Open Post | Monday, Feb. 8th
Posted on: February 8, 2016
Image of Trajan Bandy via Miami Herald
– Earnest Brown: It’s time to start getting to know more of the 2017 class, and one name to file away is that of a DE out of Denton (TX), Earnest Brown. He has been picking up offers lately from schools like Baylor, Duke, Houston and several others. And at 6’5″ with the way he comes off the ball the interest/offers he has received is definitely no surprise.
The Sooners are going to make defensive ends a priority in this 2017 class, and they’ve already reached out several. Brown tells TFB that Bill Bedenbaugh came by to see him on one of his Dallas area trips. Brown also revealed he’s planning to be in Norman this coming weekend, and TFB won’t be the least bit surprised if an offer from the Sooners is extended during the visit. – (Super K)
– Trajan Bandy: A 2017 cornerback the Sooners have been recruiting for a while now is Trajan Bandy (Miami, FL). Bandy apparently told Corey Bender of Scout.com that OU is his top school at the moment.
2017 #Scout300 CB Trajan Bandy tells me he's visiting #Oklahoma on April 6. Says the #Sooners now lead: https://t.co/y8cgTu6Eci@BandyTrajan
— Corey Bender (@Corey_Bender) February 8, 2016
I reached out to Bandy via text and he confirmed the Sooners are on top right now. He said, while referencing the number of offers he holds, “they (OU) lead over maybe 25 schools.” Bandy is a smaller cornerback at around 5’9″, but so violent, extremely explosive out of his breaks, and with true closing speed. He is reckless in a controlled way, if that makes sense.
I thought it would be fun for you film junkies to take a look at a Texas area cornerback, Langston Frederick, who is similar in size to Bandy, but someone I got to see last summer at a Texas camp. I’ve had my eye on Frederick since his sophomore year. I loved his sophomore film, and I love his junior film even more.
Trajan Bandy…
And Langston Frederick…
– Team Note | Quarterbacks & Wide Receivers: Talked to a couple sources about how the quarterbacks have looked early on in winter workouts and 7-on-7. To no one’s surprise, true freshman Austin Kendall is taking 2nd team reps behind Baker Mayfield, and I was told Kendall “looks accurate for a freshman.” The other guys seem to like him and Kendall clearly knows his number could get called at any time. As such, Kendall is doing all he can to get in extra work whenever possible.
Also got a quick note on high-profile transfer Kyler Murray, who we’re told “makes everything look easy…he can spin it…really tight spiral.”
You may recall during the season some of our encouraging reports out of practices with regards to young WRs Dahu Green & AD Miller, and we continue to hear good things with respect to the progress they’re still making. One source mentioned not being “sold” on some of the other big, outside wide receivers. Adding that if Green and Miller continue to improve, they could quickly become staples within the offense.
Was also told the staff is really looking to some of the younger guys at WR to step up and help fill the leadership role Sterling Shepard held with this position group. Some of the names we’ve heard the coaches are leaning on are Michiah Quick, Jordan Smallwood & Mark Andrews.
One other quick note with regards to Andrews, we spoke with a source about him and the progress he’s made since the end of a productive 2015 season. “Andrews? Throw him the ball every down…he’s just getting more and more confident now,” they said. – (Super K)
384 Comments
I know some of the time the stuff out of practices/workouts isn’t all that earth-shattering, but it’s by far my favorite stuff to read.
I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say we’d rather this stuff than nothing at all. It’s still good info, and I enjoy reading it. Thanks for posting.
For sure. I mean you obv have to take it w/ a grain of salt, for any number of reasons. But so long as you can do that, it’s just one of those little things I find so interesting to hear/read about.
Yes, Jordan. It helps keep the blood flowing and anticipation high.
Also better than guys flipping commitments…
I’d agree Jordan. Far more of interest to me at this point than talking about recruiting already.
Nice to get outta realignment talk!
We want to go to the SEC.
Absolutely. At least it is about football and not all the other crud out there in the Universe.
Definitely mine, too. Helps a whole lot right now. Thanks.
BOOMER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sooooonnnneeeerrrrr!!!!
Fried chicken Sooner.
SOONER!
Any update on Bryce Youngquist?
It’s time to move on. Something could change at some point, but it doesn’t figure to be any time soon.
Appreciate the feedback….
Sad to hear that. I hope everything works out for the young man.
Medical issue. We weren’t told not to share the issue but since other sites have chosen not to, we will do the same. Not sure if he will play football again. And when I say “not sure” I mean I literally don’t know.
Thanks K, sounds like he needs our prayers.
More Practice News!
I won’t pay much attention to recruiting nes until the fall.
The process is very dynamic with offers, commitments, preferences, stars, rankings constantly changing.
Most interest in how the players we have are developing.
That Trajan kid is nasty,and cocky!
His offer list is pretty impressive too
Would love for Smallwood to have a good year. He has definitely had a hard road to get where he is.
I’m back on the grid and would like to say how much I appreciate all the work from TFB staff.
Not sure if TFB is going to do this but I would like to see a breakdown of our current class. I think this would help educate us on their strengths/weaknesses.
Practice notes are great!
This isn’t exactly what you’ve asked for, but it’s a start.
https://thefootballbrainiacs.com/ou-oklahoma-sooners-football-recruiting-sizing-up-2016-signing-class
This was a good read and I don’t miss anything from you guys. Based on past film breakdowns, I was wondering if there was going to be a more in depth post. For example, JY on the OL/TFB staff on the others.
You guys have created a monster and we want it all. Thanks again Jordan.
I hate TFB will all of my heart. Stop enabling my Sooner addiction with excellent winter reports.
