Open Post | Wednesday, Jul. 8th

Image of Jordan Carmouche via 247 Sports

Jordan Carmouche: I recently had time for a brief chat with 2016 linebacker Jordan Carmouche (6’1″ 213 – Manvel, TX), who has not officially released a Top 5 to the public yet. However, he was kind enough to share with me his Top 5 schools and they are as follows (in no particular order): Arizona State, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma & Texas.

Carmouche has visited OU before, and I expect he will also get back to Norman at some point this fall to take in a game. – (Super K)

Du’Vonta Lampkin: Some of you may have seen this interview 2015 DT Du’Vonta Lampkin did with 247 Sports. The article mentions two schools Lampkin may now be considering (though he does not actually confirm that personally in the interview), Oklahoma and Alabama.

As of a few weeks ago, I had heard from a number of folks that many people around the OU program were confident Lampkin would end up in Norman. But as I said that was a few weeks ago, so I reached out to a source close to Lampkin yesterday. I was told (1) there are definitely other schools under consideration, and (2) Alabama does appear to be one of them.

My source said that as of right now things are still up in the air and, “he (Lampkin) can’t make a decision on where he wants to go.”

Throughout the recruiting process Lampkin’s mother had a good relationship with both Jerry Montgomery and Bob Stoopsย and actually wanted her son at OU.ย Perhaps that will be the difference, but I suppose at this point only time will tell. – (Super K)

– ‘Why Hard Work Matters’ Clarification: Just wanted to make a quick note regarding my post from yesterday. Based on a number of the comments, I noticed that some may have taken my article, and specifically my story about Sterling Shepard working with a young receiver, to mean that I may have been questioning this OU team’s work ethic. And I just want to be perfectly clear that was not my intention.

The actual intent of that post was simply to talk about the need to use work ethic as a component when evaluating potential talent. It wasn’t meant to be a commentary on where OU may or may not be from that standpoint as a program. I simply used to the Shepard story as an example I felt was relatable to the overall point I was attempting to express. – (Super K)

Jamyest Williams: 2017 DB Jamyest Williams (Lawrenceville, GA) released his Top 10 (in order) yesterday. Williams, whose father is originally from Oklahoma, was in attendance for OU’s elite summer camp this past June. As you can see below, the Sooners currently check in at No. 6 on his list. – (Super K)

211 Comments

  • Brandon says:

    it sounds like we are in on several good linebackers how many do you think we will take in this class?

    • Jordan Esco says:

      I feel like 3-4 is a pretty safe bet, especially considering at this point I think you have to say their lone current 2016 LB commit is going to at least start out as a bit of a project.

      • Brandon says:

        he might be a project but it sounds like he’s pretty long and athletic and has some good tools to work with

        • Jordan Esco says:

          No question. Those are the kind of athletic kids you take chances on. My comment was meant as a shot towards him at all, more so the simple reality of things that odds are he probably won’t be ready to come in and play right away.

          • Brandon says:

            I didn’t take it as a shot at him at all I knew what you meant

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Right on, I just wanted to clarify for my own sake.

          • SoonerMGB56 says:

            Hopefully, we won’t have need to play freshman (or even sophomores)going forward. Building some depth there perhaps. Bolton and Tay Evans, Alexander and Jordan Evans and Shannon on the inside. Behind them, McGinnis. Inside looks to have depth. Outside, probably same. But depends somewhat on whether or not we play four or three or two mostly.

      • Brandon says:

        just curious what is the total number we are looking at for this years recruiting class

        • Jordan Esco says:

          I think it started out around 17-20, but w/ the attrition they’ve experienced thus far…depending on what happens w/ guys leaving after the season, I think you could see 22-23 potentially.

      • Randy says:

        So were Striker, Alexander and Evans…

        • Jordan Esco says:

          True, but aside from Striker can you really say the other two have excelled yet?

          Plus neither Striker or Evans played much, if at all, their first year and Alexander really only did out of necessity.

