12:30 pm)

– In case you missed it, OU commit Du’Vonta Lampkin picked up an LSU offer. Was curious to find out if that would have an effect on his commitment or if he planned on visiting LSU. He said he does not plan on visiting LSU. Additionally, he said that as far as he is concerned the only thing that could change his commitment to Oklahoma is a coaching change.

– Texas will have some top flight talent at their first practice in pads this morning. Among the recruits that will be there are PJ Mbanasor and Malik Jefferson. Mbanasor doesn’t have an offer yet, but my guess is he will pick one up tomorrow. Texas and Ohio State are starting to put the full-court press on Mbanasor. HC Urban Meyer and HC Charlie Strong are actually helping to recruit Mbanasor.

– Speaking of Texas, last Tuesday OU LB offer DeShon Elliot committed to the Longhorns.

– Spoke to Breiden Fehoko again, and his plans to attend the spring game are still on. We’ll have some more notes on where things stand with Fehoko when we breakdown some of the DLine targets.

A few offensive spring practice notes we received from the Thursday before spring break (March 13th):

– As we mentioned, Blake Bell looked much better in practice. We were told he looked much more physical while blocking. He even had some catches over the middle. He looks like a guy who isn’t going to be afraid to go over the middle and take a shot. At his size though, that shouldn’t really surprise anyone.

– Again, Alex Ross looked great. Tremendous one-cut ability, but shows a lot more wiggle than one might have expected based on what we saw of him in high school. A player that big and fast, who can move laterally, can be very scary.

– We were told the OL was very aggressive. Ty Darlingon was doing a great job of getting to the second level. One of our sources seemed really high on the OL after that Thursday practice.

– We are told Derek Farniok continues to develop, and while he is a mauler that may be better suited as a RT, it sounds like he looked pretty good in pass protection. He did give up a sack to Devante Bond, but we were told that it was more about Bond’s athleticism than it was about any weakness in Farniok’s game. Bond has a very high ceiling as a pass rusher.

– Got a few notes on how Dionte Savage is looking as an OG. Sounds like his feet and overall leverage are looking better. We were told specifically “with his size, once he gets a hold of you…you aren’t going anywhere,”

– We were also told that Josiah St. John is playing some left tackle and looking pretty good in pass protection. Didn’t really hear anything about how he looked run blocking.

– Tony Feo played some OG as well. And while he is undersized, we are told that he shows great strength and gets a good initial push. He’s got great feet, but we didn’t hear any specific notes about how looked in pass pro.

– Cody Thomas is continuing to look good. He was moving the ball way. Also hearing that Baker Mayfield has a much stronger arm than one might have expected and throws well on the run. Our source said “it’s amazing that a player that good was a walk-on.”

– The word we got is that two WRs that stood out in practice were Sterling Shepard (again) and Austin Bennett. Bennett is a name we keep hearing.

– Another name we keep hearing is Dimitri Flowers. He stood out in both practices prior to spring break. Our source told us he’s a “plug and play guy.” He’ll be ready to contribute right away. He can run routes and has good hands. He’s able to create space with his quick feet. He’s still developing as a mauler, but it’s so early in his career that it’s just a matter of time. And he does have good hand placement on his blocks. One source said “he’s not a RS candidate in my eyes.”

– UPDATE (10:05 am): Gibson has touched down in Dallas and should be in Norman relatively shortly.

UPDATE (1:52 pm): We are super excited. Kingfisher OG, Kaden Clay Jackson who we featured recently just picked up his first offer from North Texas!

UPDATE (1:53 pm): Torrance is now about 30-45 minutes from Norman. So they should be there shortly. We’ll try to get y’all some updates once they’ve had a chance to see the school.

UPDATE (2:03 pm): Just got a text from OU OT target Toby Weathersby confirming that he has indeed committed to Texas.

UPDATE (2:14 pm): Torrance Gibson has just arrived in Norman. They are heading to the school right now to meet up with coach Heupel.

UPDATE (2:40 pm): Torrance and co. made it to campus. Coach Heupel is hosting them. So far no sign of HC Stoops. Gotta believe he’ll be there, if possible, at some point today or tomorrow to meet up with Torrance and his coach.

UPDATE (8:00 pm): Checked in with Torrance and co. about 30 minutes ago and they were still with Coach Heup. They were watching film. Gibson tweeted out that he’s loving Oklahoma. It sounds like Heup is doing a great job of really explaining how we develop QBs but I’ll get more about it later when they are done. While this isn’t necessarily the ideal situation for Gibson’s visit (folks on spring break)…if Heup can make a good enough pitch to get him on an official next season (preferably against Tennessee) then all bets are off.