This is my favorite time of year gents. From now until opening kickoff, for every team, everything out of camp and practice will be telling everyone that this is their year and their team is winning the natty. Gotta love unbridled enthusiasm. Although it was the downfall of one Billy Mumphrey.
This is the year of Jeffery Mead. I think he finally finds his game
I think he is the favorite out of some of the taller WR’s not named Andrews. What game was it late where he had a couple of good catches?
Hoping Quick or Humphrey comes on as a slot receiver too.
Clemson game. He ran some nice routes and made some strong cathes
His length can be a huge adv. Those guys have a wider catch radius.
he’ll be a jr, do something
I agree.. All the three year guys need to show up.
did we get Maxs Tupai yet?
UCLA, USC, And Utah then OU. No choice has been made.
is he still taking visits…I know he took one to UCLA this weekend but is he taking more?
From the reports I read, he might take more visits. He is still undecided. No time table.
Visiting UCLA this coming weekend.
I know it’s a bit early, but I’m excited about the 2017 QB competition.
A bit early is an understatement. 🙂 Lot of football to play before that competition.
I want to see Dallis Todd get on the field this year and make a major contribution.
the note above is not encouraging
Agreed. I was following him when he was still being recruited and once he committed he was recruiting others to come to OU. I always want to see a guy like that really succeed.
When the lights came on Dahu Green had brick hands for some odd reason.
He drops way too many passes.
Perhaps his confidence will change that in 2016.
He and Miller should have red shirted in hind sight. Maybe the little experience will be huge but I hate not redshirting guys unless they actually produce. I don’t think they even combined for 5 catches, you could add Todd’s catches and I still think it’s less than 5…need them to reach the next level.
Devil’s advocate- Isn’t it a good thing if they can’t play? They’re closer to their eligibility running out or they see the writing on the wall and transfer.
I’m okay they didn’t redshirt. The last few years, we’ve had injuries to our top WRs. I think the idea was to get them some experience, so they weren’t totally deer-in-headlights if the injury bug bit. This season, we ended up being fortunate, until the end, with the injury situation.
He does struggle with his hands. But that’s something some extra work can fix. His frame and length though…wow. And he knows how to use his body.
Sure not ready to give up on him yet. He didn’t get that many touches did he? This could be a great year for Dahu, Miller or Todd. Maybe all three!
Taking a risk on someone that struggles with their hands is a bad idea, so he has a road to travel, knowing prospects like Andrews are future NFL dudes.
I like Farrar’s game and greater speed, so he may nudge some of the bigger guys that don’t have his speed.
There was a lot of pressure on Walsh after Jerry Rice’s first year as he dropped a lot of passes. The rest is history. My hope is his drops came from being young. I agree, it’s a lot easier to walk out on that field with a year under your belt.
Not trying to bash OU WRs, but if it were going to happen for some guys it would have by now. Sterling carried the team on his back with very little contribution from the other outside OU Dede and sometimes Neal.
well to be fair, under Norvell, no development occurred for any WR’s. Hopefully Simmons and Gundy have some impact on these guys.
Development or lack of talent is the question. Many balls were dropped from wide open receivers.
I thought Dede looked great in the Clemson game. Really think the young guys like AD Miller and Dahu have to step up. Quick flashes…just needs to be consistent. And Andrews is young but he’s also flashed.
Mead looked great in the Clemson game.
Andrews didn’t get enough passes thrown his way.
I believe we will see a big jump by a couple of these guys this year. It’s common in any situation when there is a leader like Shep, to simply ‘sit back’ and let that guy be that guy. Now, it’s their time to step up and ‘be that guy’. Westbrook, Baxter as SRs, Smallwood if healthy, Humphrey gets a chance to break out. Not worried.
You guys hearing anything yet on the CB spot opposite Thomas?
I think it will be Dakota Austin.
PJ Mbansor.
I know in the Tulsa game he was caught off guard with the start. He went up against a experienced big WR. I thought he did so-so.
Give him reps.
I think he’s going to take that spot. Size and aggressive play are perfect for the bump and run system.
Agree. His main issues in that game were all freshman stuff…chasing WR inside on a cloud technique, not widening guys on a 9 route and not getting his head turned around.
I thought every mistake he made in that game was very fixable and a very coachable fix. Plus he was literally being baptized by fire, and had not been running with the 1’s. It did not deter my confidence in his ability and I hope it did not hurt his either.
It will be between Dakota and PJ. If PJ takes the naturel jump kids take between freshmen and sophomore seasons, it’s hard to imagine Dakota beating out a 6’2 190 lb CB.
That’s what I was hoping to hear, no offense to Dakota but I love having the bigger, longer corners out there. Thanks K!
Dakota is 5’10” and the starting CB for the Broncos is 5’10”, so height is a luxury, but never a given.
Chris Harris Jr. (pride of Bixby, OK) the 5’10” guy from the Broncos also weighs 199lbs while Dakota tips the scale at 157lbs so that 42 extra pounds is a huge difference in being able to battle receivers for the ball! I have nothing against Dakota but even Sanchez got manhandled a few times against bigger receivers because he was to lite in the britches!
Great point about having some lead in the pencil!
Sanchez got manhandled regularly, which will be his downfall. Never should a player have stayed an extra year more than him. He absolutely has to get stronger.
I appreciate Dakota’s scrappiness
He played really well last year, when he had the chance. Made the most of the tools he had. Gotta love that.
I thought Andrews biggest issue was still his diabetes condition? I’m not going to expect too much more from him until it’s proven. He was the 2nd best receiver last year for us and he barely played.
Stoops said he played the slot and you’re not going to beat out Sterling. We all would like to see him more involved. Our TE’s always have a big spring game and get us all excited and then they seem to fade away during the season.
I honestly don’t buy that one. Baxter was the slot receiver on the other side and played a lot more.
