Open Post | Tuesday, Jul. 5th

Brandon Bowen: Getting information on Brandon Bowen can be difficult, as he has never been one to do a lot of talking with the media. In spite of that, we’ve been trying to get a sense of a possible decision timeline and a firmer grasp on what schools he is considering after Baylor granted his NLI release last week.

Our own Brandon Drumm mentioned TCU and OU are a couple schools that are very much involved. We have also exchanged a few texts with Bowen’s father, though he did not disclose which schools his son is considering. Bowen’s father also wouldn’t give a firm timeline but did allow that a decision would be announced “soon.”

I (K) chatted with a coach over at Byron Nelson, where Bowen played in high school, and this person seemed to think the decision isn’t quite as imminent. “I believe Bo (Bowen) would like to take some official trips. Not sure how many he has left…maybe two. So I’m not 100% on when he will announce.” The coach went on to say, “I spoke with Bo before the July 4th break, and he mentioned visiting UCLA. My guess is that he won’t report until late July wherever he ends up.”

I wish I could offer something from Bowen, or at least a second source to corroborate the coach’s take on things, but unfortunately I cannot at this time. – (Super K)

– July visitors: The Sooners have been working the Peach State for years, landing the likes of Antoine Savage, Duke Robinson and several other top prospects over the years. And OU is once again mining Georgia for elite talent, most recently in the form of 2017 RB commit Trey Sermon. However, Sermon certainly isn’t alone in terms of who the Sooners have their eye on.

2017 DB Deangelo Gibbs and 2018 QB Trevor Lawrence both hold offers from OU, and the Sooners are already targeting a number of 2019 (yes, 2019) prospects out of Georgia as well. Many of whom are planning to be in Norman over the weekend of July 29th, where the OU coaching staff has planned an ‘invite only’ recruiting/BBQ event for some of their top targets and commits. – (Brandon)

* Trey Sermon –  Sermon visited OU for the Red/White game and committed shortly thereafter. He has since become close with his fellow #SoonerSquad17 members as well as current Sooner, Joe Mixon. Evidently the two hit it off on Sermon’s unofficial visit during the spring.

Sermon is set to return for July 29th BBQ and when TFB spoke with him over the weekend, it was clear just how excited he was about the prospect of returning to Norman. Sermon also told TFB that he plans to give his best sales pitch to the contingent of other GA recruits also planning to be in Norman that weekend.

Sermon admitted he didn’t know most of those who are expected to attend, but said that should change by the end of the weekend. Needless to say, having Sermon on campus with all of the other kids from Georgia can only be a good thing for OU. – (Brandon)

* KJ Wallace – The 2019 athlete out of Atlanta (GA) already holds offers from Auburn, South Carolina, Tennessee & Vanderbilt. So Wallace is used to attention, but when TFB spoke with him over the weekend he mentioned being well aware of OU’s prestige as a program.

“ That’s a big boy program and would be a big boy offer if I got one.” And with Wallace’s ability, an offer very well could be extended during his visit. – (Brandon)

* Kenyatta Watson – The 2019 defensive back (Loganville, GA) doesn’t have a ton of film from his freshman year as a result of a broken collar bone that caused him to miss considerable time. But even having suffered that injury, Watson can still claim offers from schools like Tennessee, Nebraska, Boston College & Maryland. Watson is already a big, physical kid who could very well be considered one of the top safeties in the country for his class by the time it’s all said and done.

In speaking with Watson, it’s clear he has an affinity for OU and even admitted to cheering for the Sooners against Clemson in the Orange Bowl this past season. Another interesting tidbit when it comes to Watson is that his father, Kenyatta Sr., was recruited by Bob Stoops while he was defensive coordinator at Kansas State. Waston Sr. eventually played at Boston College, but he did take an official visit to Kansas State. The younger Watson said, “It is kind of crazy to think he (Stoops) recruited my dad and now is recruiting me.”

Watson has strong interest in the Sooners, so this visit on the 29th is something that could go a long way with respect to OU’s chances. – (Brandon)

* Owen Pappoe – Yet another 2019 stud prospect expected to be making the trip west from Georgia, LB Owen Pappoe is quickly becoming one of the top players in the country for his class. At The Opening regional event in Atlanta, Pappoe scored the highest ever SPARQ rating by any linebacker in the event’s history. It was impressive enough that it earned him an extremely rare underclassmen invite to The Opening Finals later this week in Portland, Oregon.

