Open Post | Thursday, June 19th (UPDATE 8:15 pm)

Image of Madison Akamnonu via 247 Sports

– A little over a week ago we offered a pretty extensive update on star LB Ricky DeBerry out of VA. For those who missed it you can see it here.

Last night he tweeted out the following:

– As we all know, the game is won and lost in the trenches. And with the additions of Jerry Montgomery and Bill Bedenbaugh, OU has already had some great development up front on both sides of the ball. After this season however, Oklahoma is going to be losing a number of offensive linemen. So recruiting for that position group this year is critical, as it is in most years.

I know some folks may be concerned at the moment but the more we talk to recruits, the more I’m convinced that Bedenbaugh has OU is in a great spot right now. I believe not only is OU going to pull in some great recruits, but I think they are also going to have to say no to some kids that, in another year, would be an offer and take player.

As we’ve mentioned before, it’s our belief that OU wants around 5-6 offensive linemen in this 2015 class. Currently, Oklahoma has two commits. Operating under the assumption OU would like to add a  JUCO OL (Jamal Danley is visiting at the end of this month), that would make three. OU is also sitting in a good spot Lawton’s Jalin Barnett, which would obviously make four. Thus leaving potentially only 1-2 more available spots open, and there a number of very talented OL that Bedenbaugh continues to stay in touch with that could play at OU. Including guys like Tyler Moore, Tyler Higby and others.

– Another 2015 OL that many OU fans are, and should be, interested in is athletic OT Madison Akamnonu out of Bowie HS (Arlington, TX). Bowie has been a bit of TCU stronghold as of late – TCU’s current DB coach is a former Arlington Bowie coach and Bowie currently has two players already committed to the Frogs. But we caught up with Madison yesterday, and it would seem as though Oklahoma is in great shape at the moment. Madison has a tie to Oklahoma through his father, who graduated from OU, and has also already made it up to Norman for a visit. At the time he didn’t have an offer, but sad he enjoyed his visit.

Among the other schools he said are the primary contenders in his recruitment are Texas, Texas Tech, and Missouri. He has yet to visit Missouri, but said he’d like to make a trip up there this summer with his family (mid-July). He isn’t certain about a commitment date yet, but a spoke glowingly of OU, Coach Bedenbaugh, and how the latter’s no pressure recruiting method has been huge for him. In fact, he mentioned that one of the schools he is seriously considering took a big step back when they attempted to pressure him into a commitment.

We had a chance to spend quite a while speaking to Madison and in getting to know him, it’s clear he has a great head on his shoulders. Really has a great maturity about him, and OU would clearly be getting a very athletic OT. We’ll have more on Madison in a write-up later, but just wanted to let y’all know that Madison is another talented OLineman that OU seems to be sitting in a very good spot with.

– Another interesting note on an offensive lineman comes from OT Garrett Thomas out of Many, Louisiana. Earlier this week we mentioned that Thomas told us he wanted to make it back to OU for another visit “as soon as possible.” After speaking with him again recently, he mentioned that a decision could come almost immediately after the visit. Which could mean that he’s just looking to reaffirm an already held strong, positive impression about OU. We’re not making any predictions, but it’s just another example of an offensive linemen OU seems to be in a good spot for and why you can trust in Coach B.

UPDATE (12:42 pm): Today’s announcement from 2015 five star WR DaMarkus Lodge committing to Texas A&M comes as very little surprise if you’ve paid any attention to his recruitment. Only mentioning because he did hold an offer from OU.

– UPDATE (3:45 pm): Oklahoma continues to mine the state of Louisiana for talent and today offered 2015 DL Tyrell Jacobs (Metairie, LA).

– UPDATE (4:02 pm): I’m sure K can add more tomorrow or in the coming days, but just wanted to let you all know that Dahu Green has reportedly committed to Louisville. Don’t believe it comes as a huge surprise, but being an OK Preps kid and someone TFB has talked about a lot figured it would be of interest.

– UPDATE (4:22 pm): As we noted above Oklahoma has offered Rummel HS DL, Tyrell Jacobs. Jacobs is a kid we’ve been watching and really like. More thoughts on him later but we’re excited about this offer and we can tell you he is as well. He was waiting on this one. He texted us about the offer just a little bit ago and we just got off the phone with him and he’s pumped and ready to take a visit to Norman this summer.

UPDATE (8:15 pm): Good news Sooner fans! Stud DL, Tyrell Jacobs has already set up a visit date with Oklahoma. He and his parents will be making their way up to Norman on July 23rd!

97 Comments

  • Eric Hoffpauir says:

    So can we answer Deberry’s question? Especially any players who actually came to OU and went on to have great college careers?