I’m hoping that Riley watched what Howard did to Clemson’s defense in the NC and took some notes. Ridiculous to not use Andrews more.
I’m sure Riley has paradigms to overcome. He has never coached this many options on a roster.
I agree, no one bought off on that info. They used Shep & Baxter in the slot. Maybe they didn’t think he was ready but hope he is this year.
Sterling was just as much outside as he was inside.
I agree which is why it was somewhat frustrating no to see him on the field more.
That had nothing to do with diabetes. That was a dink and dunk scheme gone bad.
Say anything about Geno Lewis??
With next season being OC Riley’s 2nd year, will we still see a balanced offense, or will he begin to move to move towards more of a fluid throwing offense? It would be hard to ignore Perine and Mixon, but he seems to really like a throw first offense (from his previous stops). Seems like he is recruiting wr that you build an offense around and the rb are smaller and catch really well. Just wondering
I believe he’ll use whatever tools he has in the shed, right now, Perine and Mixon are among the shiniest.
Sometimes he had to throw the run open because of our bad OL. I don’t think Stoops will let him stray too far from the run. Even in the early days with Griffin we ran 30 or more times a game.
Really gotta hope Baker stays healthy and this team needs at least two of those three WRs to step up, big time. Looking at Quick and Andrews.
And an O line to keep Baker, or whoever’s back there, healthy.
Bob Stoops made it clear in his presser OU lead the league in rushing over the last seven games and OU is committed to the rushing attack not a Air Raid style alone.
That’s why they didn’t recruit Jacobs at RB. He stated his preference for a bigger RB with ball skills and Adams was in the mold of Mixon.
Starting Bronco defense for the Super Bowl Champs had SIX 2 Stars, three 3 Stars and only two 4 Stars.
I guess stars didn’t matter on that Championship defense!
We pull Draper and go after a 2 star if you’d rather
I have a feeling Bob Stoops and his staff don’t even look a the stars. They recruit talent. Doucet 2 stars, Beal 2 Stars, Roberson 2 Stars.
The star game is for the fans that are bored in the offseason.
Had a conversation with my dad this morning about the Super Bowl, both were glad the Broncos won. Being a former high school coach, he quickly pointed out how amazing the Broncos defense played all year, and especially through the playoffs and obviously yesterday. Defense wins championships. Despite the brand we have in the Big XII and regardless if we play mobile QB’s, overwhelming pressure and penetration dominates and renders an offense ineffective. Here’s to us loading up on defense, let’s get after people.
One thing I saw Denver do nearly every play was GET AFTER THE FREAKING QB. Something MS doesn’t do enough.
Fury, Cam Newton hurts today.
Important part of that is that they do it with FOUR and sometimes five. MS has to go with SIX to get there a lot.
My thoughts exactly.
Watched Wade Phillips say late last night that, once they saw Cam was not going to run it, he said he told his players “let’s get after him” and they began rushing 4 and 5. Having said that, he added “you have to let Miller and Ward do what they do”.
We’ve played 4 down linemen all year, so rushing 4 is the norm. What’s important to note is that the Broncos have a very, very stout interior defensive line (and I think that went unnoticed most of the year by non-Bronco fans). That makes a world of difference when paired with Ware/Miller.
It’s a different animal though. I’m a Bronco fan/Denver resident, and having watched this Bronco defense all year, there’s very little in common with the scheme Phillip runs vs. what Mike runs. Having 4 linemen in the game every down is huge. Also, to be fair, this year’s Bronco defensive front is riddled with Pro Bowl guys and future HOF players. Having two of the best pass rushers in the game helps too.
Still, Mizuno44 makes an important point, and that is that defensive still wins championships. It’s the same in college. Even in a wide open offensive league like the Big XII, defense wins championships (just like this year’s best Big XII defense did). We just need to continue improving the talent on that side of the ball, which I think is happening.
Win on D
Ugh! What to do during this bleak non football time of year?
Basketball will fill the void this semester, and then long summer naps should get me into fall. 🙂
I am trying to temper my excitement over the Cubs as well.
No updates on Geno Lewis? He was ranked the best recruit in PSU’s class in 2012 as a 4 Star 5.9 prospect. That’s borderline 5 Stars.
Interested in his progress. Look forward to spring ball with Geno pushing for a spot.
Bleh. Big10 football. He will probably score double digit TDs here. Grad transfer and four star recruit.smart and talented. Clear eyes, full heart, can’t lose.
Let’s hope he’s a top notch contributor at OU.
Should OU go All-IN and sign an entire class of the highest rated defensive players possible? Do whatever it takes to have the best defensive player in the B12 in every position. Teams can’t win if they can’t score. $$$$ works wonders on the youth of today….and big booty women. 🙂
Starting Bronco defense for the Super Bowl Champs had SIX 2 Stars, three 3 Stars and only two 4 Stars.
and 2 Jayhawks
so 3/11 players on the best D in football were B12 players?
Starting CB, Chris Harris Jr., is from Bixby High School.
I remember the Rollers from Bixby.
Not going so well for Jimmy nowadays.
http://docapp065p.doc.state.ok.us/servlet/page?_pageid=394&_dad=portal30&_schema=PORTAL30&doc_num=528045&offender_book_id=188144
Aqib Talib is a Grade-A dirtbag.
Wow, great call out
Broncos won because they had OUDNA on defense.
Lol, this is the 3rd time you’ve posted this.
This is a statistical illusion.
There are exponentially more (quantity) of 2 and 3 stars as there are 5 stars. It’s pretty well documented that the higher star rating you have, the more likely you are to produce at a high level.
That’s the third time you posted as well.
Who cares? Ha!
I’ll keep posting it when I choose, so you can keep tally.