UPDATE (9:15 pm): Torrance is just now leaving the OU campus. That’s a long visit! He’s staying the night in Norman.

UPDATE (Sun., 12:30 pm): Alright guys last night I (Super K) spoke to Torrance Gibson’s coach for a while. He is accompanying Torrance on the trip. Yost also spoke to both he and Torrance as well. First, I wanted to clear up that the reason Bob Stoops wasn’t there for the visit yesterday is because he was out of town in San Diego. The original plan was for Gibson to visit for a practice, but the scheduling worked out better for Torrance and co. to make it in this past weekend.

The good news is the trip went really well! Torrance and his coach spent the entire day, and some of the evening, with Coach Heupel. They got an extensive tour of all the facilities, including Headington Hall. The evening was capped off the with a two-hour film session including Torrance, his coach, and Heupel. I thought that would have been overkill, but apparently they loved it. They went through game film, practice film, etc. And it really gave Torrance and co. a good sense of what we actually do and how he would fit in.

When Yost spoke to Torrance last night he was understandably pretty tired, but he made it clear that the trip was eye-opening. And while there are still a lot of visits to take, it’s hard to deny that OU made an impression. A couple other coaches did come up to the campus to meet with Torrance, including Cale Gundy (smooth operator).

Gibson and co. are going to be working through where he will take his five officials and, right now, it sounds like Oklahoma will get one. Now I will say that Torrance and co. are not saying that definitively, and I’m going to continue to speak to them throughout the week to see how the other schools affect their impression of Oklahoma, but right now things are looking good.

If I’m honest, I was a little concerned by the fact that students and players weren’t on campus. I felt like there wasn’t going to be enough excitement and that it would take away some from the visit. But really it might have been a good thing. Having met Torrance and spoken to him on multiple occasions, he comes off like an even-keeled young man. I get the sense that the quiet setting and the intense 1-on-1 time to really learn about Oklahoma suited him. And it also played in Oklahoma’s favor that he’s likely to spend a lot less time at most, if not all, the other schools he plans on visiting in the coming days.

Additionally, the long 1-on-1 time really allowed Heupel the opportunity to discuss the “real stuff” with Gibson’s coach. And he isn’t ‘just a coach’, he’s also an attorney. And he’s seen the recruiting process up close. He can see through the fluff, and I get the impression what they got yesterday was real conversations about Oklahoma’s scheme, development, tradition, play-calling and how that all could benefit Gibson should he eventually choose the Sooners.

100 Comments

  • Andy Montella says:

    Glad the Oline is doing great. And they are missing about 5 players. T.Thompson, A.Shead, N.Kasitati, T.Evans & J.P. Hughes. I’d imagine they’d be that much better when they all are at full strength.

    Glad to hear the offense was moving the ball well even without Trevor Knight. After watching these highlights, I just realized how good the offense can be with Trevor Knight at the helm this year.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNgteD9VN18

  • kt-raida says:

    Awesome write up

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Good to see that Flowers looks to contribute this year and they can bring him along slowly since Rip is still here.

  • Boomer4life says:

    Good stuff!!! Anymore news on the possible LB transfer from Ohio state?

    • JrsySooner says:

      Mike Mitchell from what I hear…is not even consdering OU but…preverbial butt…the door is open…I’m sure Mike Stoops is all over this guy and he is an animal at LB
      Expect him to attend TCU..

  • Jason Vos says:

    I wonder if Blake Bell’s speed will be an issue in actual games.

    • JrsySooner says:

      Seems I remember this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9K684YZeynw&feature=player_detailpage …..and suddenly speed to me isnt a problem, of course hes lined up outside vs being behind an entire line but to me his speed is not the worry its the knowledge of the game, his assignements this is going to be thrilling to watch and hopefully the posts next year will read Bell to the Dallas Cowboys, ok a more responsible team but you get the point…..

    • pitbull17 says:

      Bell has really heavy feet in the pocket but when he gets in the open field he’s not slow. Sure he’s no 4.5 WR, but he’s going to be up there in speed with a lot of the other TE’s in college football.

  • JrsySooner says:

    I like the O line being out a little and the reserves getting more time..Slow things down for the All American status to be in Blake Bell.
    3 NFL type back at OU’s finally, all the love to B Clay and Roy F but to me they had glaring issues albeit speed, cut back ablity or whatever.. Ford and Ross bring power, speed and elusiveness.. they only need knowledge of the game, work on thier blocking skills and OU could very well tear it up and have a decent D Fense backing them up..

