The Football Brainiacs

Image of Mark Jackson via scout.com

– Mark Jackson: This past weekend 2016 OLB/DE Mark Jackson (Cibolo, TX) was in Austin for an unofficial visit, the first he was able to take with is mother. We had a chance to catch up with him shortly after said visit to see where things currently stand.

Jackson said he enjoyed his time in Austin and that his mother seeing the school and meeting the coaches did help Texas’ chances. You may recall a couple weeks ago Jackson told us he hoped to announce his decision early this summer, and when we spoke he reiterated that is still the plan. He plans to decide between Oklahoma, Texas and Texas A&M in the next few weeks.

We asked what, if any, remaining trips he still might take prior to his decision and Jackson said he has plans to visit College Station again prior to making his announcement. But before you read too much into things, Jackson also shared with us he already has plans for a trip to Norman after his commitment.

Honestly, I wasn’t exactly sure how to read that but it’s hard not to take it as something of a positive for the Sooners. I mean why make a decision to visit a school after your commitment if you didn’t feel there was at least a strong possibility they’d be the choice. But, admittedly, that could just be me reading too much into things.

You may recall Jackson did visit OU last year, for the Baylor game, and said at the time even though the game didn’t go well for the Sooners, he still loved the visit. You may also remember us telling you a while back that Bob Stoops has been personally involved in Jackson’s recruitment. If OU can land Jackson, this would certainly a big initial splash for Diron Reynolds. – (Super K)

– Austin Roberts: I recently spoke to a source close to 2015 NEO defensive end Austin Roberts. Who, for those of you not already familiar, is a 6’6″ 265-pound defensive monster originally from Georgia. Although they are not necessarily publicized, I was told that Roberts holds offers from all schools over the country, including his home state school. However it would appear there are some SEC guidelines in place that would prevent him from being able to enroll this summer and play in the fall. Thus, it’s unlikely he will consider signing with any SEC schools.

We’ve been told OU and Nebraska are the two schools he is seriously considering as it stands today.

Roberts certainly looks to be an impressive talent. Frankly, there really isn’t much more to say. As long as he can learn his defensive assignments quickly, I will be shocked if he doesn’t have an instant impact wherever he goes. In my opinion, he absolutely has the size, athleticism & instincts of a first round defensive lineman. He looks comfortable playing multiple techniques, standing up, or with his hand in the dirt. If the Sooners and Huskers are indeed the schools he will choose from, one of those programs is going to get what appears to be, at least on film, a difference maker. – (Super K)

– Chris Brown: Oklahoma offered 2016 DB Chris Brown (5’11” 190 – Houston, TX) yesterday, who is a teammate of another 2016 OU offer, LB Dontavious Jackson. – (Super K)

– A.J. Green: Oklahoma also offered 2016 DB A.J. Green (6’1″ 170 – Desoto, TX) yesterday as well. Alex caught up with Green after the offer, who said he was very excited and that the Sooners offering definitely ‘shook up his recruiting.’ Green told Alex that he plans on making it up to Norman in the next few weeks. – (Alex & Super K)

– Keir Thomas: Yet another OU offer extended yesterday went out to 2016 DE Keir Thomas (6’1″ 245 – Miami, FL). We haven’t really had a chance to reach out just yet, but given that Thomas hails from the Sunshine State and is already committed to Florida State….we’re not expecting much here in the way of news. But maybe we’ll be surprised. – (TFB)

– UPDATE (11:24 am): Discuss….

Per @BovadaLV – #Sooners national title odds currently at 25/1, Samaje Perine Heisman odds at 20/1

— Jordan Esco (@Jordan_Esco) May 20, 2015