I think the point is a lot of players can be good, regardless of recruiting rankings.
Would like to see Earnest Brown pick up that OU offer. Guy is incredibly quick and disruptive. Some nice moves, swim and dips. Has length at 6’5, just needs to fill out.
OU’s DE’s in a 3-4 are asked to play around 290lbs.
Trajan Bandy may not be the tallest on the field, but he has serious hops.
Would it be fair to say OU will only go as far as the new OL will take them? The Big Uglies must gel into a mancrushing unit without penalties.
OL and DL, yes.
Can we just go ahead and nickname Trajan Bandy “Antman” now! Love how he keeps reading the QB and attacks the ball.
Is Murray eligible to play in the Red/White game?
Yes
Hope he plays. That would be worth watching. I’d like to see him.
Definitely. Interested to see what he’ll look like in Riley’s offense.
It’s a public scrimmage, so yes. I’m sure Austin Kendall will get the most snaps in preparation of being the back-up.
If it’s anything like it has been, they’ll basically all get equal reps.
It won’t be like it has been. You have a true Freshman that is now the back QB, so he needs more reps than the others. They’ll protect Mayfield, so.
Mayfield 20%
Kendall 40%
Murray 30%
Walkon 10%
which walk on are you referring to?
Probably Connor McGinnis
and the Schader kid.
I’d give Murray less since it doesn’t matter this year.
Perhaps, but you want to make him feel a part of the team. Redshirting isn’t an easy thing to deal with for a top caliber prospect like Kyler Murray.
He’ll run the scout team, he’ll be involved
Yep, Hopefully, he is a menace on the scout team.
I’m ready to see that great over the top rainbow.
Wr’s are going to the be the weak link on the team next year unfortunately.
That or the LBs. Other positions should be stronger.
True. It’s between those two positions for sure.
Andrews
Westbrook
Lewis
Quick
Baxter
Mead
Todd
Smallwood
Green
Miller
Farrar
Mykel
Hardy
…say your post is flawed at best.
Just… What?
You guys have this cute little bickering thing going on
Lol, we just don’t speak the same language it seems.
Mav seems to do that to a lot of people round here……he and King put on a classic show on NSD!
Show me where his flaw is, please. All of those guys are basically unproven and none jumped out as a true threat…even WITH Shepard.
Watch in the fall.
So you’re speculating that his current logic is flawed? How can you say it’s flawed logic when he/we actually have evidence as a basis for that logic?
I’m confident enough to say that if I’m wrong come this fall, I’ll stop posting here. Can you say the same, if you are wrong?
That’s the difference.
Hahahaha! Ok. What is this, Kindergarten? All anyone here is saying is that these cats haven’t shown much. You come in here all high and mighty proclaiming to be Nostradamus…and now you’re playing for keepsies? Relax, man. It’s okay to be right, it’s okay to be wrong. Happens all the time. Chill. Wow.
Outside of Andrews and Westbrook those WRs haven’t really proved anything. Baxter is solid but he’s had his share of drops/fumbles.
They will don’t worry.
Hope so
Huh? You “could” be right, but nothing on this list says we are set at that position by any means. This is more “flawed” than his original speculation.
Not in my opinion. That’s WAY TOO much talent not to find three contributing receivers. Andrew is a NFL prospect. Find two more and it’s game on.
IMO, this will be the year that we will see how good a coach Dennis Simmons is. We’ve seen (Fire)Kish, Cooks and BB do a great job developing talent recently. It’ll be interesting to see how much better the young receivers become this off-season.
Exactly. Perhaps we can compare the juniors and seniors brought in by Norvel et al…v the new guys.
I think Westbrook and Andrews will have a breakout year. Lewis is a very good athlete and I think in this offense he will be very productive. Baxter is a decent slot guy and will improve just like Westbrook will. Jucos usually have a feeling out process the first year and take off the second year. The two players that I think make a jump are AD Miller and Dahu Green. I don’t think too much of Todd or Mead. Smallwood has to finally get healthy. Out the Freshmen, Farrar is physically ready. I think you might have forgot Humphery in the slot.
Humphrey 4.2 speed. Andrews and Westbrook will be big. Perhaps Baxter, Quick and Lewis. I’m expecting Humphrey to affect the defense with his speed, but may not be targeted often. Freshmen may get on the field.
We lost a lot of LBs man
Imo, losing Shep is much worse than losing Dom Alexander. Losing Striker hurts for sure, but we have some other promising pass rushers. Haven’t seen a young Wr that has impressed me all that much.
Alexander, Striker, Bond, Shannon, Lindley are a major hit. OU can go to their rushing attack with Perine and Mixon to offset any major void with Shepard and still produce on offense. Andrews will step in just fine inside.
LB depth is my greatest concern, WR is my least concern.
https://slm-assets1.secondlife.com/assets/10251069/lightbox/alrighty_then.jpg?1409944868
Too many for my satisfaction. Too bad Kelly, Jackson, Doucet aren’t here in the spring. Tay and Jordan Evans are stout, but there has to be more quality depth.
I’m most worried about ILB. I think OLB will be alright with Deberry, Obo and possibly Jackson and Kelly but ILB looks like a real trouble spot to me with JEvans coming back from injury and it doesn’t sound like anyone on campus already is expected to step right in and take the starting spot.
I’m hoping Tay Evans or Bolton can step in. Always thought Bolton looked the part. But I agree. Wr and ILB are concerning.
it seems like these spread schemes have made ILB more important than ever.
Maybe so. Definitely crucial against teams like Baylor that are spread but still really stress you in the run game.
I’m with you Maverick. Bolton looks to have a nose for the ball and the drive to get to it. I’m surprised that he gets left off of a lot of people list of LBs who will produce.