Pappoe has long been interested in the Sooners. As a matter of fact, WRs coach Dennis Simmons was set to visit Pappoe during the spring evaluation period, but when Simmons showed up at the school they were in the process of annual testing so the two were unable to meet at that time. Unfortunate timing aside, when when TFB spoke with Pappoe recently he spoke highly of the Sooners. “I’ve got nothing but great things to say about Oklahoma. This is a visit I’ve looked forward to for a while.”

If the Sooners decide to offer Pappoe, they have a legit chance to get in the chase. Add to the fact that Pappoe will be headed up to The Opening, where several other OU commitments will also be in attendance, and it would give everyone involved that much more time to sell Pappoe on OU. – (Brandon)

* Jadon Haselwood – 2019 Cedar Grove High School wide receiver Jadon Haselwood already has offers from Georgia, Illinois, Louisville, LSU & Michigan just to name a few. However, there is one offer that could change everything and that’s an offer from the University of Oklahoma.

“My dad is from there (Oklahoma) and I have family there. I know a lot about OU. My family are really big fans. I really want to meet Coach Bob Stoops,” Haselwood explained. But he wasn’t done there. “I grew up an OU fan. We used to go to all the OU alumni games down here in Georgia. I love their offense, and they breed receivers like Kenny Stills, Ryan Broyles and Sterling Shepard.”

So this seems like more than your standard ‘connections to the state/program’ we’ve heard in the past. And Haselwood has even admitted an offer from OU would be a “game-changer” and quickly move the Sooners to the top of his list of schools. So we asked him about exactly that were an offer to be extended while he’s in Norman later this month, to which he said, “me being excited isn’t even the word I’d use to describe my reaction.”

If OU was to offer Haselwood, one source close to the 2019 WR admitted to TFB “a commitment on the spot wouldn’t shock me at all.”

Haselwood is projected, by many, to be the top receiver in Georgia for the 2019 class. Which is saying something with the likes of Jashawn Sheffield and Dominick Blayock in his same class. – (Brandon)

* Dominick Blaylock – We all the know the last name. Blaylock’s father, Mookie, lives in OU basketball lore. But did you know that his mom, Janelle Blaylock Woods, was a star volleyball player at OU as well? So needless to say, being around OU fans isn’t new to Blaylock, a 2019 WR out of Marietta (GA).

As child he visited OU, on occasion, with his mother and stepdad, John Woods. Later this month, however, will be Blaylock’s first visit to Norman in a long time when he joins the rest of Georgia prep stars on that weekend of the 29th.

Blaylock was visited at Walton High School by Dennis Simmons during the spring eval period, at which point the OU coach officially extended a scholarship offer. Oklahoma is trying to make it a trifecta with a third Blaylock making his name in Norman, this time of course on the gridiron as opposed to the hard wood. – (Brandon)

* Charles Thomas – The 2019 linebacker from Langston Hughes HS (Fairburn, GA) has been garnering attention from some of the top D-I programs in the country. In March, he was offered by Florida State. Following that initial offer, several other schools like Michigan, West Virginia, Tennessee, Clemson & Maryland have also joined the fray in Thomas’ recruitment.

Expect Oklahoma to do the same with Thomas yet another of the GA prep stars expected in Norman on July 29th.

TFB had a chance to speak with Thomas over the weekend and like many of the others expected to make the trip, Thomas seemed excited about being in Norman. The appeal for Thomas is one that OU fans have heard a lot over the years. “OU is a proven winner. The tradition is rich. And I can’t wait to see the campus.” – (Brandon)

* Joshua Moore – Wide receiver seems to be a concern for OU, at least in regards to depth, but with a top notch class committed to the Sooners for 2017 that worry is mitigated to some extent. But when it comes to recruiting one has to always be looking to the future, and as such the Sooners have already started to focus on the position in the 2018 class and beyond.

To that point is OU’s pursuit of 2018 Yoakum (TX) wide receiver Joshua Moore, who possesses the size and speed that outside WRs coach Dennis Simmons covets.

TFB spoke with Moore late Monday night, who shared that he is also planning to attend the event in Norman on the 29th. Which of course only adds to the star power expected to be on campus. This visit, though, will be a little different than his previous as Moore will be making the trip without his twin brother Jordan, a highly coveted defensive back in his own right. His brother plans to visit Texas A&M that weekend.

TFB asked Moore if not his brother not holding an offer from OU would be a deciding factor with regards to his recruitment. “It doesn’t affect me with Oklahoma at all. I’m a little different (in my thinking) because I know, wherever I go, they (my family) will support me.” A very refreshingly candid and mature take from Moore. He went on to add, “It’s the overall environment at OU and the way they get the ball to their receivers. Of course, OU has a lot of academic success. That’s what has caught my eye the most.”