          No one is saying projects can’t pan out, but to expect them to come in and contribute immediately isn’t necessarily likely (though that can obviously happen as well). That’s my only point.

          • Randy says:

            My opinion they have, are they All Americans no although Evans has a chance this year. I think people forget Alexander and Evans are true JRs and just now getting their legs behind them they have a ton of experience now with added bulk and strength they at least Evans (Shannon back not sure what happens to Alexander) will be monsters in the middle..

            Have to take that chance I love Terry’s film. Fwiw Bama has a commit from a instate (Bama) 2 star LB as well. So it’s not just OU.

          • JB says:

            I have a headache now. Could someone please translate this to English?

          • Randy says:

            The LBs are not as bad as “everyone” seems to make them out to be. And I think Jordan Evans has a chance to be a All American this year.

          • Sooner 4Ever says:

            Randy just channeled his inner Benjy Compson.

          • Indy_sooner says:

            Given how quickly they were asked to contribute, my opinion is yes. Also, Dom led in tackles one of the years and was All Big 12. Not bad for a 3 star we stole from Arkansas at the last minute.

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Stats are stats ๐Ÿ™‚

          • hemisooner says:

            I would say most freshman are projects. say around 90% on the deano scale

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Fair point, but a project who has a history at the position you’re projecting him to play versus one that has none (or very little) I’d think we could agree are two different animals.

          • hemisooner says:

            every staff has their own opinion or projection on a player. Lance Johnson was QB in high school. Boom first round pick as OT. Anquan Bolden was QB in high school. WR in college and pros. Ray lewis was RB and Travis Lewis as well. What im saying is these are still young men who have yet to develop into their own bodies. There is a reason why football is different from all sports bc it’s a man’s game. Not everybody is a mature man at age 18

    • Brandon says:

      he has a good chance to make an impact this season love to hear good news like this over bad news any day

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      This is good, always glad to see a guy is taking advantage of an opportunity to improve his life with a degree, esp if football might not be in the future.

      • JB says:

        Amen. This is the kind of thing that I’m proud to see happen within our program as much as any football honor or award.

    • Randy says:

      Him and Bond will be the biggest difference makers on defense this year.

    • Big Higg says:

      That is awesome

    • Fear The Magic says:

      Well at least thats one player who’ll be bright enough to understand the scheme.
      (not to say others wont)

      Congrats to Will

  • Exiled In Ohio says:

    Caleb’s interview at the Opening was pretty positive. When asked his favorite schools, he was like “Oklahoma of course … and, uhhh, … ” and then mentioned the other schools. Sounds like Michigan has made a huge impression, but hasn’t taken the lead. The trip to Oregon in late July is a bit scary though. Man, I hope the coaches are doing everything possible! Caleb seemed like a very sharp young man, whose faith is important to him. OU ought to be a great fit.

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Unless something changes from here going forward, and that’s certainly a possibility, it’ll either be OU or Michigan (and, yes, I realize for those following closely that’s not exactly news).

      • KJ1123 says:

        I can’t count SC out, but their stacked at LB from the 2015 class. There’s 3 P12 schools on his list. I think he’s still leaning toward the west coast. But if OU does extremely well this year (and a probably move to the SEC), it would be hard not to be enticed to come and play right away.

        • JB says:

          OU is not moving to the SEC or anywhere else for at least another 10 years, so that won’t be a factor.

          • KJ1123 says:

            It’ll be a factor if it’s talked about enough and put out there either by his friends who are playing at OU or his mentor in Fresno. Whether it comes to fruition isn’t the point, it’s whether the thought of it has enough affect on a kid that it makes him choose a school. And you can never count out the west coast schools because of family. Family will cause a kid to stay put no matter what state they’re in.

        • Exiled In Ohio says:

          I think that USC is a distant 3rd right now. Listening to the interview, he said he grew up a USC fan and is very familiar with it. If it hasn’t sealed the deal for him yet, I don’t see what they can do to change that easily. Now Oregon is another matter: he’s not familiar with them, so they have the opportunity to make a big move.