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Nice to hear Lampkin is still very solid verbally. Flowers should be a very useful weapon if he develops his blocking skills. Still pulling hard for Ross, it’s time for him to step up and become an animal on the field. If he can’t get it done now he may find himself as a reliever and special teams player the rest of his time here. The O-line should really come together in the fall when they are at full strength and will be deeper because of the young play that is going on now. Hope all the guys come back from break focused and energized, ready to work and get better. Gonna be a long dang summer.

  • John says:

    Good news all around. Thanx. Keep the positivity flowing!

  • Shelby is a Patriot says:

    Nice to hear that Thomas and Mayfield are doing good, that can only help the second string defense, and offense.

  • Jason Vos says:

    Hey Super K, any word on who they got returning kickoffs?

    • Sooner Ray says:

      I think Ross could be good at it. He’s known for his good first cut , very fast, and built for punishment. One of the faster wide outs could end up back there also.

      • Jason Vos says:

        I agree, Ross should definitely be one of the guys back there. Wonder who the other will be. Would like to see Mixon back there as well.

        • Sooner Ray says:

          Coaches will have lot’s of options for that spot and they are all good options IMO. It will come down to practice reps and who shows the most ability to find seams and explode at the right time.

      • pitbull17 says:

        He was damn good on kick returns in HS. I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see him back there this year.

    • Steve Johns says:

      Mixon for one

      • Zack says:

        It makes sense he’s probably sure handed. I like a guy back there with a ton of speed, not sure if mixon has elite speed some have been critical of his speed but I bet it’s pretty good. I also like michiah quick for that role.

      • Jordan Esco says:

        For me, KR is more about straight line speed. You don’t see a lot of big kick returns that start w/ a guy jump-cutting all over the place. You pick a seam and go. For as great as I think Mixon can be, just not sure he’s that type of runner. That’s why I’m leaning towards Ross & Brooks.

        • Shifty says:

          You take 100m rather than the 40 as well..Finch had the 40 but he was pretty much maxed out by the 50 (he rarely got there)…Franks had the 100 speed but he’d get tackled to easy or flat out trip..I think Ross is our best option but would be open to seeing Brooks get a shot (he seems to have a lower center of gravity than Finch or Franks)

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I’d be happy w/ any of the following: Ross, Neal, Woods, or Brooks

      • Shifty says:

        Give it to Ross..He’s got speed and should be able to break arm tackles better than Brooks..with good blocking he should be able to take at least a few back

  • ohiosoonerdevildog says:

    I would like to see the coaches move Williams to lt and let Farniok play rt.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Williams has been quoted multiple times stating he just feels much more comfortable on the right side.

      • Jason Vos says:

        I don’t get why Williams hates playing LT. Seems like he has all the necessary tools

        • Jordan Esco says:

          I guess he doesn’t like money as he’d make a lot more of it in the NFL on the left side than he will the right.

      • Steve Johns says:

        I wonder if he’s right-handed and it’s having to put his left down that makes him uncomfortable.

        • Sooner Ray says:

          Not sure you have to put your left hand down just because you’re lined up left (if that’s what you meant ) but I’m not a lineman so may want someone else to clarify that.

          • Steve Johns says:

            That’s the standard for interior linemen these days.

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Makes sense. I’ve kinda gotten use to seeing linemen start from a squat position rather than a true 3-pt, never paid attention. I usually pay more attention to the sets and motion to be honest.

        • nate g says:

          OUs tackles rarely have their hand on the ground. Usually just the middle 3. Even in short yardage you’ll often see TEs with hand down but not the Ts.

          I’d assume on goalline, but I’ll have to go back and look.

      • ohiosoonerdevildog says:

        I remember him saying that. But didnt they say nfl wise he projects better on the left side? Maybe he could excel there this year and improve his draft stock.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Anyone know if some players came back to campus early to try and build some relationship with Gibson or will it just be him chatting with coaches and touring?

  • John says:

    Good news about TG’s visit. I wonder though how serious a contender we are with Trevor being the #1 QB for the next 3 years?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      It’s been my experience that five-star QBs rarely lack for confidence.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      TG still has another year of HS ball and a possible RS season in front of him. I think he’s more concerned about the program that can get him to the pro’s more than he is concerned about who the schools starter is. Like Jordan said, these high rank players generally think they’re good enough to beat out anyone.