Moore has continued to pick up offers almost daily, however it has had very little effect when it comes to his relationship with Simmons. “We speak everyday. It’s pretty crazy how often,” Moore said regarding the OU wide receivers coach.

Getting Moore on campus, again, continues to set the tone for 2018 class. With Southmoore offensive lineman Brey Walker being the lone commitment at this time, the more (no pun intended) OU can get other top targets on campus the greater their chances of giving Walker some company in this class. – (Brandon)

377 Comments

  • BoomCity89 says:

    BOOM BOOM!!!

  • Mark_in_VA says:

    SECOND!

  • Birddawg says:

    Loaded early OP! Thank you TFB!

  • UGA Sooner says:

    If Oklahoma can create a pipeline to GA like they have with CA, I’ll be like a kid in a candy store. GA is top 4 in talent as a state. Not to mention poaching some SEC recruits can’t hurt with the national brand we’re establishing. This needs to happen. BOMER!

  • SoonerOracle737 says:

    OP is a peach of an update.

    • metzker says:

      Makes me think Doc Holliday.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      Groan.

      • SoonerOracle737 says:

        Hey, it was either that bad pun or a hot girlie pic. I chose the former to avoid the banhammer…

        • ouwooferman says:

          As a non women/vet/ or any other sensitive individual who otherwise would want to impose their will on you…I am offended by your self imposed ban hammer.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            I’m sensitive about the fact that I don’t fit into any protected class and so it’s not fair that I have no right to complain. I think the government should give me a stipend to allow me to properly celebrate my privileged middle class heritage. I’m thinking a Cigar and Liquor Stamp program.

          • ouwooferman says:

            Bob, you are on fire my friend. +1000

          • OohRah Mama says:

            Wait, what…?

    • SamSooner says:

      Oracle, there are peaches and there are Georgia peaches. Yes, there is a difference.

      • Golfluvr13 says:

        I personally prefer fresh Colorado peaches. I rent out one of my reefer trailers every year to a guy who goes and picks them and his payment to me is a couple of cases of fresh peaches. (OK, back to lurking)

        • metzker says:

          So it takes peach talk to bring you out?

        • SamSooner says:

          Good morning, Golf. It appears you’ve never had a Georgia peach. That sticker on a peach isn’t a true indication of its origination: just saying.

          Georgia peaches are the best.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            Howdy Sam. I love the fresh peaches from Colorado. And no I have not had one from Georgia. I live 34 miles from the Colorado border in SW Kansas, I take what I can get and buying them in the store is NOT fresh!

          • SamSooner says:

            If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to hook you up with some Georgia peaches.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            Ok, I have no problem with that! 🙂 I love peaches. My wife makes some of the best peach cobbler ever in the history of peach cobbler!

          • cush creekmont says:

            SHARE!

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            Cush, I’d love to. But I eat it all. She usually gets a slice or two, but I end up devouring it. She also makes the peach turnovers that have Mt Dew in them, OMG they are awesome.

          • cush creekmont says:

            I understand brother, believe me, I do – love me some peach cobbler w/ a little ice cream.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            Yes sir! Warm it up and put a big ole scoop of ice cream on there and I am in heaven! Now you have my mouth watering and I have to wait a month and a week for some fresh peaches.

          • SamSooner says:

            Fooball: my wife will make peach pie filling, pour it into a foiled pie pan and freeze it. We have peach pie during the winter.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            My Grandma used to can her own fresh peaches and would give me a huge jar of peach jam for Christmas every year. Oh how I miss her!

            Edit: FOOTBALL

          • SamSooner says:

            That’s old-old school.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            LOL! Yes, well she lived to the ripe old age of 92 before she passed about 9 years ago. She was very old school. She never even had a TV!
            Oh, and FOOTBALL (You happy now Metz?)

          • metzker says:

            Its not about me Golf,FOOTBALL.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            ROTFLOL! No it’s not, but you did miss me! OU FOOTBALL!

          • metzker says:

            Of course and i love FOOTBALL!

          • SamSooner says:

            How are your kidneys feeling today?

          • metzker says:

            A little sore!

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            You been drinking too much, or did you have stones?

          • metzker says:

            See above Sam just runs by from time to time!

          • SamSooner says:

            Whack!!!!

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            Gotcha! I ask, because my best friend is in the hospital right now with stones. That is some serious pain.

          • metzker says:

            Never had and dont want!!!!!!! O and FOOTBALL.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            I would not wish that pain on my worst enemy! OU FOOTBALL

          • SamSooner says:

            That sucks; I’m not pulling up.

