Open Post | Weekend, November 12th – 14th
Posted on: November 12, 2021
Sooners Redshirt Tracker | ’21 Class
– Charlie S – Posted on: November 8, 2021
Per request from a couple of members in the community, I will post an update on which members of the ’21 class are on track to redshirt their freshman season following the Texas Tech game:
QB Caleb Williams – Not redshirting
WR Mario Williams – Not redshirting
DL Ethan Downs – Not redshirting
DT Isaiah Coe – Not redshirting
LB Danny Stutsman – Not Redshirting
DB Billy Bowman – Not redshirting
CB Latrell McCutchin – Not redshirting
DB Jordan Mukes – Not Redshirting
WR Jalil Farooq – At 4 game limit
DB Damond Harmon – At 4 game limit
DL Kelvin Gilliam – 3 games played
EDGE Clayton Smith – 3 games played
WR Cody Jackson – 2 games played
OL Savion Byrd – 1 game played
OL Cullen Montgomery – No appearances
DL Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge – No appearances
Eight of the 16 will definitely not redshirt: C.Williams, M.Williams, Downs, Coe, Stutsman, Bowman, McCutchin, Mukes
Projections for those still eligible for a redshirt:
Four of the 16 close to losing the option to redshirt:
Farooq, IMO will not redshirt
Harmon, IMO will not redshirt
Smith, IMO will redshirt
Gilliam, IMO will redshirt
Four of the 16 will most likely redshirt:
Jackson, Byrd, Montgomery, Rawlins-Kibonge
Marvin Jones | What We are Hearing
– Super K – Posted on: November 9, 2021
As we’ve previously noted, the Sooners made a big impression on Marvin Jones and his mother on their OU official visit.
But with Jones being a FSU legacy, despite FSU’s struggles this year, they felt like a threat.
I was told that just before Jones’ recent Bama trip, the Sooners had received some word that give them quite a bit of confidence.
After the Bama trip I checked in with a source in Bama who said that Bama felt good about the weekend and they like the fact Jones has some connections with Alabama players like Dallas Turner. I’m told Turner and Jones are close.
Bama has also been in hot pursuit of Jones’ teammate, Earl Little Jr and Little is seen as a Bama lean. But I’ve heard the Sooners may be making a run at Little. Don’t be surprised if Little ends up on a visit to Oklahoma.
I get the sense the Sooners have built a strong bond with Jones’ mother and they may be part of where their confidence is coming from. Obviously the path on the field could be quicker at Oklahoma than it is at Alabama.
Bottom line here is it looks like OU is in yet another battle with the Crimson Tide and FSU and others appears to be a bit behind.
Chris McClellan | Bottom Line
– Super K – Posted on: November 9, 2021
After checking around a bit on where things stand with the Sooners and McClellan, I think it’s best to just bottom line where we feel things are now and skip the details.
It’s my opinion based on what I’ve heard that the Sooners are in as good of a spot as they want to be. If McClellan doesn’t end up in this class then I think it’s safe to assume it was not a case of anyone on the OU side dropping the ball.
Hopefully you can make out the meaning of that.
Position Group Progress Report | Cumulative Following BYE
– Charlie S – Posted on: November 10, 2021
Let’s take a look at the progress reports up and through the BYE week for the Sooners.
Looks to me like the cumulative numbers match up pretty well with what we are seeing on the field.
Interested to read your thoughts!
