Kerry Cooks Pretty Much Removes The Formality

Image via 247 Sports

So between his new Twitter bio…

cooks

…and these two tweets he sent out Thursday morning…

cooks2

…Kerry Cooks has pretty much removed whatever formalities there were with respect to him being named the new defensive backs coach at Oklahoma.

And yet in spite of this AND Dennis Simmons — who, as you know, is expected to be named the new wide receivers coach — giving an interview to a national sports writer yesterday about his decision to come to Oklahoma, we still have nothing in the way of an confirmation from Bob Stoops or anyone at OU.

I’d be pretty amazed at this point if we didn’t hear something official as early as today, certain prior to the weekend at the very latest one would have to think, especially after what has hit the news cycle the last 24 hours.

393 Comments

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    I think this will be a good hire. My only question is he coaching the entire secondary or just corners?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I know others have disputed/questioned it, but we have it on good authority he’ll be responsible for the entire secondary and have reported as such.

      Of course anything can change and/or be re-evaluated between now and the spring/2015 season, but as it stands today we stand behind what we reported.

    • F1at1ined says:

      Given how he has coached both safeties and corners in the past, and I would guess he would not move laterally to a finite position such as CB coach only, I am thinking he has the entire secondary now. I think its a great hire too (Simmons too actually). Both very good recruiters and proven coaches.

  • F1at1ined says:

    So, if there are to be no more coaching changes/reassignments, am guessing we have Monty as DL coach and co-def coordinator, Mike Stoops as co-def coordinator, Kish as LB coach and Cooks as secondary coach.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      IMHO: MS AND MONTY CO-DC, Monty DL, Kish LB, Cooks Secondary…With MS helping on the Secondary.
      O: Riley OC, CG RBS, BB OL, Simmons WR, JB TE and Special Teams…

  • Cbusta says:

    Any word on Kish or are all the coaching changes done?

  • Mr. Jones says:

    I am pretty excited about this hire. With his ties to Texas as well as other things I’ve read about him, I think Bob nailed it with Cooks.

    • Jed says:

      We ought to be stronger in the metroplex and in SoCal. And those are not bad places to be stronger in.

      • F1at1ined says:

        Agree. Though he is a WR coach, I am happy we added another coach with CA ties in Simmons. He may be able to help out with some key targets using his established networks.

  • Bryan Burch says:

    C’mon OU media! Get with it!

    • albsooner says:

      There are clearly some strategic reasons Bob, Joe, and David have elected to hold off the announcement. Heck, it could have even been at the request of the new coaches.

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      probably ironing out the contract details before making it public even if the coaches themselves are putting it out there

  • SoonerfanTU says:

    I’m too lazy to find this info myself. How old are Simmons and Cooks? Like that we’re getting a little younger on the staff. This may be the best recruiting staff Bob has had at OU. Monty. Simmons. Cooks. Gundy. Maybe Riley. And hungry. Those are some pretty darn good recruiters. And Viney/Callens seem to well with recruits as well, though I’m unsure how much contact they are allowed to have going forward.

  • bjwalker82 says:

    What is the hold up!?

  • Soonerfan74063 says:

    This is my first post on TFB and would like to express how much I have enjoyed the site over the last year or so. For the most part, those who post on a regular basis seem genuine and keep it classy and respectful. Sometimes are even funny. I will never claim to have the football smarts as most, but have always been a fan of the sport and a big fan of the Sooners. I am looking forward to becoming a part of the TFB fan club. Even though my daily production suffers a bit checking updates……it has become a great part of my day. Thanks for keeping me informed. Boomer Sooner!

    • BoomerDave says:

      Welcome fellow Sooner!!

    • kt-raida says:

      Welcome !

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      Welcome, this is the best place for Sooner news and friendly banter

    • ToatsMcGoats says:

      You’ll learn a lot from the posters, and the commenters on this site. Welcome to TFB!

    • SamSooner says:

      Welcome!

    • JJSoona says:

      +1,000

      • soonerinks says:

        Welcome, you will find a lot of knowledgeable fans here and some great discussions.

      • Stephen Dale says:

        yes, welcome….us Sooner fans are extremely knowledgeable, and football savvy, and expecially polite to those with whom we disagree !! You won’t be witnessing any cursing, naughty pictures, veiled innuendo, or verbal abuse you might see on sites requiring a monthly fee….you are going to like it here.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      welcome aboard!

    • Lonnie White says:

      Yesterday was my first time posting as well. I just heard about this site about a month ago and have been very impressed with the quality of the information and knowledge that has been divulged. It’s funny how Jordan and company have more insider information than Murdock, Hale, and company. Then you don’t have to pay for the info…..that is a pretty noble idea. I do like the fact that Toby Rowland James Hale and The Sports Talk do get great interviews though. So good on them for that.

    • SoonerCindy says:

      Welcome Soonerfan. We share the same zip code.

      • Soonerfan74063 says:

        Hey SoonerCindy….I somehow just realized in your comment that we share the same zip code….sorry I didn’t acknowledge it at the time. It’s a small town…..We may even be neighbors haha! I hope all is well.

  • Randy says:

    3-4 Secondary guy that is a great recruiter.. Bob Stoops hit a home run here !!

    • F1at1ined says:

      You know your hires are good when you read how disappointed and upset the fanbases are from the team who our new coaches are being signed from. Both Wazzu and ND fans seem to feel both coaches are going to be tough losses, just like Michigan fans thought when we grabbed Monty.

  • Carl Carter says:

    Meant to tell you guys this.. I live in SEC country (Wher her U of A is) and I haveloved the Sooners since I was little and it runs in the family so I decided to attend OU! Big 12!!!