  • Zack says:

    Thanks for the updates it seems like bedenbaugh will have a big year. Is it possible the number of linemen gets to 7 with Curtis and browns future up in the air? If so this class could be special. Any chance a&m is the school Madison was talking about?

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Well that alleviates some of my concerns regarding OL commitments for this year. Thanks. Coach B is certainly putting in work.

  • Jim says:

    Holy crap! When I saw the pic at the top, I thought: 1. That “kid” looks like he’s in his mid-20’s, and 2. I thought it was a thick LB or S based on the sculpted muscle in his traps, shoulders, and chest. You’re telling me that kid is an OT?!?!?!

    • Zack says:

      I was thinking the exact same thing.

    • JY says:

      Yeah, he’s a good one. Writeup is done, we’ll get it up soon.

    • ToatsMcGoats says:

      I’m with ya! First I thought ” that dude has some serious FIRE in his eyes”. I thought I was looking at Ricky Deberry! That dude is stone solid!

    • Kanfdog says:

      I totally thought that picture was Deberry until I read your comment. Holy cow! That kid is 270 lbs and that cut?

  • Paul Warfield says:

    Garrett Thomas canceled his scheduled trip for Norman that was to occur this weekend, no date for a reschedule.

    I keep holding out hope that Oklahoma will offer high school offensive tackle Joshua Jones. That young man is growing to grow into an athletic monster within a few years and be a future left tackle. Just a freakish frame and a ceiling as high as anyone in this class with his basketball background.

    • Super K says:

      I talked to him earlier this week and he hadn’t mentioned a trip was scheduled but that’s an interesting note I’ll have to ask him about. Thanks! I agree on joshua. He lives down the road from me so I’ve had a chance to see him, very athletic and great size and really looks much more comfortable stepping back and finding a good base. I think he’s got the same problem as a guy like Ashton Preston (DB) in that he’s taken a big step forward recently and so his jr film doesn’t match is actual ability. And I can tell you we are sitting in a better spot with Madison than even our post above indicates. So it’s starting to look like it’s going to be an interesting situation on the OL as far as numbers which would have seemed crazy just two weeks ago. And we haven’t even talked about Ford who we mentioned earlier this week is interested in OU. Need to do an OL summary post to put all these names in one place.

      • ToatsMcGoats says:

        I’m already looking forward to it!

      • Paul Warfield says:

        The offensive line recruitment is very interesting to me in this class. They need a great class and it looks like they will get one, I just hope that as you alluded to that they can manage to swing the right kids and don’t end up taking a lesser talent because he jumped on earlier, when they could land a top tier or extremely high ceiling kid like Madison or Jones if they had just waited. Word on the street is the TCU commit is extremely interested in Oklahoma.

  • Boom says:

    These kids Coach B is recruiting and our commits all look very athletic. Some kids just try to put the weight on so it will catch the eye of recruiters. However, all of these guys carry great weight. JY, I appreciate you educating us as OL is not a sexy position to read about but you have made it one. Great stuff as we will all be paying a little more attention to what the OL does during games. This OL class will to be fun to watch unfold.

    • BigJoeBrown says:

      Your statement straight up makes me think of Lane Johnson. The guy wasn’t recruited as an OT, but was just athletic as heck. He put on a lot of weight the right way and bam….First round draft pick!

      • Boom says:

        Think of all of OU’s athletic linemen that Stoops has changed or moved around. Lane as you mention, Jamal Brown and I believe Trent Williams were DTs, Stoops moved them to OT. Reason we weren’t on ESPN TE’s list is they all became OLinemen.

    • Super K says:

      Madison isn’t a mauler and a mover right now but you’re right he just looks so athletic. The way he looks just sitting in his stance is a thing to see. Heck I noticed the OT opposite of him looked pretty good and I’m going to hit Bowies HC just to ask him who he is. But even though he’s got a little bend, the difference between him and Madison in their stance is huge. Really makes you appreciate Madison

      • Boom says:

        K, I looked at that pic w/stoops & Hearne and it just blows me away. Kid looks skinny but he’s supposed to be 280. If he is, that is unreal and it’s the same with Madison. Love the fact they recruit more on the athletic side since OU knows “how” to coach these kids up to make all conf/American.

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    I was reading on ESPN about the NCAA looking into early signing dates. I was just curious one what TFB thought about it. I never realized college football was the only sport whose recruit’s couldn’t sign early. How would it effect recruiting? OU like to be patient no pressure, would this step up the pace?

    “Steinbrecher said the 32-member panel of Division I conference commissioners has discussed an early signing period for football at least twice in the last five years, but this is the first time the group that operates the letter-of-intent program has taken the next exploratory step.”

