Open Post | Monday, Mar. 21st (UPDATE 7:53 pm) By: The Brainiacs Posted on: March 21, 2016

– Jacob Phillips: In case you missed it Sunday evening, Oklahoma is expected to receive a visit from 2017 LB Jacob Phillips (Nashville, TN) early this week.

Phillips holds offers from a number of top programs including in-state programs, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. Via text message, Phillips shared with TFB that he recently visited Notre Dame and that the upcoming OU visit is the only other trip he currently has scheduled.

Phillips also said there is interest in the Sooners both on his part and his family as well. We’re hoping to catch up with him following the trip to Norman and reassess where things stand after the visit. – (Super K)

– Deiontae Watts: Another future visitor to keep an eye out for is star 2017 DT Deiontae Watts (Plano, TX). Last week Watts told TFB he plans on visiting Norman this coming weekend (March 26th/27th).

As mentioned on here previously, Watts and is his family are originally from Oklahoma and many in the family are already Sooner fans. So it’s fair to say OU is starting out with a bit of lead here. If the visit goes well, I fully expect the Sooners to solidify a spot as one of the top contenders to land Watts. – (Super K)

– Trevor Kent: A couple weeks back we had a chance to catch up with 2017 DE target Trevor Kent (Pittburg, KS), who is yet another prospect expected to be in Norman this weekend.

If you haven’t had a chance to review Kent’s film, do yourself a favor and take a look (below). You will see an exceptionally tall, long, put together young athlete who moves exceptionally well for someone his size. He’s the kind of DE you look for to set the edge on the strong side and/or get after the passer. And with his frame plus the weight he could comfortably hold in the future, it’s conceivable he could play either the 3 or 4-technique across a defensive front.

Like most players that age, he still has room to improve on his pad level. But the fact that he’s so easily able to hold the POA, even despite playing a bit high, is a testament to his brute strength. Kent can run as well, already holding multiple offers as a TE.

Kent confirmed with TFB that the OU coaches are recruiting him as a defensive end. I of the opinion he could play either way at the next level, but as a matter of personal preference I always prefer to see guys who can go both ways stay on the defensive side of the ball. A lot more DEs tend to get drafted in the early rounds than TEs, so I simply see it as a better long-term business decision. However, Kent told TFB he is fine playing on either side of the ball and ‘doesn’t really have a preference.’

Kent comes from an athletic pedigree, with his father having played college football in Pittsburg (where he and his family reside). And while he lives in Kansas, Kent says he really didn’t necessarily grow up a fan of any particular one program. “If I had to name a school, two schools I liked were Michigan and OU.”

Additionally, it sounds as though Oklahoma’s new defensive line coach, Calvin Thibodeaux, has only continued to build on the relationship he established with Kent and his family while a member of the Kansas coaching staff. “I really like him a lot. He talks to my family, and we’ve built a good relationship,” Kent said in regards to Thibodeaux. In fact speaking to Kent’s mother, she mentioned one of things that really stood out to her about Thibodeaux is aspect of him returning to his alma mater. She said it gave the family a sense that for him to ‘come back home’ like that meant Norman, Oklahoma must have done something right while he was a player there.

Following this weekend’s expected trip to Oklahoma, Kent says the family may also visit Nebraska as well. In terms of a commitment, Kent told TFB here is no firm date or timeline in mind. But did add “it’s possible I could make a decision after that”, with the ‘that’ being in reference to the aforementioned trips to see the Sooners and Huskers. Kent went on say that once he announces his commitment, he will be done with recruiting. “Wherever I decide to go is where I’m going.” – (Super K)

– UPDATE (2:12 pm):

– UPDATE (7:53 pm):

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