  • soonerinks says:

    Thank God we now have some diversity in our coaching staff.

  • Lane Gilstrap says:

    You know, it kindof makes you look stupid when the media knows who you are hiring, the fan base knows who you’re hiring, the other fan bases know they are leaving and in a press conference you say ” no comment” just sh*t or get off the pot already Bob. Sometimes I hate him being so politically correct.

    • Steve Johns says:

      Doesn’t bother me in the least, I’m sure Bob had his reasons.

      • MoJoOkie says:

        That’s what I’m thinking. If I expend all my upsettedness over something like this, I won’t have any left over for all those other upsetting issues.

      • boomersooner says:

        And no matter when you schedule a press conference, somebody is gonna wanna try to scoop it and someone is gonna wanna leak it. Just the nature of it. Same folks getting mad about this get mad at Bob for not saying what they want him to in press conferences. Send him a letter and tell him what you want and see what he says. If these people ran head first into a wall as many times as they complained…

    • soonerinks says:

      Think he is waiting to wrap it all up in a bow. Could mean Kish is gone and Mike will now take over coaching LB’ers and call defensive plays. Think he wants to do it all in one press conference.

    • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

      He might have been told to say that. Also, a verbal agreement is not a formal employment contract. Thus, the media knowing a verbal agreement may be in place doesn’t mean that a formal employment contract is final.

      Just saying that there might have been some “formalities” that had to take place before OU could say something.

    • BoomerDave says:

      Again….how can he announce something that has not been finalized? If they choose to self announce, so be it. I think, from a legal perspective, the university is doing the right thing here, BTW, the announcement doesn’t come from Bob. It will come from the university when the contracts are signed and the ink is dry. Then, and only then will we have new coaches to introduce. Until then, they are just prospective coaches.

  • DCinAZ says:

    OU needs to get its act together. Two new coaches both pretty much introduced themselves and broke the news of their own hirings instead of OU. That’s pathetic.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    If a player can’t be mentioned until the dotted line is signed, why is it such a big deal to not name the coaches until contracts are final?

    • Lane Gilstrap says:

      Because they mention themselves.

      • Bob Edwards says:

        And they are not breaking any rules, and Bob/OU could be. Employment actions have a lot of rules surrounding them.

    • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

      Because some people need to complain and find something to be unhappy about.

      • Lane Gilstrap says:

        Maybe so, or maybe they just call it like they see it.

        • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

          Right. Call it like you see it, negatively, because you have to complain about something.

          • boomersooner says:

            Haha. Exactly right. Try to justify it however you want. Just a bunch of people spoiled by the world we live in now. “I want info and I want it now”, while stomping their feet

          • Lane Gilstrap says:

            Um we already have the info…kindof the point.

          • boomersooner says:

            Umm apparently not. None of you know why they’re not having the press conference but we get the unique “pleasure” of getting to playact as your bartender while you guys complain about something far outside the scope of your control. Color me honored for this experience

          • Lane Gilstrap says:

            The info is out there everywhere.

          • boomersooner says:

            You are complaining about why there is no press conference or official announcement out of OU. This “info” or answer to why is out of your control

          • Lane Gilstrap says:

            You are confused. Gonna have to move on.

          • SamSooner says:

            “Playact as your bartender” I like that. I’ll have to use that one someday.

          • Lane Gilstrap says:

            See Jordan’s post above.

    • MoJoOkie says:

      It’s not a big deal. Unless you need one really bad, and then it’s a very big deal. It’s all mental attitude. The sky can’t actually fall except with asteroids, meteors, rain, snow; that sort of thing.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Well, I’d say one reason is b/c the former is an NCAA violation while talking about coaches obviously isn’t.

      And they had no issue announcing Lincoln Riley well before the regents approved his contract.

      I think it’s just dumb and really outdated the way OU handles the media, and that is mostly what you’re seeing in the response from those guys, IMO.

      • MoJoOkie says:

        I don’t really understand all the angst. I do suspect there is some reasoning behind not formally making the announcement, or logic says it would be made. Maybe Bob is busy with something else right at the moment. *shrug*

      • Sooner Ray says:

        I’m ok with anyone having their opinion about the situation, I’m just not going to let procedure ruin my day. Right or wrong, good or bad, it’s gonna happen and doesn’t have an effect on me. The coaches obviously had their reasons for going public and the University must have some reason to not stay out in front.

        • Perry Dickey says:

          Watching the Sooners holds a high place in my life. My father and I went downtown and bought our first color television the morning of the Texas/OU game. We watched the game even though the field was purple and the crimson was green and the faces of players were crimson. Color adjustment was a new concept in those days. My point is, I’ve managed to be a foam at the mouth fan for many years, without knowing anything. I probably still will or could.

          • OohRah Mama says:

            I still remember the first time I saw the Crimson on our first color set. Thrilling!

            One correction though, I ask your pardon. It’s the OU/texas game.

            Couldn’t help myself… :/

      • BoomerDave says:

        It’s not a big deal Jordan. I’m sure they wanted to wait until after NSD for he new coaches sake not to interfere with their recruiting for their respective employers. And yesterday was all about the new signees. What is he rush to make these announcements? Heck, neither one of them is even in Norman yet, so I doubt if contracts have ven been signed.

      • oumike23 says:

        It would be nice, but I don’t really care. We know who the coaches are. They wanted yesterday’s press conference to simply be a celebration of the recruits that signed…and not overshadowed by some coaching news. I would assume they would call a press conference today or tomorrow to announce coaching hires…or just simply release some sort of official statement today at the very least.

      • Lane Gilstrap says:

        Thanks for having our back.