Agreed, always been a fan of Bolton.
They are looking into the possibility of moving Doucet at ILB.
Underwood should have confessed to me!!!!!!!!!!
OU #3
http://sportspolls.usatoday.com/ncaa/basketball-men/polls/coaches-poll/
OU mbb down to #3 in USA TODAY
They got lucky to be at #3 after that sleepwalking attempt on Saturday.
How did they get lucky? They lost.
ND beat UNC maybe
UNC already had a loss last week to Louisville they were going to drop anyway..
Oh…well, I don’t know then. Maybe he meant dropping to 3 ain’t bad considering.
Maybe so but we beat #1 nova by 23 on a neutral court and have 3 losses just like them.
Lucky?
Lucky to be in the Top 3.
Idk, we play in the toughest conference, have several wins against ranked teams. That was our first loss to an unranked opponent. Last week UNC was ranked #2 and had 2 losses to unranked opponents. Not to mention they don’t have as many quality losses we have.
Really thought Jordan SmallWood would have a productive sooner career! Hope I’m not wrong
He’s just got to stay healthy. Hoping it happens for him.
He sure looks the part
Bandy looks like a flat out STUD! Electric.
Love guys like him , we need some more nasty guys on this team.
When the game comes that natural for a player it’s easy to fly around the ball.
I still believe we have the WRs to get the job done, I feel like the oline will be the weaklink again at least in passing situations
I agree. Something tells me three WRs from the below group will make enough plays to complement the RBs and the rushing attack.
Andrews
Westbrook
Lewis
Quick
Baxter
Mead
Todd
Smallwood
Green
Miller
Farrar
Mykel
Hardy
I think Westbrook, Andrews, Lewis, Baxter, and Mead will see a lot of time. Hopefully Quick and somebody else behind them.
Disagree about the OL. We’ll be bigger and stronger up front, especially at Center. If we can run, we’ll be able to pass, but we have to be able to run the ball. The tOSU game will reveal a lot about the OL. Maybe even the Houston game.. I think — believe — Bedenbaugh gets it done.
Andrews, Brown, Perine and Mixon with big seasons could declare for the NFL draft in 2017.
The Sooners have easily established itself as a top ten juggernaut in the NCAA football world. Hardly a debate to argue otherwise. Thus, it’s frustrating when we lose recruits to Johnny come lately football programs. I am proud of this year’s recruiting class but we did fall short of putting the cherries on top. And, the cherries on top can be the difference of losing to Clemson or playing Bama for the NC. We are just an A’Shawn Robinson and Adoree Jackson away from making it happen. Also, receiver recruiting very puzzling, although we recovered nicely at the end. But don’t know why we would even be in the situation to be scrambling. We should have the problem of turning top receiver recruits away…..SMH. We have coaches from two different staffs that have groomed the top two most prolific receivers in NCAA history (Justin Hardy and Ryan Broyles). Shouldn’t this fact form a huge billboard telling future recruits that the coaches on OU’s staff know how to develop receivers in a big way? One last thing on my mind; I’m thrilled about the renovations taking place in the football program. It gets me pumped up. But I’m disconcerted the funding got cut so significantly. I’m not sure which improvements are being expunged, but I sure wish there is some way the university could have sacrificed and allocated resources to make it ALL happen. Because of OU’s Midwest digs , their facilities really need to be the pinnacle in college football so recruits gravitate to Norman like they do the schools with palm trees.
OU will have a PALACE for the players costing $160M under construction now. The press may be not happy because their upgrades were delayed on the West side. No player related upgrades are delayed.
I want the full expansion
It’s not an expansion. It’s an upgrade. OU has never planned for an expansion. I too look forward to the Westside upgrade, which will start after the South endzone is completed. OU has 2 large cranes and 3 smaller cranes just on the South endzone going strong right now. Tight space, but they are moving along nicely.
Do you know what got cut? I know they were planning on doing a palatial press box.
funding……..oil/gas industry in ok is in trouble
Right, but wish we could have moved that mountain out of our way. Easier said than done. On the other hand, I love the economy gas prices. LOL!
re ok co’s……..sandridge barely exists and chesapeake is flirting with a reorg/bankruptcy……..understand the gas prices but people are losing jobs……st tax base is taking a big hit
Sad affairs, it’s always the guy earning a modest wage that loses the job rather than the executive bringing home the inflated salary.
big boys take wealth hits also which affects your gripe about funding, like it or not
I know, but the hit they take keeps them from buying another toy rather than the guy who can’t pay his mortgage. Your point is well received though and is the truth.
understood, nasty all the way around but more so for some
how ’bout this one…….harold hamm is owner of continental resources based in okc…..he started the co from scratch and became a multi-billionaire before the recent downturn………in the meantime, his wife divorced him, she became an instant billionaire in the settlement ….and complained about it!!!!!!………gotta’ love it
Bitchs be bitchs!
Pretty much the truth.
I was visiting with one of the top dogs at XTO a couple of weeks ago and he told me that they expect oil to hit $15 a barrel. He said he thinks it may hit $10.
heard of all kinds of low values………victim of saudi’s deliberate actions and our technological successes at production…….if prices stayed that low for long I would think there will be a very long bankruptcy list in the us and perhaps banking tied into loans…….no expert, just listen to stock market talk
I agree with you rph. I’ve been hearing the same thing in stock market talk. The xto guy told me if we get a different party in the whitehouse, buy oil stock. Makes sense to me.
Saudis are beginning to really tap their cash reserve. They are making cuts in social welfare spending to fund this strategy. The popn isn’t happy about for obv reasons.
Most companies here have another year and its real bad news.
Unfortunately, Saudis will keep the oil flowing until they see results..
Saudia Arbia w/ gold reserve vs US/Canada Oil Companies.