    “Atlantic Coast Conference announced its schools support an Aug. 1 date for an early signing period. The Southeastern Conference offered a recommendation for the Monday after Thanksgiving, and a number of Big Ten and Big 12 coaches said they would align more closely with the ACC.”

    http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/11105557/collegiate-commissioners-association-panel-formed-explore-early-signing-period-college-football

    • Jim says:

      I do not care for it, personally. These kids change their minds like underwear, so locking a kid into a commitment or LOI before the season is ridiculous. What happens if the team sucks and the coaches are fired, but that recruit wanted to play for that coach? Kids request releases from LOIs every year, and an early signing period would not only exacerbate the issue, it could then possibly result in the kid not going where he wants b/c the releasing school blocks the move.
      I’m totally fine with the current process. Teams/coaches are generally set, so the kids typically do not have any worries about something changing on them.

      • Thomas Lenard says:

        If I understand correctly they can wait til february still, but if they know they want to go to a specific school they “can” sign early, then onced signed they do not have to worry about recruiting anymore, just focus on HS football and grades.
        I would be in favor of this, due to the fact it would make college coaches be more picky about early offers. If you offer someone then they flop as a senior, you could be stuck with them if they signed early.

        • Jim says:

          I just think it is too much of a risk for both parties, given the competitive landscape of CFB now, to be firmly locked in that early. Things can change throughout the regular season that could result in a kid wanting to go elsewhere and leave that team scrambling to find a new prospect when they thought they were done. That is not fair to the school. Same as it is not fair to force a kid to remain signed to a team when he wanted to play for a particular coach.

  • Swanny says:

    Have you guys seen this? Pretty good year for the good guys: http://www.soonersports.com/mediaPortal/player.dbml?id=3306682&db_oem_id=31000

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    I thought it was a bit interesting seeing DeBerry’s tweets after spending an unofficial visit at Alabama this past weekend.

    • Zack says:

      I think he had an Alabama banner or whatever on his twitter and I believe he removed it. Some of the ou tweeters asked him about that.
      Edit- never mind i didn’t see it last night but it’s there today still the Alabama rings.

  • Jared William Reininger says:

    You can’t underestimate the value of athleticism in OL. Sure you want size and brute strength but you don’t bust big runs without an athletic line that can get into the second level and destroy linebackers and safeties. Plus guys like striker (that type of player, not necessarily his skill) have become more common. We exposed that in Alabama when they had a top lineman get owned the entire game because he was simply too slow. Linebackers or hybrid players have gotten much faster, so the OL has to adjust and be just as fast. Glad to see we are getting some of that. Coach B has really impressed me so far.

    • SoonerPhins says:

      Striker made Kouandjio, a late 2nd round pick when he was projected a mid first round pick, in one game.

      • Eric Hoffpauir says:

        Kouandjio really should have dropped further after that performance. Striker is good, but in the NFL he’ll be facing guys bigger than Striker with more moves and about as fast.

  • BoomerDave says:

    The OL class could be filling up real soon. Wariboko could get left out in the cold if he doesn’t act soon.

  • AlvinMack55 says:

    Great write-up, as always, you guys! I am excited to see how this o-line class turns out. It’s looking like recruits are finally to take notice of what offensive lineman have done during the Stoops Era. Like most, I am hoping they get the two in-state guards but I have confidence that Coach BB will get a great class regardless of what happens w/ Barnett & moreso Wariboko.

  • Zack says:

    If I see sike after this I’m done with twitter

    Jk

    • CcrBoomer says:

      Josh McCuistion ‏@JLMcCuistion

      Amazing what a few commits can do, talked to 2 #Sooners targets already
      this morning and both sound very positive for #OU. #BigSwinginaMonth

      • Zack says:

        I’m wondering if Humphrey was talking about Demarcus lodge announcement. But yeah hopefully we start having guys jump on board.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Isn’t it just his expected Top 5 announcement coming this weekend? Or do I have him confused w/ someone else?

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      I’m gonna take a little credit for this one. He tweeted something the other day about liking the one on one attention from Norvell. I told him he could get that year round if he wanted. He seemed to like that. 🙂

      • Mr. Jones says:

        Haha definitely MVP type performance on your part if he switches.

        • Zack says:

          Really though if he flips it will be in part because of his ou followers. I did look at a Baylor board and they’re trying to say he’s only doing this because texas won’t offer him. Which I don’t know how that makes the Baylor fan feel better.

    • Chandler Welch says:

      I want this kid.

      • Zack says:

        He’s been clocked at 4.25 that would be nice to have on our side of the ball. I don’t think there’s a way to get him and newsome who’s releasing his top 5 Saturday so we should be on there somewhere.