      • SoonerCindy says:

        Considering the way our local media acts towards Stoops and the way they report on OU I would think it is obvious why he doesnt cater to them.
        With Stoops there is always a resonable reason for what he does. I am a huge fan for OU but I dont feel that I have to know everything that is behind closed doors. When they are ready they will report it. No big deal.

      • Jed says:

        How should they be handling the media? And what is outdated? Straight up questions, no snark.
        I’m just not sure the advent of 24 hour news cycles and Twitter have really changed much.
        But then my favorite book on the subject is Goebbels’ ‘Propaganda’.

    • Jeremy Phillips says:

      I don’t think it matters.. Everyone knows the names.. I’m sure there are some formalities needing to be met.. & when they are, OU will have a press release full of quotes for everybody to dissect…

    • soonerthunder says:

      yes, and it would be stupid for OU to name guys w/o it going through the legal process. OU has reasons, but some fans won’t ever like OU n/letting us in on their darkest secrets. we think they should put a mic on every meeting they have.

  • Randy White says:

    Suggest we just relax and let it play out. We know who the two new coaches are and when all the I’s are dotted and T’s crossed we’ll get a formal introduction. Good hires that should bring in a new level of enthusiasm to the program.

    • Steve Johns says:

      Yep. No reason to sweat the small stuff.

    • soonerthunder says:

      don’t you realize we don’t ever let things play out? we evil surmise a hypotheical situation, become judge and jury, even if it turns out to never happen later.

  • SamSooner says:

    Maybe they are required to notify the candidates not selected prior to making an announcement.

  • RBear says:

    My guess is that they want to make ONE announcement that names the new hire(s) and the details of the hires, salaries and contract lengths etc. instead of making multiple announcements.

  • JJSoona says:

    Jordan, from you’re perspective and from a common sense point of view, I completely understand your frustration. It seems counterproductive to not utilize the media to promote your progress/changes.

    Maybe there’s just stuff going on that doesn’t allow a university announcement. Personally, I have no clue what that would be but there has to be something. I’ve never known Bob to be shy about announcing progress or improvements.

  • Jesse Wall says:

    I know this is probably a shot in the dark at this point, but do you believe bob is still deciding about what to do with kish As it relates to firing and replacing him….. and just wants to make sure all things are announced at the same time?

  • Soonerboyz says:

    Celebrate the recruits…Ya..ok..but Stoops better be celebrating these new hires because the way I see it..this might be his last chance for him to turn this program around and it takes coach/recruiters that can relate to these kids who were just out of diapers in his magical NC year 2000.

    • SamSooner says:

      Why is it that we all get upset with Stoops when he talks about the Sugar Bowl win over Alabama? Yet, we constantly bring up the fact that OU hasn’t won a National Championship since 2000.

      Seems to be a double standard. If we want him to let it go, maybe some of us should let things go.

    • SoonerCindy says:

      Coach Stoops is a great coach. Bashing a coach that has brought more wins than any other coach at OU is unbelievable. One bad season and so many fair weather fans are ready to call for his head. OU has been very lucky to have him as our coach.

    • boomersooner says:

      Thanks for your input castor

    • soonerinks says:

      Castorboy, Blood Red is that you?

  • Exiled In Ohio says:

    Oracle has it right: it’s the LAWYERS. BS would love to announce the new hires, but isn’t allowed to. If you saw his press conference, he was very terse when asked about the hires and just said “no comment.” Seemed obvious to me he wasn’t allowed to say more.

    I believe a few lawyer jokes might be appropriate about now.

    • Jed says:

      Not sure how it could be construed into a legal issue. How about something more on the order of simple courtesy. It’s a delicate thing to ask to speak with someone’s employee about hiring him away. And yet it happens all the time and the coaches all know that they’ll live through it and, mostly, cooperate with each other in the future. So quite possibly Bob might have promised to let the coach in question…or his soon to be former boss break the news instead of making it look like they got punked.

      • Bob Edwards says:

        You have given another reasonable explanation of what occurred. And that is the point some of us are trying to make. There are a number of good reasons why things could be done the way they are. But some are using this as just another excuse to attack Stoops and the OU administration.

        People’s reaction to it shows more about the people commenting than it does about the actual situation. If we knew everything that Stoops knew and when he knew it, we would probably agree that what he has done is at least reasonable even if we would have done it differently ourselves. But since we don’t we have to speculate. Some speculate that he is an idiot despite all the other evidence to the contrary. You don’t get to where he is by being an idiot, the same is true of Castiglione and Boren.

        Some of us, however, choose to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that they have a decent reason. There is no particular reason to cover this up, so there is probably something we don’t understand that is keeping them from making the announcement on our time table.

        The fact that we don’t like something doesn’t make it wrong.

  • Bob Edwards says:

    Let’s see Bob and the coach agree to wait until after signing day to announce. Coach jumps the gun. Bob is a bad person/stupid etc. Got it. Makes sense to me.

  • Steve Johns says:

    Damn it took less than 24 hrs for all of the positivity of yesterday to wear off. I’m still on a high from the new players we got.

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Jordan, whats with the OState fan trolling you guys on twitter? Just being a douche?

  • JJSoona says:

    So help me out here. “Stars” by a players name mean???
    Just asking since not one 5 star player was in the last SB.
    How many 5 star recruits have won the Heisman?

    • Borba22 says:

      Well, when competing for SB’s stars don’t matter. But when competing for National Championships, you could argue they do. The last 3 National Champions all had classes ranked in the top 1-4 several years in a row.

    • Steve Johns says:

      I can’t remember when the * rating thing replaced blue chip but there’s probably a few.

    • kt-raida says:

      At the point you make it to the NFL everyone is talented, stars are used to evaluate 16-18year olds potential at the collegiate level only.