Been 250,000 oilfield jobs lost and 100 billion cutbacks in operating budgets. Tough environment now in the patch.
T boone will have to cut back on his donations to little brother and the shorthorns then.
has anyone heard how A. Mcginnis looks at ILB? ILB is my most concerning position headed to next season.
I’d like to know as well, so chime in people. His high school film was STOUT.
I’m not sure he ever had much of a chance to show out. He came in injured and imo has some work to do on his conditioning/body before he’s ready. I would be most surprised if he was playing significantly in the fall.
I read from Scout that McGinnis is back in great shape along with Lampkin and Gallimore, so his conditioning is just fine. Haven’t read about his play at LB though.
Top 100 recruits signed in 2016:
Caleb Kelly – LB
Austin Kendall – QB
Mykel Jones – WR
RE: Caleb Kelly’s recruitment https://oklahoma.n.rivals.com/news/kelly-i-was-going-to-notre-dame
Mike Stoops sealed the deal. Great job Mike!
Good story. Notice how Kelly kept saying “we’re” going to … So glad it’s OU!! Hope he’s as good/better than Malik and is playing early but hoping the upperclassmen are good enough to keep his time limited.
The thing that resonated with me in that article is when he said he was disappointed when he thought he’s pulled paper for ND: “I knew just by my reaction when I thought it was Notre Dame that I didn’t want to go there and I really wanted to go to Oklahoma, and that’s what I did.” That’s a strong reaction. He didn’t knew he wanted to go to OU when he thought he had pulled ND.
Morning, Sam. That was the 1 thought that spoke most to me, as well. He was internally disappointed when he thought he had selected Notre Dame by chance. Very telling.
Good afternoon, hOUligan!
I was really glad to see that. And Viney, what a recruiter: “I don’t want to give this number to someone else.”
GREAT Line
GREAT Line
I tip my hat off to him for recognizing how he truly felt.
Guy sounds special. I can’t wait to see what he does
THIS article shows what it means to be an Oklahoma Sooner. Caleb is as emotionally committed to Oklahoma as you could ever hope/ask for out of your student-athlete….
And he hasn’t even step foot on the field yet (and gets “IT”). Oklahoma isn’t a glitz and glamour hype machine. It’s about relationships and laying it all out on the field every single day. Caleb’s got way more than 5-stars next to his name, he’s got OUDNA. ⭕️U ?
Brief but sweet Jake. Thanx!
As far as the LB talk goes, I just want all of them to have a headhunter mentality. We need attitudes on D as much as anything.
We need a little swagger!
Need some swagger , cant have any respect for your opponent.
What’s the latest on Maxs? I couldn’t find anything.
nothing out there that I know of, he’s a pretty quiet guy
hopefully that will change soon, at least he eliminated the Trojans
You have heard it before. We are a play away from using a backup QB. See how many were used last season. I hope the backups are ready. ( My no.1 concern.)
This is true for every football team, ever.
Except for Ohio State a couple years ago.
I think you misunderstand me. Every football team faces the possibility of losing their first-string QB every play.
Im cautiously optimistic about this year. Getting rid of some of the ‘tweeners for more traditional style kids, will allow us to standardize schemes, and will improve year to year continuity.
Even though we could possibly have a worse record next year(due to difficulty of schedule), i think we are a better team.
agree on the “tweeners”- we patched a few things together
Yep. Striker was a warrior and amazing player and young man, but we had to scheme to him.
this is what happens when you don’t get what you want in recruiting, you recruit athletes and plug them in where needed- hopefully we start getting recruits more specific to our needs
I think we did with deberry and jackson. More traditional, larger olb/de that we can plug and play in the same scheme.
Same goes for DT. Romar is a hell of a player, but hard to win with a 270 pound DT.
basically have to play a Wade Phillips scheme where the nose can be smaller. I don’t think the role of nose tackle has changed in the game today. Even Saban said that Terrence Cody wouldn’t be able to play for Bama anymore. Gallimore, Overton, Lampkin, none of those guys are the traditional nose types.
I think Overton is a true NT in the mold of R Kinlaw and Granville Liggins
Might not need them to be 350 anymore, but 270 is still way too small. 310-320 and athletic is right where we want to be.
absolutely agree with that. I think the defense next year is going to be better in the front seven. I honestly don’t think Dom is much of a loss in the running game. Passing game is a different story. I think Obo and Deberry are going to be great and Lampkin, Gallimore and Overton are going to make big impacts.
I think we will have more talent in the front 7 than we have seen in a while, just remains to be seen if they can produce.
I think the coaches ability to develop talent is as good as it has been for a long time, so I’m pretty sure these kids will produce.
What are you looking for. Each of those are over 300 lbs. Any of them will be hard to move and demand a double. If you do not double any of those three will collapse the pocket in the middle.
Mike Stoops stated in his presser OU will now be a traditional 3-4 with the flexibility of a 4-3. Gone are the days of a small Striker 218lbs over the TE at Spinner/Jack.
He now has the personnel to implement a true 3-4.
Who is your true 3-4 space eating NG?
Neville Gallimore, Du’Vonta Lampkin, Marquise Overton
Anyone know when the next JR day is?
I have been hearing around the first of March but no official dates yet that I have seen.
Thanks Doobie!
Bandy- Is a lock cover guy! Was great in press and off coverage. Good ball skills as well. Decent tackler and has real speed! I sound like the crotchety old guy but I hate all the individual showboating! I love guys that play with emotion and even show it after plays BUT do it with your teammates. I didn’t see one clip with him celebrating with his team. Looked like Julian Wilson running around the field every time he made a tackle. That worries me about a team attitude.