          • cush creekmont says:

            Devilishly smart you and your wife! Be careful, Golf and I might raid your fridge like Metz did Bob’s liquor cabinet. 🙂

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            I got a fuel card Cush, let’s go!
            FOOTBALL

          • SamSooner says:

            Come on, down.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            Might be a little humid up your way for me right now. It’s been humid here lately, in fact my road to my office was flooded last week. We got a truck stuck the day before that and it took me almost two hours to get all the mud off my pickup.

          • SamSooner says:

            We got a five minute shower yesterday. No mud here.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            We got 9 inches of rain last week. The roads are drying out (my office is 15 miles from the nearest town in a corn field).

          • SamSooner says:

            I will be be in Michigan beginning Friday for five days: golfing with 15 of my buddies.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            Enjoy that! I don’t get a vacation this year. Instead I upgrading my home theater system. When my wife saw how much I spent she threatened to cut off certain parts of my body. LOL

          • SamSooner says:

            Just don’t let her take your eyes or the remote.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            She is starting to like it. I showed her how she can use her phone to listen to Sirius on the receiver while she is working out. I come home now and she will have it cranked up and I just smile. I think I am safe to close both eyes when I sleep now.

          • SamSooner says:

            That’s how you work it.

          • SamSooner says:

            If I see Metz coming my way, I’m running. You are welcome, Cush. We’ll treat you like royalty. Metz, ugh!!

          • SamSooner says:

            Peach season in Georgia will end in about two weeks. The latest peach, ready for harvest, are the free-stone: so named because the meat does not cling to the peach seed.

            Otherwise, you have cling peach: there’s nothing special when you buy a can labeled “cling peaches.”

          • Bob Edwards says:

            What about my fat free cotton candy? That’s special. Right?

          • SamSooner says:

            Yes: fat-free cotton candy is special.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            I would even say EXTRA special.

          • SoonerOracle737 says:

            And less filling.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            I guess I’d have to bring a sugar shaker with me to enjoy it. OU FOOTBALL

          • SamSooner says:

            If I’m having food that is suppose to sweet, it has to be dessert. And dessert that doesn’t make you say “Ugh, I should not have had that,” is not dessert. Give me ice cream or give me death. Take your fat-free, frozen yogurt and shove it.

          • cush creekmont says:

            YES! My man Sam – the Patrick Henry of desserts!

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            Ice cream? Did someone say ice cream? Count me in!

          • Bob Edwards says:

            I sprinkle fresh ground coffee on top of my ice cream. Really, good. Now if I just weren’t borderline diabetic I could really enjoy it.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            I do not like coffee in any way shape or form. My office used to be across the street from the Folgers plant in KCMO. I cannot stand that smell anymore. But I like to put lots of Hershey’s chocolate syrup on mine.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            Folgers is to coffee what Kansas is to football.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            Yes, but smelling them heating the beans just got to where when I smell any coffee it makes me gag.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            I get that. I worked at Arby’s while in college. Can’t really stand their food until this day. Only been thirty years.

          • cush creekmont says:

            I like both – so as a representative of harmony and kindness, I’ll have mocha….

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            We only get peaches in August. That is when they are ready in Colorado and I do not ever buy peaches in the store or in a can. Which makes me think of The Presidents of the United States of America song called “Peaches” LOL That song always makes me laugh.

            The peaches from Colorado do not cling to the peach seed either. But see, those are the only peaches I have to compare anything with.

          • cush creekmont says:

            I will FULLY agree with Sam on this one. GA peaches in cobbler….oh my! (football, football, sooners! – just to make sure :))

          • metzker says:

            Thats some nice FOOTBALL talk!

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            In OUr defense Metz, eating Peach cobbler while watching the Sooners play IS ALL about football. 🙂

          • cush creekmont says:

            That’s what I’m about 🙂

          • SamSooner says:

            Agreed: Football, love OU football.

          • Golfluvr13 says:

            AMEN BROTHERS! BOOMER SOONER!

        • Jed says:

          I had a porter peach tree in the backyard at my parents’ place for years. It got hit by lightening. I’m still sad.

        • Jed says:

          I had a porter peach tree in the backyard at my parents’ place for years. It got hit by lightening. I’m still sad.

        • BleedCrimson says:

          Yep, but then there are Ga. Peaches and then there are Ga. peaches. ProfOUnd right?!? 🙂

      • SoonerOracle737 says:

        Oh yeah. Some good ones in Okrahoma too.