    • Clint Lenard says:

      Check how many first rounders were 5 stars. That’s where it matters. Many 5 stars become first round picks.

      • Tulsa Terry says:

        Some 5* players are more concerned with their NFL status and coast through cfb to avoid injury. I’d rather have a 3* player fighting for recognition on my cfb team.

    • Eric Hoffpauir says:

      The odds of someone being drafted are a lot higher if they are a 5 or 4 star athlete coming out of high school. There are still a lot more 2 and 3 star athletes drafted than 5 star athletes that are drafted, but there are tons more 2 and 3 stars out there playing college ball.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      If you look at the statistics, a higher percentage of 5* make it into the league than 4* and 4* than 3* etc. But there are a whole lot more 2* than 5* so a smaller percentage of a larger number can mean you end up with the same number. Recruiting a 5* over a 2* is more likely to produce a better player, its just not guaranteed. Just because the information is not perfect does not mean it is not useful.

      • Eric Hoffpauir says:

        Ha! You typed the same explanation as me (or close to it) at the same time, just a whole lot clearer than I managed.

      • boomersooner says:

        Yeah. Even this is a wide ranging argument. You got guys that are 5* that have peaked in h.s. and 2* that, if given the shot, don’t peak til they’re on their 2nd or 3rd coach in the NFL. All the way to guys like Brady who are stuck behind another good player and don’t get to let “gator” out. Sometimes fun stuff to speculate on if done in moderation(apparently for some 🙂 ). Good post

        • Bob Edwards says:

          You have a good point. Some times a 4* is a 3* talent with 5* coaching and sometimes a 4* is a 5* talent with 3* coaching. The first is not really going anywhere after high school the second could be all pro if he gets the right coaching.

          • boomersooner says:

            yeah. sometimes its as simple is that guys ceiling is being awesome in h.s. and sometimes it just takes the right coach to get the talent that’s hiding in there out of the other, lesser known guy. its just really difficult as a scout or recruiting site or whatever to get it right. its impossible actually. because you could say this guy is awesome in h.s. and say he is the number 1 recruit and he happens to be a LT from mobile and goes to bama and then you have an ath from fargo who is a 2* and he goes to minn and he goes on to have a much better career. very hard to get right and draft picks and stuff is just based on need. so LT is probly gonna be a high pick just based on who he is, where he went and what position he plays

          • Bob Edwards says:

            Another thing that happens is that in small high schools they often put their best player at QB or RB. Many years ago when I was in HS there was a 1A school that had a 6’6″ 260 running back. He would play lineman in college but they had him at running back. They basically handed him the ball and let him carry four or five guys for five yards. So if you are a recruiting guru, how to you rate him. You haven’t seen him play line, but he’s probably not even on the charts as a RB.

          • boomersooner says:

            wow. haha. that’s a good one. i just wouldn’t want to be the guy graded on trying to put different positions in a big ‘ol list and order em. just flip a coin i suppose. or call your weatherman and ask him to do it

          • soonerthunder says:

            I don’t see a whole lot of difference, if any and only then rarely, between a 4* and 5*. Also, I don’t see a lot of difference between many 3* and 4/5*. When I look at OU, it seems to me that OU’s 3* are really good usually. Look at whose playing now as 3* and playing well. Bester was a good player for us, w/only 2 yrs, but 3*. As are Striker, Sanchez, etc. I think Charles Walker will be a good one, Romar, Evans and Alexander have played young and extensively, Savage was a beast. I think Dalton Woods would have more stars if he’d been recruited by everybody and was from TX. Stephens, etc. would probably have rec’d more stars too, if circumstances were different. Frison/Brown were 3* w/some services, but I hear great things about them. The coaches like 3* Jordan Thomas, Flowers, Orso, Kasitati, etc, etc. McNamara was 4* and never worked out. We can name as many 4/5* who never worked out as we can 3* probably (B. Williams, Metoyer, etc). I think the key is evaluation. KSU does a pretty good job, as do OU coaches. If OU likes them, and they are 3*, I imagine they are pretty good.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            A lot of time there is very little difference physically. Bradford was a 3* in some ratings but was obviously a 5* based on his college performance. My understanding is that he played on a really bad team in high school, so he didn’t have great coaching and didn’t get noticed because his team didn’t go anywhere.

        • John Garner says:

          J. J. Watt was a 2-star.

          • boomersooner says:

            yeah i saw you said that up above. he’s one of my favorites right now. love watching guys with a strong strong work ethic get rewarded. very happy for him

      • JJSoona says:

        THANK you! What an excellent breakdown!

      • boomersooner says:

        thanks. wow. only 123 drafted? at all? am i reading that correctly?

      • thebigdroot says:

        That is interesting. Thanks. What I found interesting was the last 2 five stars we had are no longer at OU and 1 is no longer playing FB. Williams looked very promising when at OU but hasn’t done much at aTm.

      • John Garner says:

        FWIW, just read where J. J. Watt was a Rival 2-star coming out of HS who originally played at Central Mich before walking on at Wisconsin. Now he’s the $100 million dollar man. Recruiting sites and their experts are a joke.

        • Billy says:

          I believe he was also recruited as a TE though…

        • albsooner says:

          Not too big of a joke. Almost 50% of 5 stars end up getting drafted. That’s a damn good forecast/prognostication ability.

          Once you get to 3 stars, there are so many, with such little data, it is very difficult to forecast with any level of accuracy.

          • boomersooner says:

            That’s a good point. And Billy and Bob Edwards touched on some guys not even playing the position they will end up playing. Its a job I wouldn’t want. Trying to scour the country and tell people where they are lined up and whatnot. However you’d get free travel and get to watch sports for free and you only have to get close to 50% to be pretty good at your job

          • John Garner says:

            OK. My bad. Just don’t trust guys whose jobs aren’t on the line if they miss.