        • Chandler Welch says:

          yeah, if I had to choose between the two I like Humphrey a little more. just absolutely lethal speed

          • Zack says:

            I actually like Humphrey more but because of his size he’s not much bigger than newsome but he looks lanky. But I think newsome is more polished right now.

          • EasTex says:

            Did you see Humphrey’s interview on vype? He posted a link to it on his twitter yesterday. The young man presents well.

          • Zack says:

            Well if he’s qualified to get into Baylor he has to be pretty smart. I’ll have to check the interview out.

          • EasTex says:

            Seems like a good quality kid.

  • soonerborn says:

    DaMarkus Lodge is a gaggie now

  • Jim says:

    Not sure if it has any influence or not, but hopefully this (Lodge’s commitment) ups our chances even more with Humphrey.

    • Zack says:

      I don’t think it should help us any at all. It seems as though Humphrey is only considering ou and baylor right now obviously his committed to Baylor but has told many that he has ou number 1 or that they are getting close to number 1. He also canceled a trip to visit notre dame I read somewhere possibly here.

  • leatherneck1061 says:

    Great write up. Keep up the great work guys.

  • Will Narramore says:

    Not really related to anything from todays Open Post but is OU still in contact with JW Ketchum. I feel like he’s kinda similiar to Gibson ( a super athlete who is a raw QB in HS but wants to play that position in college) and with OU not in a dire need for a QB do you think they go after Ketchum and sell him on getting a shot at QB down the road

    • Zack says:

      Great question I’m wondering the same and I’m wondering why he fell so far down in 247 ratings. He was a 4* and now a 3.

    • SoonerPhins says:

      I’ve heard that he has some character issues and also he was a Texas lean for a while. He has fallen in the ranking among all the recruiting sites. A few ?s

    • Shelby is a Patriot says:

      forgot about Ketchum, never hear much about him.

  • Zack says:

    Josh with SS put on twitter we offered frank buncom, corner out of San Diego. I can’t remember if you guys said ou had contacted Baity out of Tampa?

  • Zack says:

    And also that dahu committed to Louisville. Good luck to the young man I wish he would be in Norman but the kid can’t wait forever and shouldn’t.

  • Super K says:

    Added a note above about the latest DL offer, Tyrell Jacobs.

    • Boom says:

      says he’s 6’4 260 and has a quick first step so hope he likes the Tap end. Heck, if we are going to have a striker backer, it’s only fitting we have a tap end.

      • Super K says:

        He is a big kid. Not quite 6’4. Probably 6’3.5 but still a big kid. He is one of the best DL in the state of Louisiana.

    • Clint Lenard says:

      Reminds me a bit of Suh. I like this kids film.

    • EasTex says:

      Sure looks good on film.
      He seems thick bodied to be 260, I would have thought he was heavier if his weight wasn’t listed.

  • Zack says:

    He’s playing the nose in HS but we are recruiting as a 4i DE right? If so does it hurt or help that he’s playing nose? Jacobs that is.

    • Super K says:

      He will be a 4i yes. I’ll try to address your other question in the write up about him later. But while the speed changes moving from those positions…at the end of the day I feel he’s got all the tools to play the B gap as well or better than he plays the A. Trey Carter was a great example of someone who looked great playing the A and B gap (1,3 or 0 4i in OU’s case) but looked akward and unbalanced when out played out wide in a traditional DE stance.

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Man, gotta love the offseason. All kinds of commits, pulls, moves, offers and visits yet we still have to sweat until the ink hits the paper. Hope my liver survives the summer!

    • EasTex says:

      The musical chairs ain’t nowhere near finished.
      We still have the fickleness following the season and the bowls, not to mention all the current talent flying under the radar that might explode in their senior season.
      I will stick with my sweet iced tea, thank you very much.

    • EasTex says:

      TheQB Barnett, is he the new Gunner Kiel? Commits to ND, decommits, visits the Ducks and seems all excited, then commits to Bama. Sheesh!
      Reminds me of going to a party in the 7th grade with a girl friend and when the party was over leaving with a new girl friend.

  • rphdenton says:

    per lt…….UPDATE (8:15 pm): Good news Sooner fans! Stud DL, Tyrell Jacobs has already set up a visit date with Oklahoma. He and his parents will be making their way up to Norman on July 23rd!

  • Zack says:

    Desean Holmes released his top 5 to my surprise ou was in the list. He said no order.

  • Shifty says:

    #98 will be available next year…just saying

  • I like Boomer Sooner says:

    on the note of Tyrell Jacobs, I favorited the tweet that said he was offered and he followed me on Twitter. Don’t think someone who isn’t ridiculously close to committing somewhere would be pulling a stunt like that.