    • SoonerinLondon says:

      Wondering if the suggestion that UT would clear him to play at a non-Big 12 school could make him pick Michigan, Bama or someone else. It certainly seems like an easier way out for him.

    • UnknownSooner says:

      Yea I watched that he defiantly seemed like OU was his clear favorite I hope that’s the case and his trip to Oregon makes me nervous hey have very nice stuff

  • 47 Straight OU Know says:

    Jordan Carmouche , Man does he have the look of intensity in those eyes or what. “I’m gonna get you sucka”

  • SoonerinLondon says:

    And now for something completely different, the greatest sporting event in the world (The Tour de France) has been brutal this year. What a tough, tough sport.

    Put on your underwear, get on the freeway going 50mph, jump out of your car…that’s been this year’s opening week. Man, tough sons o guns.

    • rphokc says:

      not a big cycling fan but do watch the tdf, akin to watching daytona out of nascar as the premier yearly race for me…….nice pinball action on the wrecks couple of days ago…….most interesting to me is coming up as the mountain stages are brutal and fascinating……….too bad this sport has the doping cloud/politics constantly lurking…….surpised/disappointed at no usa team presence, in fact, very few usa riders

      • SoonerinLondon says:

        I went to the Tour for Armstrong’s last win and saw the first 3 days. Just an amazing, amazing event.

        The speed is incredible and the sound when the peloton comes by is like a jet engine…much louder than I would have expected.

        I wasn’t able to be there for a mountain stage, but think I’ll go back next year for one.

        • rphokc says:

          perhaps you have an answer……..when there are breakaways by several riders and there is some considerable distance, why does the peloton almost always catch them

          • SoonerinLondon says:

            The power of the group is stronger than the power of a few riders. There are more people with fresh legs in the Peloton than in any breakaway.

            If the Peloton wants to work together, it can catch almost any breakaway.

          • rphokc says:

            so, are you saying there are more fresh legs in the peloton due to aerodynamic advantages and that the riders in the front are rotated to maintain a/o increase the pace, therefore, the breakaways usually can’t compete with those advantages

          • SoonerinLondon says:

            Exactly. Those in the middle of the Peloton are using about 1/3 less energy. They really save strength that can be used on the front, if needed.

          • rphokc says:

            must have been a hoot to see armstrong, at least before his deceit was exposed….what a disappointing person he became……..enjoy the tdf and thxs for taking the time to respond, I learned something……on to the mountains

        • Ed Cotter says:

          I was at last year’s Stage 7 in Nancy, France and you are right, they come in so fast, the sound is just incredible. We were on the curb and I had to pull my son back because it looked like they would come right over and hit him. My wife got great pictures on our video camera that we converted to pics. Fantastic experience.

  • Cbusta says:

    Ha, now we’re losing Lampkin. This staff is a bust.

    No offense K but it’s not why hard work matters; it’s why recruiting matters

    • JrsySooner says:

      There’s always Texas. I’ll even buy your first ticket..

    • JB says:

      Recruiting always matters but it’s only one part of the equation. We already lost Lampkin to ut, so it’s not like we’re losing anything if he goes elsewhere. He is a nice player but not a guy who’s going to make or break a class. I don’t mean to disparage the guy, but what I’ve read about him on the negative side is that he plays very stiff and isn’t very fast. Assuming those evaluations are correct, it’s not like we could be losing out on the next Gerald McCoy or Tommie Harris. And we may not lose this recruiting battle…

    • Jordan Esco says:

      That’s not what was said, so take a step or two back from that cliff ledge.

      OU is definitely still a very strong contender, but they simply have some competition.

      • Cbusta says:

        I’m not near any cliff or I’d of jumped along time ago. Just seems we are always losing on top teir guys even when they do come back around. And just for giggles, how is recruiting going so far…?? Yeah yeah I know we are 6 months from signing day. I got it we’re in good shape.

        • Jordan Esco says:

          I didn’t say OU was in good shape at all. I wouldn’t b/c that would be a lie, or at least a lie based on how I currently see things.