        • OkieRandolph says:

          A few points about 5* kids vs: 2 or 3* kids. It is true that no 5* kids started in the SB last sunday. But each year each service lists 50, 5* kids. Just 50! And there are over 600 3* kids. So the odds are way different. There is a reason that Alabama is in the top 4 teams every year in the rankings and it’s no coincidence that they usually are at the top with 5* players year after year too. Yep, I’ll take as many 5* kids each year as OU can possibly get.

  • SoonerFan11 says:

    Give it time fellas. Its coming. Im sure they have some weird rules Why they havent announced it.

  • AmaGoh7 says:

    Even though Cooks has said as much, maybe OU’s media is gunshy after posting Wariboko’s bio as a signee before the ink had dried…on his NLI to UCLA.

  • Jeremy Phillips says:

    TFB family, this one will hurt, im sure…

    @FootballScoop: At Colorado, sources tell FootballScoop that Jim Leavitt will be the new defensive coordinator http://footballscoop.com/news/jim-leavitt-will-colorados-defensive-coordinator/

    • Jordan Esco says:

      yup, K is gonna be angry about this one

    • Easton says:

      Colorado may be a worthwhile team to watch now. I’ll look forward to seeing the bufs take the field against the Pac-12 now.

    • Zack says:

      Without firing mike I don’t think this hire would have been possible. He took a dc job, he wasn’t going to just be a position coach when other schools would offer him the dc job

  • EasTex says:

    I may just have to cruise over to Arlington Saturday to see this game, since it will be in the 70’s.
    http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2353827-international-bowl-2015-rosters-start-time-tv-schedule-and-more

  • Chris White says:

    Opinions? He’s my lock for the Oklahoma kids Spotlight

    http://m.hudl.com/athlete/1599146/luther-harris

    • EasTex says:

      Can’t get the video to play, yet it has views.(?)
      That certainly is one big rascal, hope he can move good.

      • Chris White says:

        Try to just Google Luther Harris on hudl

        • EasTex says:

          Like above, get the same page and when I click to play nothing happens.
          I notice a login button at the top. Not a member so that may be the glitch.

          • boomersooner says:

            did you hit play in the bottom left hand corner of the screen? after you hit the button to get it to come up, i had to hit play in the bottom left and it showed an ad then worked

            so click his link, then click the play symbol on “junior season highlights” or whatever it says and then click play in bottom left after it brings up what you wanna see(if you did all this, disregard)

          • EasTex says:

            I click play and all I get is a black screen.
            No biggie.

          • boomersooner says:

            call your congressman 🙂

          • EasTex says:

            I’ll wait.
            /patience

    • oumike23 says:

      Easy when you are 350lb to look strong while throwing 150-180lb kids to the side. He looks slow and awkward against the speed rush. I think he would benefit from losing some of that weight.

      • BigJoeBrown says:

        When you are 6’6 360lbs, it’s probably easy to throw everybody around.

        • oumike23 says:

          I think he would benefit greatly by getting down in the 300-315 range. His lateral quickness to prevent the speed rush outside needs some help. I’m not an expert…just my amateur eye.

          • Chris White says:

            He’s definitely working. The coaches have him eating and working out and he’s actually lost some lbs and added muscle but I agree, if he gets around 320 he’s solid. Orlando Brown was overweight and worked on it and now he has a chance to start

          • BigJoeBrown says:

            A great strength and conditioning program can work wonders.

    • Easton says:

      Repping the Chargers. I see ya. Could he spell redemption from the Wariboko fiasco semi-scandal?

  • Kevin Osborn says:

    Can’t help but think that they are waiting to make some other move and announce them all together.

  • Doobie74OU says:

    Well let’s talk a little about 2016 recruiting if that is OK!!! Looks like we finish this class with 84 scholarship athletes so carrying 1 forward. Got about 12 graduating next year and after this recruiting class I could see a couple transfers at CB, WR, and maybe a QB after the year ends. In my mind we will have about 15 to 18 openings so what positions do we need or would we like to take? Obviously 1 at QB & RB, and then maybe 2 WRs, 2-3 at OL & DL, 4 LBs, 3-4 DBs, maybe a kicker. What do you guys think? and who are you looking at already? I know we are hearing good things about 2 LBs and Monty is in on a couple DL already and we have 1 OL already committed!

    • CW says:

      Its a small class does that make it harder to fill or easier. Get my point?

      • Maverick says:

        I would think it would make the coaches a little stingier on the offers.

        • Doobie74OU says:

          That is what I thought but according to 247 Sports OU already has made 67 2016 Offers

          • Maverick says:

            Hmmm, sounds like a lot, but what does that look like compared to past years?

            The way recruiting works now days, I think you have to pepper a ton of offers out there and see what sticks.

          • Doobie74OU says:

            Yeah a few of those are already committed elsewhere and a few are 5 stars that haven’t expressed a high interest in OU at this point! As far as comparing we ended 2015 offering a total of 169 kids, 2014 was 188, and 2013 was 184 total!

          • Maverick says:

            Holy schnikes! I had no idea. That’s a lot.

          • Doobie74OU says:

            Bit Shocked Myself! I thought we were just throwing out offers left & right last year with Monty criss-crossing the country and it turned out almost 20 less than the year before!

      • Doobie74OU says:

        Yeah! The convenient answer is BOTH! LOL! Easier to fill a smaller total in general, Harder to make sure it is the RIGHT GUYS!