    • cush creekmont says:

      See what you started Oracle. We’re in trouble with a long peach thread…

      Football, Football, Football!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • 47 Straight OU Know says:

    Jordan, K, and other TFB contributors. Thank’s for spoiling us the past couple of days. But an OP this early WOW!!! Next thing you know we will be getting some practice updates!!

  • Matt says:

    Were Wilson, Chaisson and Hines invited?

    • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

      Really Matt? Lol. 3 guys all high on OU and 3 guys we all want desperately, yes, I would assume they’ve been invited, or at least will be receiving an invite shortly.

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Outstanding OP guys. Thanks for the great info.

  • Bob Edwards says:

    TFB guys we’ve been wading around in the kiddie pool of info for the last few weeks and now you just toss us out in the deep end and expect us to swim. You might have at least warned us.

    Seriously, thanks for the update guys.

    • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

      In fairness to the staff, Brandon did give us a heads up yesterday on Twitter! Lol. Still, I didn’t believe it would be this info packed, but I’ll take it.

  • ALar03 says:

    Awesome open post a day after Independence Day! Awesome work I’ll be paying my fees early this month!

  • KJ1123 says:

    RE: Bowen, I think the last summer session starts up next week, I would think he would need to make a decision pretty quick here.

  • ouwooferman says:

    2019 recruits? hurts my head to think we are talking to sophomores in HS.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      I am all for recruiting guys that far out. But I wonder how wise it is to start taking a lot of commitments. I remember Mack Brown doing that and then finding out a lot of the guys he had gotten commitments from seemed to have peaked early and had nothing left when it came to college.

      • J.r. Kamm says:

        You’re right regarding commitments that early. I think this is more building relationships.

        • Bob Edwards says:

          And that is a good thing, as long as we have the option to pass on a kid who was on fire as a freshman and sophomore and then slacked off and never did anything afterward.

      • ouwooferman says:

        FULLY AGREE.

    • CrimsonNative says:

      Not to mention a 2020 QB in Harrison Bailey. For a freshman, that kid is amazing.

  • SamSooner says:

    TFB Mods, thanks for all of the information. I’m going to have to read that again. I was rushing a little bit. I’ll have to chew on that again.

  • Ed Cotter says:

    Wow, what a fantastic OP. Let’s get these guys on campus and see what happens. Having some OU fans and a legacy in the bunch can’t hurt either. BOOMER!

  • KJ1123 says:

    From Bamas so-called self reported violations:
    “a trophy was temporarily placed in an area where prospects taking an official visit would be, which resulted in an impermissible recruiting decoration of that area.”

    Interesting, who would of thought.

    • bjwalker82 says:

      impermissible recruiting decoration? Wow

    • Bob Edwards says:

      That there is a rule about that just shows why the NCAA is irrelevant.

      • KJ1123 says:

        Just the timing too with the two arrests. I don’t know if these self reported violations are done to hopefully get some sort of leniency, but it all seems pretty duplicitous.

        • Bob Edwards says:

          From what I have heard down here, the arrest for the kid with the gun getting off made sense. The cops only arrested two of the four kids in the car. The judge basically couldn’t decide who’s gun it was and whether they were even being charged. It was a Louisiana judge after all, not someone you would expect to be in Bama’s back pocket.

        • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

          Nice word there KJ 😉

        • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

          And you’re absolutely right lol

    • DCinAZ says:

      Seems like a pretty stupid rule.

    • Jdizzle says:

      Kind of like giving a player too much pasta!

    • Golfluvr13 says:

      National Communists Against Athletes! (and yes, I still have a shirt that says that)

    • oumike23 says:

      I had no idea there was a rule about where your trophies are placed. Do we violate this rule? Visitors always pose with all of our trophies.

      • KJ1123 says:

        I was thinking the same thing. Our trophies get moved around alot. May be an exception because the offices are under construction.

  • StL Sooner says:

    TFB, will you be putting a list together for the July 29th event like you do for other events?

  • luvsoonersA53 says:

    Good morning sooner nation, it’s a great day to be a sooner fan sorry thunder fan’s. Moving on I recently read an article about bama state was loaded with a top 10 class 2018, I wonder how many of those guy’s may have OU connection’s thru oil field. It’s going to be nice repaying Saban by dipping in his pool. #BOOMER

  • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

    Fat open post for me today 🙂 I like it! Now ill read it then come discus it with you brainiacs in a minute

  • Matt says:

    80% of the way through the offseason, how is everyone feeling about the team? I feel like Stoops got the ship righted last year and I’m feeling an 11-1 or 12-0 type season…who’s with me?