    • Jason Vos says:

      who said Trevor will be here for 3 years? Might be gone sooner than you think

  • Will Narramore says:

    Toby Weathersby just committed to Texas. Wasnt it assumed he was an OU lean?

    • Sooner Ray says:

      We got Strong armed.

    • hOUligan says:

      That’s what I’d heard, too, about the time the OT breakdown came out. He was one of my ‘wants’ for LT. So of the guys profiled, that leaves Sutherland and James as best fits for LT. See James is about to release a list soon and left coast expected to feature prominently. Anyone else as plan C and D?

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Man, at what point do you start worry about Bedenbaugh’s ability to bring in elite offensive tackles? Really don’t want to see their issues from 2014 carry over into this 2015 class.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Now would be a good time.

      • Jordan Esco says:

        I’m not quite there yet. I mean it wasn’t but a couple years into Norvell’s time here and ppl wanted him fired and now think of how stupid that would’ve been.

        • Sooner Ray says:

          I’m not giving up on coach B. I think he’s done a hell of a job coaching. I have wondered about the quality of player for a while.

    • Zack says:

      I’m less concerned about the perceived ratings of guys I would like to see him develop players and especially if they are considered less talented I think that helps coach b’s résumé. But also if he closes on Barnett there won’t be much to question for me. One 5 star and 2 4 star guys with 10 months to go.

      • J.K. Abbott says:

        No doubt. There are a lot of great recruiters who can’t coach a lick. I think it’s safe to say the Bendenbaugh does an exceptional job at coaching the kids up. I remember the last OLine coaching situation, and the Blake years too well, after the way Bedenbaugh’s unit blocked this past year I can’t believe we are having this conversation actually.

        • Eddie and Amber says:

          I realize Patton was maybe burnt out his last year or so but lets not throw him under the bus for our woes mentioning him with the Blake years. I’m sure guys like Lane Johnson, Trent

        • J.K. Abbott says:

          look man Eddie and Amber where in my post did I throw Patton under the bus? Not my intention. And where did I bash Patton? My point isnt about the coach but the “SITUATION” like I posted. The seperation of the inside guys from the outside OT’s what I was posting about. I have too much respect for Oline coaches to throw under the bus or bash. Do you think Wick, Hand, Mangino, B, Denver Johnson, too name a few would have given their OT’s to someone else? Having coached it for 20 plus years and played it, the OLine is a unit. They need to be coached as a unit. Don’t imply when you post.

    • bmrsnr says:

      He closed strong last year, not to mention we have the best OT in Texas already committed. It is frustrating, though, that we have one of the best NFL track records for OT’s and they still don’t seem to be beating down out doors.

    • blac1819 says:

      Frison and the kid from Allen for this year are pretty dad gum good ball players.
      And If that giant Brown kid who won’t qualify from last year can do the prep school deal and be a part of this years class that would be huge.
      I like Weathersby but he’s shorter/smaller than listed, imo, from pics/video I seen. However he don’t carry much bad weight which is impressive for a HS kid. I kinda see him as a LG. Not saying he a bad player cuz I Wish we’d of got him. But as a LG.

    • Super Keith says:

      This is really Bedenbaugh’s first full recruiting cycle, so I think it’s too early to make a judgement.

      We also can’t get wrapped up in recruiting ratings, especially at tackle (or really any O-line). So many quality linemen get overlooked or under-rated by the various services. This site has done an excellent job of pointing out just a couple of the hundreds of kids out there.

      So far, I don’t see any reason to panic. Coach B closed VERY strong in the last class, and he now has a full cycle to work with, so I suspect he’ll do a very good job.

    • J.K. Abbott says:

      Not close to being worried. Coach B is an outstanding OLine coach and respected recruiter. I thought OU pulled off a very respectable 2014 class considering the current depth chart. The kid from Dune and the Juco OT flat out said he chose the Hogs because of the depth chart and early playing time. Any OT that picked OU last feb knows they are headed for redshirt. That alone proved to be the biggest issue IMO. Frison and Brown aren’t chump change. I know Dalton isn’t an OT but he might be the gem of the class. OU doesn’t get Dalton w/o Coach Bo. Dalton and BO were tight long before Bo came to OU.

  • Super K says:

    Hmmm very curious as to why more of the staff, including coach Stoops, wouldn’t be at the school to greet Torrance. Perhaps coach Heup will give them a 1-on-1 tour and then the other coaches will make their appearance later.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      Yeah, you would expect the red carpet for a kid like this. Maybe they’ve already talked to him about bigger things on an official visit.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Don’t like to hear this. Kid is up here on his own dime, least you could do was make the kid a priority.