Frederick- looks really good in coverage but didn’t look as good as Bandy. Was a much better tackler! Not often that you see an enforcer at the CB position. Also showed good speed.
I would take either one but I like Bandy better from a coverage standpoint so I give him the edge. As if my opinion matters.
Only ONE celebration, where he ran to the sidelines after the game and went to the fans worries you?
He didn’t celebrate in 95% of the highlight film from what I saw.
You are correct he didn’t celebrate in every clip, I just felt like when it did show him after a play he is posing, taunting a sideline, or whatever it was always about him. Again maybe I am just being the old crotchety guy but man it was too much for me.
Being uptight over ONE play at the end of a game is a reach from my perspective.
Being uptight over ONE play at the end of a game is a reach from my perspective.
If you look at Nova and Marylands remaining schedule they are both garbage. Nova plays Xavier other than that it’s all garbage. Smh
Out of OUs 8 games left 5 are top 25.
this WR corps is screwed lol
Good one! You left of /S
Brown, Bandy and Frederick: Yes, please.
I love long, athletic DL and I LOVE CBs that love to come up and hit.
Also, I checked Frederick out on Rivals and was shocked to see him listed at 5’10” 170 lbs. I thought for sure he was around 6′ 180. Playing bigger than you actually are is a good sign.
Dustin, what’s up?
Not a lot. Just getting my affairs in order. Gotta drive to Iowa in the morning. It’s going to be colder than a well-digger’s ass up there.
That cold, huh.
My boss has approved the trip to Columbus. Just let me know when you find out so I can make hotel reservations.
It won’t get over 15 degrees while I’m there. I’m going to be sent to either Ohio or Urbana, IL. I will definitely let you know.
Perfect.
The Bandy kid looks more explosive with a serious mean streak. Can we have both of them? lol
yes, I will allow it.
how is Dalton Wood doing? Also, any chance he plays defense?
Per Bob Stoops he’s at HB/FB.
I can see a Belldozer opportunity with his passing ability. Who knows?
Would love to see a FB with that type of athleticism.
BIG dude and will play around 6’4″ 255lbs.
Really has a knack for first-line penetration. He can get upfield quick and really pound the rock. Wears ’em down between the hashes before the go-ahead score.
Oh. And he’s one heck of a football player, too.
we need him to be a heck of a blocker more than anything
Sounds like he needs a blocker, ‘nam sayin’? [Wiggles eyebrows.]
He clearly doesn’t excel in protection
Ba-da-ching!
RR, what’s up dude? Where you been hiding?
Under my rock, man. And I ain’t coming out from under it until September. Nope. Sure ain’t. You can’t convince me. Hm-mm.
Please come out to play.
And I hear he was a pretty decent quarterback back home.
I heard he dished it out to multiple receivers.
Bazinga!
I heard he dished it out to multiple receivers.
I like be his athletic ability anywhere but I would love be to see him at ILB
he made it to campus, so he’s come a long way
I think the real question is why hasn’t anyone come up with a nickname for this kid. I mean the possibilities are many and most likely profane and comical! Do you think the whole team erupts in laughter or tries to hide it when Bob walks up at the first 2 a day morning practice and says Good morning Wood?
Tough to swallow that none of the older WRs on campus can get it together. The problems with our WRs must be worse than I thought.
Perspective is required in these 7 on 7 self-practices. Who are the receivers that do the best in 7 on 7? Usually the smaller talents. Nobody was touting DGB during the summer during 7 on 7 and he’s in the NFL.
I’m sure TFB will get better information as spring ball comes around during actual formal practices you’ll hear someone step up like Andrews and someone in the shadows will work themselves into a role, knowing Shepard and Neal won’t be a guaranteed starting spot.
OU has a ton of WR talent on the roster, so I’m not worried.
I was more talking about Mead and Todd. I had high hopes that those two would blossom into legitimate big, physical WRs but neither of them can manage to get on the field in spite of how bad our WRs were last year as a group.
Thanks to Jay N.
Bandy is violent.
Bandy is violent.
2 crystal balls for Bandy to OU 🙂
A ton of potential considering hes only 8 months old … http://247sports.com/Player/Trajan-Bandy-79408
Man I’ve gotta get some tape out on my two year old.
If your son is already two, you’re a little late to the recruiting game for him! Lol
There’s always tennis!
A ton of potential considering hes only 8 months old … http://247sports.com/Player/Trajan-Bandy-79408
They must read TFB…
EastTex …. where are you?
(echo) EasTex…..where are you?
crickets = cause for concern!
Probably the only ones who could possibly answer that question are maybe Esco or some of the other admin. I’m not sure if they have the ability to do that.
Good to hear about Murray. Hanging 50 on Texas next year with TAMUs ex-QB would be sweet. Or Kendall.. But I can just see Murray frustrating that defense all day. Wonder if next year would be a year Bob would be open to rotating QBs?
Murray has to redshirt next year due to his transfer so he won’t play no matter what.
2017. Obviously THIS (next) year I would want shake n bake to hang 50 on the cows.
Let’s make it 70.
If Kendall wins the job I would still think we’d have some packages for Murray
I don’t know about a true “rotation”, but if Kendall wins the job, I wouldn’t mind seeing some packages for Murray.
Good to hear about Murray. Hanging 50 on Texas next year with TAMUs ex-QB would be sweet. Or Kendall.. But I can just see Murray frustrating that defense all day. Wonder if next year would be a year Bob would be open to rotating QBs?
I have a feeling OU’s ’17 class is going to be absolutely filthy.
God I hope so after the near nuclear meltdown around here when it was Top 20.
I think guys that look at # of stars will be pleased.
Just got to keep the mojo going this year and we will be fine. New coaches are putting in the work.
The new coaches are superstars. Great coaches and excellent recruiters. The upcoming classes are going reflect their abilities.