    • BoomerDave says:

      Trust me, there will be more attrition than that, thus more ship than that to give, I will be shocked if we don’t have at least 23-25 ships to give when Feb. 2016 rolls around.

      • Maverick says:

        Could have a couple leave for the NFL early.

      • Doobie74OU says:

        Like Maverick says maybe a couple enter the draft but your talking about 12 to 13 players leaving the program. WOW! Not saying it isn’t possible at all but it would definitely be a big number! Changing offensive systems though could result in a higher number than I was thinking!

        • BoomerDave says:

          I’ve just seen it too many times in the past. Guys get recruited over; guys see the handwriting on the wall in regards to no playing time; guys get gently nudged out the door, etc. and I agree with you that the most likely positions for attrition are CB and WR.

    • Fear The Magic says:

      Only 15 – 18 openings? Geez Monty can get that many to commit in one good week.

    • thebigdroot says:

      Kicker? Why would we take a kicker?

      • Doobie74OU says:

        Well I should have specified that as Kicker/Punter because I’m assuming Seibert is going to be our place kicker and after next year I think he will 1 of only 2 scholarship kickers on the team so probably will add another guy especially if they find a great punter!

    • Ed Cotter says:

      Gonna be interesting to see what kind of turnout OU gets at their Jr. Days. May get some guys to commit early with a limited number of schollys available.

  • red clay says:

    !! – we only need about 24 comments to break 2000 comments on the NSD thread, come on TFB readers, we can do it !!

  • Maverick says:

    Cooks’ new twitter avi looks like something my great aunt would post on facebook. Someone send that man a decent graphic.

    • Jeremy Phillips says:

      got @Boomer145 to hook the man up.. It’s nice now…

      @CoachKerryCooks: @Boomer145 @dubyac30 thanks 4 the hookup

      • Maverick says:

        A lot less cringe-worthy. Thank you! Hope the university can give him a legit one. Boomer145 means well and all but some of that stuff looks pretty rough.

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Just seen the SI Swimsuit issue cover…Yowza!!!!

  • JJSoona says:

    I look for OU to take 21 next year with attrition. The simple answer to much of this is to have a very good year this coming season and we can look to be a lil more demanding in who we take. This coming year’s success is crucial in so many ways. I can’t help but think that this team has a ton of talent that can be managed and “coached up” to higher levels. This new coaching staff has the opportunity to have OU in the top 10 by Jan. of 16.

    Thoughts?

    • EasTex says:

      Why only 21?
      Tennessee signed 35 last year and 29 this year. We should be able to sign 75% of our 85 limit in two seasons, also, without raising an eyebrow.

      • JJSoona says:

        My only thought was maybeeeee with the new staff, guys are gonna work harder and try to find a niche. Just a gut feeling I think but 24-29 is good!

        • EasTex says:

          I know you were being logical and all, but how do the Vols get away with this and will they continue to do so?

          • thebigdroot says:

            Question, do/did they all make it to campus or where they “gray shirted”? Claiming ignorance on this.

          • EasTex says:

            Rivals shows both those classes as “signed.”

          • JJSoona says:

            Really? So how many do they have on scholly?

          • Maverick says:

            You can only have 85 at any given time, and 25 per class. SEC are masters at running guys off, grey-shirting, using medical RS, every slimy way possible to get as many numbers as they can. So some count in previous years, some next year, they just manipulate things constantly.

            It’s not a bad strategy if it wasn’t so sleazy.

          • EasTex says:

            Don’t know and don’t know where to look.

          • j l says:

            Early enrollment. They early enrolled 10 guys last class and this class.

            They did indeed grayshirt a few kids as well

          • EasTex says:

            But grey shirts aren’t “signees.”

          • j l says:

            I think they are still counted as part of the class though, just not against the scholarship limit.

            Take Jordan wade for example. He gray shirted, but was still counted in the class he was recruitied in, not the next class when he actually joined the team

      • John Garner says:

        How can they sign 35 and 29? 25 per year right?

        • Sooner 76 says:

          Early enrollees can count against the previous year’s class if that class was under the 25 max. Then they try to talk people into waiting until the following January, called gray shirting. These practices eventually catch up with the team, but basically just go with the 85 limit.

        • EasTex says:

          That’s what I want to know.

  • JJSoona says:

    For Sooner Fans everywhere.

  • boomersooner says:

    saw this on the worldwide doucher. interesting way to ask for 400 mil to upgrade your stadium
    http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12284494/miami-dolphins-build-living-room-suites-sun-life-stadium

  • Patvan says:

    Did the qb out of New Mexico get a scholarship any were.

  • Super Keith says:

    The lack of an announcement has to do with protocol on OU’s end. Just like hiring practices at any big company, I’m sure they have to have everything in order before announcing it publicly. Personally, I could care less when they announce, it’s obvious that the two new guys are on their way.

    • SoonerOracle737 says:

      This from the Oklahoman:

      Berry Tramel
      11:01 AM
      Part of it is Stoops not wanting to admit what everyone knows, but Pat Jones pointed out that it’s probably tied in with federal hiring practices, in how long a job is supposed to be posted and open. I’m sure that has something to do with it.

  • bmrsnr says:

    Maybe they have one more guy to fire and hire.

  • Steve Johns says:

    @Joe_Buettner
    5m5 minutes ago

    Per OU spokesman Pete Moris, neither Dennis Simmons nor Kerry Cooks have signed a contract with OU http://www.oudaily.com/sports/report-oklahoma-to-hire-new-receivers-and-secondary-coach/article_6ed7c8c8-acbd-11e4-97cc-33eadf151cc1.html … @OUDailySports

  • Stephen says:

    So…just to spark some speculation, do you think we see some sort of DNA uniform this summer? Because marketing is everything.