QB:
Tulane: 2
Western Carolina: 4
Nebraska: 2
West Virginia: 3
Kansas State: 4
Texas: 2 (Rattler) 4 (Caleb)
TCU: 5
Kansas: 4
Texas Tech: 5
High: 5
Low: 2
Average: 3.6 (Rattler Average 2.8) (Caleb Average 4.5)
RB:
Tulane: 3
Western Carolina: 4
Nebraska: 3
West Virginia: 1
Kansas State: 4
Texas: 4
TCU: 4
Kansas: 3
Texas Tech: 3
High: 4
Low: 1
Average: 3.2
WR/TE:
Tulane: 3
Western Carolina: 3
Nebraska: 3
West Virginia: 3
Kansas State: 4
Texas: 4
TCU: 4
Kansas: 2
Texas Tech: 5
High: 5
Low: 2
Average: 3.4
OL:
Tulane: 2
Western Carolina: 4
Nebraska: 4
West Virginia: 0 (Nebula)
Kansas State: 3
Texas: 4
TCU: 4
Kansas: 2
Texas Tech: 3
High: 4
Low: 0 (Nebula)
Average: 2.8
DL:
Tulane: 3
Western Carolina: 4
Nebraska: 4
West Virginia: 4
Kansas State: 3
Texas: 4
TCU: 3
Kansas: 1
Texas Tech: 3
High: 4
Low: 1
Average: 3.2
LB:
Tulane: 1
Western Carolina: 3
Nebraska: 2
West Virginia: 4
Kansas State: 2
Texas: 4
TCU: 4
Kansas: 1
Texas Tech: 3
High: 4
Low: 1
Average: 2.6
DB:
Tulane: 3
Western Carolina: 3
Nebraska: 2
West Virginia: 3
Kansas State: 1
Texas: 1
TCU: 1
Kansas: 2
Texas Tech: 4
High: 4
Low: 1
Average: 2.2
Special Teams:
Tulane: 4
Western Carolina: 4
Nebraska: 3
West Virginia: 4
Kansas State: 2
Texas: 4
TCU: 2
Kansas: 3
Texas Tech: 3
High: 4
Low: 2
Average: 3.2
Sourced Team Note | Secondary
– Charlie S – Posted on: November 10, 2021
As you know, Sooners defensive coordinator Alex Grinch was very optimistic on the potential return from injury of defensive back Woodi Washington for the Baylor game.
Back in October, Super K tipped us off that Baylor was the target date for his return HERE.
‘Source tells Super K that OU is targeting the Baylor game for the potential return of defensive back Woodi Washington.’
Last night K passed along a note that Woodi is looking good in practice and moving well. He went on to say that right now, it looks like it will initially be a three-man rotation at CB with DJ Graham, and Key Lawrence. Sounds like those three will be getting the majority of the reps.
K mentioned he is not certain whether Woodi will ‘start’ but right now, he is expected to be part of the rotation at this point.
If we get any further info before the game, we will update.
One on One | Baylor
– Charlie S – Posted on: November 11, 2021
The Sooners are back in action following a much-needed BYE week.
In their last game, OU played their most complete game of the season against a team with a pulse as they dominated Texas Tech.
This week, OU heads to Waco to take on Dave Aranda and his Baylor Bears!
The last time OU went down to Waco they pulled off the largest comeback in their storied history.
Let’s take a look at a couple of ‘one on one’ matchups I will be keeping an eye on.
One on One Number One:
OU center Andrew Raym vs BU nose tackle Siaki Ika
Games are won and lost in the trenches, right? This is the first place I would watch in regard to how this game will play out offensively for Oklahoma.
Ika’s game is all about getting pressure from the middle and collapsing the pocket. He leads the Bears in QB hurries (11) from the front seven perspective (Pitre leads the team with 13) and also leads the team in sacks.
At 6’4 and 350+ he is an absolute load and displays great strength and quickness for a man that large.
Raym will be tasked with slowing him down initially. While Raym has been better in pass protection than he has in the run game for most of the year, Ika presents a challenge that really pokes at his weakness right now which is his strength. He will have to rely on his athleticism when it comes to pass pro and will likely get some help, at least initially when it comes to the run game.
The issue in the run game for Raym will be if OU does in fact use more of a zone scheme, Ika will be his responsibility more often than not and right now, the edge goes to Ika in that regard.
Another concern I have is the lack of help Raym can count on, particularly from LG Marquis Hayes who has often been a bit off schedule when it comes to providing help. Look for some heavy sets from OU early on with the HB/TE being involved heavily in the blocking scheme…and they will all need to be up to the task.
One on One Number Two:
OU EDGE Nik Bonitto vs BU offensive tackle Connor Galvin/Gavin Byers
Return to the scene of the crime? Last time in Waco, Nik Bonitto made the game-saving play as he hauled in an interception to cap off the Sooners incredible comeback.
That is not necessarily the play I am looking for, I don’t think anyone would hate it!