Near? My eyebrows got singed & I’m a 4 hr. drive away from ground zero. 🙂
God I hope so after the near nuclear meltdown around here when it was Top 20.
I can buy what you’re selling.
I can sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves.
If “filthy” somehow means very, very good these days, then I totally agree.
Hope so, Dobbins and Hines both got CB’s to UT recently. Arguable our two biggest targets.
I have a feeling OU’s ’17 class is going to be absolutely filthy.
What’s everyone’s gut feeling/educated guess on how much longer we get Stoops? Over/Under 5 years? I don’t see him lasting more than 5 more.
I think he wants another title at least so whenever that can happen.
I’d be okay with that!
Push… I really do think about 4-6 years. Caleb Kelly sounded confident in an interview that Stoops would be there for his tenure.
Maybe stoops should write 5 or 3 on pieces of paper, wad em up, puts em in a cap and draw one out like someone else did.
Over easily. I think he wants to coach his sons who are going to be juniors this year so that’s 6 or so years. Now if boren and Joe C at some point leave that could change things.
Are his kids good enough to play at OU. I know they play for Norman North but that’s about it.
I think they are decent, to above average HS players. One is a bit better than the other. But I’m not sure they are D1 caliber. I bet they can walk on if they want though!
Thanks and that’s what I was assuming.
They’re probably fcs type players but they will walk on I’m sure.
#MOMSDNA 🙂
I hope you’re right. I agree on Boren and Joe C too.
I don’t think he will coach at 60…
3-5 more seasons.
Until he’s 85?
In a Caleb Kelly article he alluded that Mike told him he’d be around until he graduates. So at least 3-4 years.
Good thought. I think it depends on results. Its gotta suck to go out down and out. i think he really wants another NC for his legacy. I agree with the 5 year time frame to make it happen.
He leaves when Boren leaves, I expect. Boren signed a 5 year deal last year, I think.
I guess that means about 2020.
Boren wants to have his new, Oxford dorms finished and would like to have the West side of the stadium finished and the LNC upgrade begun. He also wants to have the university on good financial footing.
To do all the upgrades in athletics, he’ll probably need higher priced oil. To get the university on financial footing, he’ll need the B1G or Pac 12 research grants.
Id say 2-3 more. I think he wants to let his kids get out of high school, then he gone. Either retires alltogether, or takes a shot at the NFL. Dont see him coaching anywhere else at the college level.
maybe a HS coaching gig back in Ohio
maybe if he gets bored, which could happen. Its not like he will need the money lol.
Ha! Think the 247 guys read TFB? Two Crystal Balls for Trajan Bandy this afternoon.
Edit – I’m late to the party.
I thought the same thing when I saw that earlier. They know where the good info is!
I’ve recently noticed a lot of people take stuff from TFB
Uhhh…TFB got it from Scout.
the crystal ball thing is largely a joke. Kelly was 96% OU and we all know it was more like 50-50.
Trajan “..’s Wall” Bandy … like it!
Scout has OU front for Bandy.
Every coach always wants to hang it up, but can’t so he has until his 60’s because what the heck else is he going to do? Sit at home? Grow old?
The comradery is tough to give up, especially when you are winning and cashing in $5M plus a year.
Just ask Spurrier who did it for less until 70, but states he wants to do consulting.
Anyone know of a reason why OU hasn’t offered Chaz Ah You? A 4star safety that his uncle is a coach on the team. I know it may come but you would think they would be all over him.
FWIW, C.J. is now the DL coach at Vanderbilt.
yep, i totally forgot about that. thanks.
Good question. The dude is stout on video. Plays on both sides and is a great ATH.
Michigan, Stanford and UCLA have offered.
Top target is okudah. They already have Barnes so I don’t know how many more safeties they’re going to pursue heavily. I doubt ah you wants to be a back up plan.
Isn’t Okudah a CB?
He’s listed as a safety. Most think he could play anywhere in the secondary.
Can anyone say for sure what’s up with Youngquist? He seemed ready to go then didn’t sign yet remained committed? Am I correct on that? Sry if it’s already been addressed and I just missed it..
Only the coaches know and we don’t need to until Bryce says so.
Thanks for clearing that up. You sure did put me in my place.. Is this the kind of crap you get when here when you try to ask a question about a recruit? This site is for recruiting news and such for OU football right? Was my question out of bounds? Am I to directly email the coaches instead of using this forum?….. Sarcasm, btw before I get put in my place for that too.
Sorry Drew I didn’t mean to come across that way. This question has been asked a 1000 times since signing day and we’ve all been given basically the same answer. I come to this site because of all the pricks on the other sites. I sure don’t want to be one over here.
Ok, thanks for clarifying Sir. I had not followed up with any of this since last Thursday, I was hoping there was some new news. Thanks again.
I saw where K said it was medical but that’s all we know. Jordan also mentioned we just need to move on unless something happens.
Nothing has changed over the past week and I don’t think you’ll hear anything different until this Summer. Nobody knows…something personal.
Easy, Drew. Sure it’s ok to ask anything here. Don’t think anyone meant to give you crap. It’s just that the subject has been covered on this board several times over the past week in several different threads and in the daily news. All anyone knows right now is it’s a personal matter and more to come later.
I got it, thanks. I didn’t know it had been talked over and over and over. I’m new and was just asking a question. I know it’s impossible to convy tone on these boards.
Nothing new.
It’s just personal, not academic or legal, according to Bob Stoops’ presser.
os…..daniels and campbell out of doghouse
Daniels?
i think he meant Brooks
sorry, brooks
What the heck is going on with Maxs Tupai? He scheduling another visit somewhere else next weekend or something? Sure would like to hear something, one way or another.