    • Zack says:

      Probably not. I wonder if they will do the bring the wood alternates next year. I can’t imagine they will at home

      • Stephen says:

        If they do wear the Bring the Wood, I’d imagine it would be all whites at home against a big-time opponent.

        • Maverick says:

          Those ones vs WVU really grew on me by the end of the game. Wasn’t a fan of the home ones as much.

          • Stephen says:

            I really like the white jerseys, and I say they’d go all-white at home because that’s what the recruits have been wearing during their visits.

        • Zack says:

          Tcu would be my guess and then maybe again vs ksu

        • Easton says:

          I think the home run is our traditional uniforms with the new helmets.

        • Daddy R says:

          Yea, I definitely think they’ll wear them. Its what the recruits seem to choose almost every time. I dont think these were one year and done like our old alternate uni’s. I think these are here to stay, and I’m glad cuz I think they’re badass. Would love to see the all white!

    • Zack says:

      37 offers? Don’t count on this one

      • Stephen says:

        Well with Lincoln Riley and an OU logo on his chest, the mindset is we can get anyone.

      • Dlee914 says:

        Yeah, 5 star kid that everybody wants. Why would we even bother with that? 2 Heisman winners and a runner up at his position, new OC running a QB friendly offense, we need to be focusing on 3 star kids with offers from N Texas State lol.

        • Zack says:

          If this is a kid that riley had contacted in his ecu days and “a OU fan” that’s fine but I think it’s very tough to land guys when you were the 40th person to find them.

          • Dlee914 says:

            How late were we on the Dahu offer? Signing day is a year away, anything can happen between now and then.

          • Zack says:

            Dahu lived 10 minutes away not 1000 miles

          • Dlee914 says:

            We were still the last team to offer. Not saying we will get him but hes the kind of guy we need to be going after. If being 1st matter then the other 36 teams should just give up as well.

          • Zack says:

            But just so no ones confused I hope we land a kid with this kind of talent

  • JJSoona says:

    So how does recruiting work if a player doesn’t decide by NSD? I’m sure there are legit reasons for postponing but is there a deadline?

    • Bob Edwards says:

      You can’t sign before but you can sign anytime after as long as the school has a scholly.

    • Zack says:

      I’m sure there’s a deadline in June-August somewhere but technically no one has to sign on nsd it’s just when most kids do

      We got horky late after nsd last year. Like March or early April

      • BoomerDave says:

        Actually, think that is a deadline, as i recall but I don’t believe there is a requirement that you sign a LOI. There have been instances where athletes merely enroll at a university in the fall.

    • Jeremy Phillips says:

      There is a date.. But you can even go past that if you want.. All the way to enrollment time as long as a scholly is available.. Few years ago Terrell Pryor didn’t sign for a couple weeks after NSD…

  • RBear says:

    Since there was no Open Post today, I’ll put this here- If you’ve heard an interview with Riley since he’s joined the Sooners, what impression did he leave you with?

    I think the guy has it. He knows what he wants to do and how to go about accomplishing it- now that he has the resources. I think he’s a kid in a candy store and will be the home run hire we’d all hoped for.

    • ToatsMcGoats says:

      Agreed. I think the guy knows his stuff. I’m not one of the ones that believe he’s going to ignore Perine or any of the other backs. I think he knows what he has and I believe he’s going to utilize it. I’m not worried about our offense putting up points with this guy calling plays and with our personnel. I just hope our defense can actually show up next season.

      • Zack says:

        I think perine and the other backs (most likely mixon) will end up being his best weapon this year and he knows it. Should be easy to sling the ball around when you got a bull in the backfield. Sucks that heupel couldn’t figure it out but I think riley will

        • RBear says:

          Speaking of Heupel, this was another thing I noticed in listening to Riley speak; it didn’t make me cringe. I’m not going to bash JH here but there is a marked difference in the confident tone of Riley’s voice vs Josh’s. JH seemed to have a sulking sort of aura about him that didn’t ever sell me on what he was saying.

          I think this is already evidenced by the amount of success Riley’s had with some of the recruits he’s landed- more to come I’m sure and I’m pretty excited about OUr future.

          • Zack says:

            I think the best thing for heupel was being able to leave and still land somewhere. I think he can be a good coordinator I just don’t think this was the right place for him. A place where no OC is good enough, and he’s the one who got the job because he’s stoops “golden boy”

    • Doobie74OU says:

      I will try not to get to high or low till I actually see them play on the field but the most important thing I noticed is HE HAS A PLAN! AND HE ALSO HAS A PLAN ON HOW TO EXECUTE HIS PLAN and even who he needs to execute that plan. I like that he isn’t rigid in the amount of time he wants to throw or run the ball. He seems to really want to take what the defense gives him. I am excited!

    • Kevin says:

      I like the idea of game plans that are based on exploiting the weaknesses of the other team, rather than cobbling together non-sequitur plays in the hopes of catching the defense “by surprise” (the 2013 Texas game still stings with the whole “don’t run the ball even though Texas couldn’t stop the QB run” thing).

    • Stephen says:

      Great question. I’ve only heard the interview once but it seemed like he has a lot of respect for those two letiers on his chest and is itching to create this offense. Sounds like he has a lot of fight in him.

      • EasTex says:

        If you can find it, his interview with the Soonersports guys on Wednesday was excellent.
        He is serious minded, yet has a good sense of humor.
        One thing he said is there is no ego involved with his offense, it doesn’t matter if they throw 70x or run 70x, whatever works-moves the ball and scores points is what they will do.
        IMO, I have always loved that type of offense, unpredictable. Puts the defense on edge from the gitgo. Having been a lineman years ago, the only thing I found more satisfying than just overwhelming an opponent physically, was what we called “skull-f*****g” them.