    • Bob Edwards says:

      I’m waiting for the final Fulmer Cup standings before I decide.

    • Slim Sooner says:

      I’m wit ya! Can’t wait for this season. We are loaded. I choose to live in the land where we win every game. (I’m old so this is partly medication induced and mostly departure from memory and reality.)

  • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

    Well hot damn. That info got my blood pumping. What great work TFB over the long weekend to acquire that info. Sounds like we really have a good chance with a few of these kids. I was never sold on teams offering these kids so early in the process, but I also didn’t realize these kids want to be courted for that long. The relationships our coaches are forming with these kids is awesome! Anytime you can make someone feel at “home” in any profession then you’re doing something right. I absolutely LOVE going after the best of the best and not just assuming we can’t land these guys. For the kids above who have OU ties, look out, those boys are going to LOVE it during that event. I know 19 is a few years away, but it will be here before we know it. Anyways, Boomer!

    • SamSooner says:

      SOONER!

      This will be a promising few years. I’ve been saying it and I’ll keep saying it: when OU wins their next National Title, expect multiple titles.

      • Vegas_Sooner21 says:

        Wouldn’t doubt it at all. I’ll take another run like we had in the early 2000’s without a doubt. I’d like to win more than one, but shoot. Lol.

    • metzker says:

      He must not have gotten the memo!

    • Tony B says:

      That’s because he is not a normal ESPN Big 12 Blogger that hates OU like Chatmon and Trotter. Someone must’ve pissed in Trotter’s Wheaties when he covered OU.

    • CS says:

      I have a hard time believing this will be the case (though I am keeping my fingers crossed). Our offense will be better because of our running game not because of our air attack (I know we run an air-raid). I remember the last time we ran an offense w/o Sterling and it was not pretty.

      • Bob Edwards says:

        I remember the last time we ran an offense without Lincoln Riley as OC. It was not pretty.

        • CS says:

          Fair argument! But, 30% or more was Sterling’s contribution to our offense last year? I don’t see a receiver (that includes Westbrook) in our roster that will fulfill that void. And without knowing that saying that our offense will be much better than last year is just wishful thinking.

          • Bob Edwards says:

            Why I mentioned LR is because this offense is not supposed to rely on one WR the way we did last year. That’s why they call it the spread.
            It generally takes until the second year to fully implement a scheme. Last year was somewhat of a hybrid of the JH and the LR offenses as LR made do with the players and skill sets he had. This year the players should have enough reps that they are more comfortable in the system.
            I don’t think we intend to have a single player make up for SS’s 30%. maybe Andrews will be 15%. The other two WRs will pick up another 5% each and then we will slot Mixon out more and he will get the other 5%.
            The net effect of that should be a better overall offense because there is not just a single guy to guard.
            Of course Baker get injured or the OL doesn’t gel and we could have real problems.

  • RobWild says:

    I love how everyone is getting excited about players that are four years away from signing somewhere when we have no size or strength in our recruiting classes at the O line or D line. When are we going to start seeing some actual talent at those positions?

    • 2017 has OL and DL commits? That’s news to me.

      • SamSooner says:

        He has a short memory, Brandon.

      • RobWild says:

        I didn’t say that, I said the opposite, we don’t have beef. Tell me who are the elite offensive and defensive line recruits are that are going to stand up to Clemson, Alabama, Ohio State, and Michigan?

        Or can we expect more Nila Kasiatis? We couldn’t even get Creed Humphrey ffs.

        • JR says:

          OU’s top commit right now is an OL. Don’t disagree on the DL. As far as replacing Nila, I think you will see this season the difference between Ty and Nila vs Alvarez and Ford/Powers.

          • RobWild says:

            I don’t really care, it’s these same tools doing the sunshine pumping and circle jerking that are crying when Clemson or Texas stone walls us and no one knows why.

          • Are you trying to get banned? Name calling and language like that isn’t permitted here.

          • RobWild says:

            So scroll up and ban everyone calling me a troll then. Thanks.

          • RobWild says:

            I was at the orange bowl. I watched as the Clemson fans, players, and coaches LAUGHED at inability to protect our players or pressure their QB.

            I don’t care about hurt feelings, I don’t care about platitudes. My family has been a member of Oklahoma University since literally 1890. This is not excusable.

          • KJ1123 says:

            Part of it is our lines are young. If I was a kid getting recruited I wouldn’t want to go somewhere where I know I won’t even sniff the field for a couple of years. I do agree we need to be strong up front, more than most other positions. Can’t win it all without it.

