The Football Brainiacs

– Devwah Whaley: The big news over the weekend was that star 2016 running back Devwah Whaley (Beaumont, TX) made a return visit to Oklahoma. I had a chance to speak yesterday with Whaley about his trip to Norman.

First, Whaley reiterated his Top 5 which includes: Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas A&M, Texas & Georgia. In the past couple weeks Whaley has visited Georgia, Arkansas and, of course, Oklahoma. He has also visited both Texas and Texas A&M earlier this summer.

After speaking with the talented RB prospect, I get a sense the Sooners are one of the favorites, if not the favorite in Whaley’s recruitment. I say that because for a while I’ve felt this was a battle between OU and UT. And with the Horns having one of Whaley’s former teammates, PJ Locke, and, of course, being his in-state school there were two obvious advantages in Texas’ corner. Couple all that with the fact earlier in the summer Whaley’s visit to Austin seemed to slow the momentum many believed OU had built. The visit appeared to make enough of an impact, I actually though Texas had moved in front of Oklahoma. But after talking with Whaley, I don’t get that sense any longer.

Whaley made it very clear in saying that PJ Locke, or any friend/former teammate for that matter, would not effect his decision. I also asked where he felt his best opportunity was in terms playing time, traditionally an important factor for many a recruit. Whaley said he felt Arkansas gave him the best chance to play early, with Georgia and Oklahoma being just behind the Razorbacks in that respect. But he also noted that he understood competition is inevitable anywhere. However, I couldn’t help but note the schools among his Top 5 that he did not mention (i.e. Texas and Texas A&M).

I also asked Whaley which coaches he feels he has the best relationship with to which he said Jay Boulware (Oklahoma) and Thomas Brown (Georgia). Again, you can’t help but notice here who isn’t mentioned here.

Additionally, Whaley confirmed he will be taking official visits and said the schools that will definitely get official visits are Oklahoma and Georgia, with Arkansas possibility as well. Again, no mention of UT or TAMU. Now with those two schools obviously closer in proximity, he could attend a game at either without using an official visit. But again, I just noted that it kept with a pattern of our conversation.

Pretty clear the two schools that continually came up during our conversation were OU and Georgia. Therefore, it should obviously come as no surprise that his interest in the Bulldogs is very real. People don’t typically take a trip all the way out to Georgia, from Texas, on their own dime unless there is a sincere interest.

Finally, I asked Whaley about when he planned on making a commitment. He said the plan is to announce at the Under Armour All-America game in January. However, he did say in no uncertain terms, “I will make a silent commitment before I announce.” – (Super K)

– UPDATE (12:27 pm): Sooners miss out on arguably their top 2017 DB prospect, had camped with OU.

2017 #Rivals100 Archer (Ga.) DB Isaiah Pryor has committed to Ohio State. He explains why: http://t.co/sAF5bNeNZX pic.twitter.com/BNUJJcLbX3

— Woody Wommack (@RivalsWoody) July 27, 2015

– UPDATE (1:23 pm): Sooners are hosting 2017 LB John Brannon (6’2″ 228 – Prosper, TX) on campus today. – (Alex)

OU visit today with @OU_CoachB. #Boomer pic.twitter.com/dSn8OXYZ8z

— John Brannon #44 (@JohnBrannon2017) July 27, 2015

– UPDATE (6:49 pm):

Thank you to all the great coaches and universities who recruited me. I will be committing this Friday 7-31-15 @ 4pm PT. God Bless.

— Bryce Youngquist (@49BryceFootball) July 27, 2015

– UPDATE (7:49 pm): Sooners had 2018 QB Alex Eleyssami on campus today for unofficial visit. – (Brandon)

University of Oklahoma visit was great?? pic.twitter.com/1nmPebKsTd

— Alex (@AlexEleyssami) July 27, 2015