  • nick1895 says:

    He’s only gonna be in Norman for a few hours is the word

    • Super K says:

      I’m friends with his coach who brought Torrance. They’re staying the night in Norman and not leaving till early afternoon tomorrow. They’re spending the longest amount of time in Norman of all locations.

  • nick1895 says:

    That’s good to hear Super K definitely trust you and your sources over TOS. I’m really stoked to hear that can only be good more time the better! Hopefully you can get a response afterwards. Thanks again for all the hardwork yall put in.

    • Super K says:

      Things can change but right now the plan is for them to stay the night. Right now they’re still at the school with Heup

    • Super K says:

      You got it! And they are def staying the night 🙂

  • soonermusic says:

    Might as well jump on the love train,too. Great reports! Excellent job. Thanks.

  • Shelby is a Patriot says:

    Torrance just tweeted he’s loving Oklahoma. Always a good thing!

  • wolfbuilder says:

    We need Martez Ivey

  • Shifty says:

    Is St. John a senior? That’s what he’s listed at but I couldn’t find a juco for him until Fresno juco in 11. I don’t remember him playing last year so he’d have until 15 unless he just sat out a year before going juco

  • Shifty says:

    Why did Gibson fly into Dallas? No flight into WR available?

  • Zack says:

    Question about an oklahoma kid from Edmond Santa Fe. I haven’t seen JR Hensley mentioned on here maybe I overlooked on of the past posts. I haven’t seen any video on the kid but he’s listed at 6’5 300+ Have you guys seen him? If so your thoughts?

    • Super K says:

      We have reviewed Hensley’s film. His sophomore film looked good and while his jr. film looked good it wasn’t quite the progression one might have hoped for. JY evaluated him for us and felt like there are some raw tools there but he’ll need a really great offeseason to either make a jump in strength or with his feet. And OL doesnt have to have the best feet but if they don’t then they better freakin strong. And if they aren’t freakin strong then they better have good feet. Having said that, if Hensley puts in the work he’s a division 1 player somewhere.

      • Zack says:

        Thanks for the info. Hopefully he does have a great summer and senior season. Even if he doesn’t get to OU it’s still nice for the state kids to do well somewhere

  • Sooner Ray says:

    I guess there could be a bright side to the low key visit with Gibson. Sounds like Heupel was able to spend a lot of time with him in the film room looking at our system, maybe even Gibson’s film and showing him how he can get better and what needs to be done to be a high round NFL pick. Building a relationship with a position coach is always a good thing. Hopefully the other schools will all just throw out the standard dog and pony show and he will look back and see that his trip here was all business and focused on his development and future. If he is a mature and driven kid, this type of visit could leave a good impression.

  • John says:

    Hey, just curious, but what do the Brainiacs know about an HBO special involving OU, UNC and one other school whose name I can’t recall? Something to do with academic advisors or support. Because the special reportedly involves academics, I’m surprised that no SEC school is being featured.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      It’s going to be much ado about nothing. The gist of it seems to be that schools can have a tendency to push athletes towards degree programs that are viewed as “easier” than others to keep them eligible. While not necessarily preparing them for life after athletics, re: future employment.

  • nate g says:

    Remember, Jammal Brown played RT and Wes Sims played LT. Trent Williams played RT, Phil Loadholt played LT.

  • Boomer4life says:

    Gibson looks like a gazelle on the field. Would be exciting to see him under center for OU someday.

    • dahldennsull says:

      You mean behind center… we don’t go under center anymore 😉 haha I wish we did, but that’s the age we live in now

  • Alexander says:

    Do you believe Bennett has established himself as the #2 WR, or is Neal still in the race? In order, who do believe will be the #2; 3, 4, & 5 WR on opening day? I’m a firm believer Quick will be in the top 4 to start the season, but would like to know your take. As always, its very much appreciated gentlemen

    • DCinAZ says:

      I don’t think anything is established, position wise, in spring ball. It gives you a look at everybody, but positions are established in fall camp.

    • Zack says:

      I think quick is in the mix I think he will be dynamic from day one. I think Todd has a good shot also even though he didn’t get to campus for the spring semester he’s still done some workouts with stills so I’m sure Kenny has helped. And I hope cavil turns out to be pretty good I would like to see these 6’4 + guys on the field at the same time.

  • kt-raida says:

    I think Neal will solidify the #2 WR spot I think Derrick woods is a dark horse.