          • Being troll is minor compared to refereeing a circle jerk. Secondly, I named two. There is a thing called scholarship numbers. Until you grasp the dynamics of position scholarship numbers, you’ll be left with absurd posts like you have done.

            But hey, everyone visits here for info from Rob Wild. Please, enlighten me.

          • 47 Straight OU Know says:

            Hawk!!! Welcome!!

          • Slim Sooner says:

            Hey, Hawk! Happy to see you back with a gif.

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Hawk in the house!

          • cush creekmont says:

            Hey Hawk! Be cautious the Troll flag has been raised.

          • SWoods says:

            Good to see you Hawk!

          • ToatsMcGoats says:

            LINCOLN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

          • RobWild says:

            Ok. 2 offensive linemen out of 7 (not even counting depth) and zero defensive linemen. You’re right. Nothing to worry about. I’m sure our trend of being the laughing stock of the nation come mid season everytime we are preseason top 5 will stop.

            And ban me for all I care. This websites OSI Network security is a joke, I mean a proxy gets around your ban in ten seconds and you use social media to register. I’ve seen game boys with better security.

            What we have is not enough and you know it. Try (and fail) to censor me all you want it’s not going to change the truth. I am too passionate about this to let it slide. We are getting passed over by recruits in our state for TAMU and UT? Is this a joke?

          • Bob Edwards says:

            If the dynamics of position scholarship numbers were understood generally on this board, the overall high IQ of the posts here would rise another 10 points.

          • RobWild says:

            So is calling people names against the rules or not? You brought it up and then literally 180’d in your next comment.

            Until you grasp the dynamics of “the game is won on the line of scrimmage” you’re going to continue to see bowl games like last years. And the year before. And two years before that. And 09 when we lost our Heisman winning QB.

            But hey, far be it from me to take your slice of pie away from you, some of us care more about the program than we do about we a half dozen people think about us on a website that relies on ad placement to fund itself.

          • The fact you think your football IQ is higher than mine is laughable. Also, I understand the line of scrimmage is the most crucial aspect, outside of the QB. That said, OU started 2 Freshmen and a sophomore on the OL last year. They will be vastly better next year.

          • cush creekmont says:

            Having employed the new-to-me “block” feature for my first time about two hours ago, I do not see the specifics of the “poster.” But thanks Brandon and all of TFB for that “block” feature. It has made my TFB viewing more agreeable today.

          • Drew says:

            It’s Prince/CastorBoyToy/whatever.

          • ALar03 says:

            It’s gonna be hard to see top d line recruits for 17.. If it happens it would be awesome but cooks didn’t recruit top dbs in 2016 but has 4 4star recruits already in 17.. Most recruits need to see a d line coach show something at that school first and OU has been a revolving door there the last few years.. I think 18 will be our class full of top beef #justwaitonit

        • Tyrese Robinson is rated in the top 50 OVERALL player in the country. Meaning he is a top 2 or 3 guy at his position. You’re a bit off on your negativity. Isaiah Thomas committed to OU. He is DE and holds offers from Bama, Tennessee and everyone else in the country.

          • RobWild says:

            Ok great, so there’s one. What about the other 4-6?

            I rest my case. I love the Dbs and the linebackers especially, but Clemson and Texas OWNED us on the line of scrimmage. Stop sunshine pumping. We need these big boys to get where we want to be.

          • RobWild says:

            And that’s just one offensive player by the way. If these redshirt sophomores don’t step up this is going to be another preseason top 5 skydive out of the top 25.

    • SamSooner says:

      Rob, I don’t get it but please tell me what we should do with the players we’ve recruited over the past few years? Or did you forget about them already?

    • Bob Edwards says:

      For 2018 we already have the #1 OT and #5 player overall committed. For 2017 we have the #5 OG. IN 2016 we added 4* Erik Swenson, plus the #3 Juco Guard and the #7 Juco OT. In 2015 we added 4* OT Bobby Evans and 4* Dru Samia. In 2014 we added piddly little 3* Orlando Brown who was named a freshman all american his first year playing. Bedenbaugh has added quality talent every year he has been here.

    • Jpsooner23 says:

      Bye Felecia!

  • ToatsMcGoats says:

    Fantastic OP, fellas! Who knew that all those ties to the Peach state would be so relevant at the same time? Getting these kids on campus seems to increase our chances significantly…waiting for that atomic blast at the end of the month…

  • cush creekmont says:

    Thanks TFB! Brandon, you teased about his OP, but you came through! Of course, you gave us the visitors, so July 30 to Aug 1, you have to give us the “visit low-down.” Your work is never done….