Bonitto has got to be the force off the edge for OU and with Bohanon being a dual threat, it will be imperative for him to be assignment sound while also putting pressure on him and hopefully forcing him into some bad decisions. Bohannon does have a very live arm, but his touch is not the best and he tends to float some balls out there when under pressure.
I am not sure how much ‘spying’ Bonitto will be tasked with as Grinch has used that pretty extensively when OU is facing a dual threat guy, but Bonitto will set the tone for the Sooners and a lot of that tone will come from how he fairs against the tackles.
With Redmond back and getting more snaps, that will allow Thomas to go back to his more productive spot at the end which should help give Bonitto some more opportunities to get to Bohanon.
In front of him will be tackles who are talented, but not nearly as athletic as Bonitto and crew. With Baylor being a solid running team, Bonitto will be forced to set a hard edge on his rushes. Big time players make big time plays in big time games.
Hoping to see it!
’22 Remaining Offensive Line Recruiting
– Charlie S – Posted on: November 11, 2021
The Sooners head into the final month ahead of the early signing period, December 15th-17th with three offensive line commitments:
Jake Taylor (6’6 290)
Jacob Sexton (6’5 285)
Pancake Hunter (6’2 315)
We are working under the impression that OU would like to take a minimum of four high school prospects and would gladly take five if they come from the group below:
DJ Campbell (6’3 310) out of Arlington, TX
Kam Dewberry (6’4 313) out of Humble, TX
Malik Agbo (6’5.5 320) out of Federal Way, WA
Neto Umeozulu (6’2 285) out of Allen, TX
Josh Conerly (6’5 275) out of Seattle, WA
The thing is, right now, there isn’t a helluva lot to report on the group.
Campbell and Dewberry (along with Kelvin Banks, Oregon Commit) are visiting Texas this weekend and you can expect the Horns to pitch immediate playing time.
– Campbell is a guy Super K feels (and has felt) like OU is in a better spot for than many in the recruiting business give them credit for, but he is not making a decision for some time still. Campbell was in Norman for the ChampU BBQ in June and the Sooners really put themselves into the picture at that time. OU needs to keep chopping wood here and try to get him back on campus, but Campbell does have a busy schedule as he is heading to Texas this week and would like to get to LSU and make a return visit to USC (if they ever hire a new coach).
– As CJ has reported, Dewberry says his relationship with Bedenbaugh and the OU staff is one of the best and his visit to Norman in September opened his eyes to the Sooners atmosphere and fan base. There are people around him that are high on Texas and Aggie, so right now, it feels like OU needs to get him back on campus to stem the other’s progress. Not sure if that will happen.
– Agbo is heading to Auburn this weekend and he already visited Norman for the ChampU BBQ in June. He absolutely loved his trip and the Sooners appeared to be out front for some time. Agbo raved about the visit and told me he would be back for a game. That visit has not happened to this point, and he has not indicated to me that he will be taking an unofficial to OU for the Iowa State game at this point. K and I both will keep working to get an update where things stand following his visits, but there just is not a lot of buzz around him and OU right now. Not saying that things have gone sideways, just saying things are a bit quieter and Agbo is a guy who does like to talk. He has officially visited Texas, Arizona State, Auburn this weekend and then he plans on getting to Florida in late November.
– Neto doesn’t talk recruiting. Just does not speak on it. OU offered his brother, 2024 EDGE Zina, last week and they both were in town for the Nebraska game. No clue where things stand with him and OU aside from OU feeling like they are ‘in it’ for both the brothers. He will also be heading to Texas for the Kansas game this weekend and we are hoping CJ will be able to get something out of him next week in regard to both programs.
– As for Conerly, there is talk about him visiting Norman, he has said as much to me previously, but there has been no confirmation from him to this point. Until he makes the trip, there really isn’t a ton to talk about.
So, out of that group of guys that OU is working on, right now, it feels like none of them have the Sooners as their outright leader. Campbell and Agbo are the two I would say OU is in the best spot for right now, but they are by no means in the clear for any of the linemen.
Should OU not get any of the guys mentioned above, and even if they do, expect the Sooners to be players in the portal again this year for a guy or two, particularly interior players.