    • boomersooner says:

      i don’t know what it is that makes me say this, but he reminds me of a non douche urban meyer. i think he’s got a tremendous head on his shoulders and seems to know what he wants to do. i am really excited to see where he wants to go with the offense and how he wants to plug whom into what spots and get the most out of each guys unique skill sets. really pumped to get this thing going

  • ToatsMcGoats says:

    Anyone else know about this? Did I just miss it?

    Just want to thank @DemetricDWarren for having me on his radio show. Thoroughly enjoyed it, my man knows his stuff!— Jordan Esco (@Jordan_Esco) February 6, 2015

  • ToatsMcGoats says:

    href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sooners?src=hash”>#Sooners RT @RivalsFriedman: #Oklahoma has offered 2016 #Rivals100 Dwayne Haskins @dh_simba7 @JLMcCuistion http://t.co/nJMKIgYBX2— Josh McCuistion (@JLMcCuistion) February 6, 2015

    <

  • Dustin says:

    When did Keaton Torre move to Utah?

  • ToatsMcGoats says:

    Dwayne Haskins highlight film:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W29pdbyGgHU

    • Zack says:

      Reminds me of Bradford at least his throwing motion does. I like that he’s comfortable rolling to his left and throwing

      • Hotrod33 says:

        You are right, He does look kinda like Bradford throwing. Subtle differences but they are there. He also has some nice wr’s to throw to also. They have some speed to them.

    • Steve Johns says:

      Short quick release with accuracy, I’m sold.

  • Daddy R says:

    Does anyone know when the 4 year GUARANTEED scholarships kick in? I know that was just passed a little while back, but I am unsure when it takes effect…

    • Zack says:

      Well it’s not for everyone. So far the only big name I’ve heard was usc was going to do it. I would think the 4 year guarantee has quite a few restrictions though. There’s probably going to be a million loop holes for the university to get out of it. I wish there was a report out there that showed how often a coach took away scholarship and the reasons why.
      The only thing I would want to see out of the guaranteed deal is that if you become an injury prone guy and retire from football that you receive the scholarship but for it to no longer count against the 85 like insurance or something. It seems like that happens to at least one guy from each OU class

  • Shawn Cummings says:

    Wow, this catch by Dahu Green is crazy. Forgive me if this is old news.
    http://youtu.be/hZf99bSW1HQ

  • EasTex says:

    Funny story. A old friend of mine is a MissSt grad and devoted Bulldog.
    I sent him an email about NSD Tuesday night and he answered me last night.
    MissSt finished just behind OU at #16, the first time MSU has had a top 20 ranked recruiting in…maybe ever. He said to me…”So, this is what NSD is supposed to feel like.”
    My thought was…yessir, had almost forgot what it was like not to have a top 20 class.

  • Chris White says:

    I know one thing for sure..Lincoln Riley is getting an upgrade in O-line development from Bedenbaugh. My goodness, I was watching ECU offensive plays and their Line was atrocious.

    • EasTex says:

      Riley may develop a deep love affair with the power rushing game.

      • Hotrod33 says:

        Eas, want to get your thoughts on some things. How do you think the offense will look like that we have really good rb’s. We all know Riley’s offense. Do you think he has a few things up his sleeve?

        • Chris White says:

          The video I watched, his QB was getting beat up and he switched to running, swing pass and screens to get some rhythm. He had double Tight end sets, two running back shotgun sets, toss sweeps, very impressive.

          • EasTex says:

            I watched that video and I noticed he made changes in the course of the game. The way the video was presented if you didn’t know before watching it that ECU won, you wouldn’t think they did while watching it.

          • Chris White says:

            That’s a sign of adjustments but also game management

          • EasTex says:

            Further proof that when Riley said his offense has no “ego” in how they move the ball and score he was telling the truth.

          • Hotrod33 says:

            That was the one thing missing the last few years is the element of what we did. You could tell almost immediately that we would run the same stuff over each and every game. I will have to watch some of those highlights so I get a feel on how he manages a game. This will be one of the most anticipating seasons in quite awhile.

        • EasTex says:

          Not one for speculation, but one thing I am certain of is this…we have no idea what he will do to each opponent and I like that.

    • ToatsMcGoats says:

      I watched some ECU highlights, but I was only watching the play calling and QB play…guess I never paid attention to the OL play…good observation.

      • Chris White says:

        I was doing the same but the video I watched was every offensive play run against V-tech. They had about 6 sacks in that game which is kinda hard to do when you get rid of the ball so quick, granted they don’t have as good of talent on the line, but it was like watching the Lions line back when Barry Sanders was their RB.

    • EasTex says:

      Was thinking about your cuz, Lee, today and also Aaron Sims after seeing his tweet about “officially” becoming a preferred walk on. Thought it odd he would make it “official” so I thought I had better inform myself about what a preferred walk on is.
      Read a number of different articles and thought you might like this.
      http://www.athleticscholarships.net/2014/02/05/the-meaning-of-a-preferred-walk-on.htm

      • Chris White says:

        That’s great, I’m glad you posted that because I honestly didn’t know there was a difference. Glad he can say he’s a Sooner and I know he and his parents are excited!

        Also Aaron Sims is going to be scary back there with Alex Ross on Kick off…!!!

        • EasTex says:

          The first time I see Sims run onto the field during a game, whenever that will be, I will watch standing in front of my big screen. LOL.
          Kick returns will be exciting and I could see him line up in a bunch set behind/between two tall WRs and get lost in the shuffle while using his 4.nuthin’ to get down field.

  • EasTex says:

    Some ‘good night’ music, OU football fans, I believe a change is gonna come.