  • j l says:

    Wasnt pappoe the 1st ever sophmore to get invited to the opening?

    Little surprised he dosent have an offer, would have to assume that will come at the BBQ

  • Ronald Keith says:

    Great information, but that is what we expect and get from TFB. THANKS GUYS

  • SamSooner says:

    Hey, Brandon, of all of the Georgia visitors, I didn’t see the 2016 DT, Solomon, from Lee County, on the list. Didn’t he get invited?

  • T. Rob says:

    Great work on the OP Brandon and Super K. Brandon is like espn nba insider Chris Broussard to OU football.

  • Bob Edwards says:

    I like the new block user feature.

  • thebigdroot says:

    Who will be returning punts this year? I’ve heard Cobb is pretty good. Does Bob let them actually try to do something or just stand and catch.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      I’ve heard this guy is the one we are looking at.
      http://thumbs.ebaystatic.com/images/g/xYsAAOSwd0BVy6gh/s-l96.jpg

    • BoomCity89 says:

      Dede!

    • Bob Edwards says:

      As much as we joke about it, we were above average in the number of punts returned (49 out of 128) and our yds/return were a little below average (74 of 128). So we weren’t bad we were just average. Of course to compete at the level we want we need to be good and preferable elite.

      On the bright side, we gave up twelve yards in punt returns all season with a 1.09 yd/return average. Both #1 in the nation.

      • SoonerOracle737 says:

        We have a great punter for sure!

      • thebigdroot says:

        Didn’t know that about our punting, thanks Bob.
        I guess I’ve just been spoiled by the Perkins and Saunders of past.

        • Bob Edwards says:

          It also looks like our rate of returns dropped off as the season went on. I think as we got farther along we didn’t have anyone but Shep that we trusted to return punts in big games and he was too important to the offense to put him at risk.

    • Bob Edwards says:

      I think, if we can find a guy who is both quick and has good hands we will have a returner. Shep statistically was 1/3 of our passing attack and the guy that seemed to make all our big plays. Cobb would be an ideal choice or PR, if he has good ball safety. We probably won’t be depending on him as a key starter, but he appears to have the skill set.

  • poshhub says:

    Brandon Bowen will be O.K. Many things are being said in the news. http://ow.ly/ajud301WYom

  • Jake says:

    Beautiful song- regarding the Block Button:

    https://cdn.meme.am/instances/500x/69262496.jpg

    • cush creekmont says:

      Hey Jake! I guess it’s “Troll Control” for the masses.

      • Jake says:

        No kidding, Cush! How have you been, brother?….

        This football drought has been excruciating for me.

        • cush creekmont says:

          We had a great 3-day holiday, but then I found myself back here at work. I love my OU football, but I still like summer – the food, warmth, some golf – all good.

  • Jake says:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/BHfV3ADhlYp/

    Somebody add an apostrophe in that GIF for me.

    Thanks

  • metzker says:

    Well something good came out of my meeting today,i see Hawk came back and even brought a giff!!!!!!!Now thats FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!

  • T. says:

    This is golden info! Speaking of golden, stay golden fellow Brainiac-ers (from a longtime lurker, occasional poster). Seen some trolls who have not paid a toll.

  • RBear says:

    Of course, Blaylock should wear #10.

  • John Garner says:

    I must have been in a time warp or something because I have missed all talk of a BBQ. Is this something big? Something to which we can bring in prospects? When is it? What I’ve seen today about it makes it sound really awesome. Thanx in advance.

  • KJ1123 says:

    Texsa is all over Hines. Need our twitter experts to show him some love.

    • CrimsonGhost says:

      I was so disappointed when Texsa got Malik Jefferson. Now, if they happen to get Hines, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

  • metzker says:

    Its 3:52 and yes texsa sucks! Have a good one all tfbers and an awesome job OP Today.I will say Metz out and OU FOOTBALL!————

  • leatherneck1061 says:

    Love posts like this. So much to be optimistic about when it comes to future talent and team potential 🙂

  • leatherneck1061 says:

    Love posts like this. So much to be optimistic about when it comes to future talent and team potential 🙂

  • Dick Bump says:

    Does any one know when fall practice starts? I think it’s usually the first week or so in August

  • SoonerFan92 says:

    Elite 11 just put up a video of the QB’s and WR’s walking in early, and one kid had an ou hat on. Def not a current commit, but it looked like it was big time 2018 QB from Georgia. Can’t remember his name for the life of me.

  • Richard Gray says:

    any news on how Arthur Mcginnis is developing/doing??