        • SamSooner says:

          Fix the grammar, please. “I’d of jumped…” That’s translated as ” I would of jumped…” and “I got it we’re in good shape.”

          And, one more: “Just seems we are always losing on top teir [tier] guys even when they do come back around.”

          Come on dude, you’re better than that.

          • Slim Sooner says:

            He sounds and types kind of like old CastorBloodRedTroyBoy, doesn’t he? Just waiting for him to call someone Bubba or warn against drinking the kool-aid. Surprised he didn’t mention that we still need to get rid of Kish!

          • SamSooner says:

            So true. Ole Castor Oil was a funny character.

    • JrsySooner says:

      BTW if recruiting matters and it does then why did UT have the best classes year in and year out and got what?….same as OU one title but we got 6 other conference championships and played for three more Natl Championships. I’ll take those odds all day long and stick with hard work

    • Slim Sooner says:

      We’re not “losing” Lampkin. We haven’t HAD him since he decommitted then signed with Texsa. That’s not what Jordan said at all. This staff is not a bust. Recruiting does matter, but so does hard work.

    • SamSooner says:

      Are you having fun, snickering, eating your cheese puffs, drinking coffee from a stained mug, wearing an orange-smeared tee shirt, and crumbs on your key board, while moving your head from side to side to get a clear view on your monitor that hasn’t been smeared with finger prints?

      Well, I’m waiting.

      • Exiled In Ohio says:

        Hey, let’s not talk negative about cheese puffs!

        • SamSooner says:

          I loves me some cheese puffs. But, like most things, they get misused too. LOL!

          How you been, Exiled?

          • Exiled In Ohio says:

            I’m fine, but your grammar ain’t!. I believe you meant, “I have a strong affinity for the snack food termed ‘cheese puffs’.” Also, things “are misused” … they don’t “get misused.” Further, it should be “How have you been.” Other than that, your post was grammatically perfect!

          • SamSooner says:

            Touche’!

          • Exiled In Ohio says:

            Sorry, you kinda set yourself up for that one!

    • Travis Coyle says:

      Someone get this man his blankee!

      • SamSooner says:

        We don’t want him hanging around. So, no to the blankee. He’s overstayed his welcome. Just get him out of here.

    • Fear The Magic says:

      Cbusta = Troll on Scout board. Just so you all know.

    • OceanDescender says:

      Coach Monty lost lampkin something like a year ago now. Then the coaches went out and got gallimore, deberry, Campbell, Mann, Overton, and McGinnis. Have a nice day, friend.

    • SamSooner says:

      Kick Rocks!!

    • boomersooner says:

      Hey bubba. Is it you again? Another pseudonym? Still full of it I see

  • Exiled In Ohio says:

    I hate to bring up the QB wars again … ok, I actually love it. But I’ve been hearing a lot of TK haters recently. While I can understand some of the concerns with his Pick6’s, I’ve heard he can’t throw, and some say he can’t even run. C&C has last year’s Iowa State game for their Day 59 countdown, and it was definitely one of those “good Trevor” days. Don’t tell me he can’t run. I think his confidence throwing really took a hit after Sterling went down, but he was very impressive before that point. With much improved receivers this year, I fully expect to see “good Trevor” throughout this year. And with the hobbles off his running (because of strong backups), I think he has a big year.

    OK, all you TK haters, and those of you whose glass is always more than half empty, lay into me.

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      I’d love to see TK9 become the consistent QB he has the potential for, until he does though I will continue to worry about OUs QB situation

    • rainydaze114 says:

      Sounds like we are among the few still on the TK9 wagon. I still think he’s going to be the starter game one. Plus, the news of Mayfield’s “fatigue” or whatever further enforces my personal opinion.

    • LLAdamJ7 says:

      I really hope Trevor is our QB again. I think his ceiling is higher than Mayfields. It’s amazing how so many have given up on the kid.

    • OceanDescender says:

      There’s more to knight than we’ve seen so far IMO. I think the Knight Train might have some coal left to burn.

    • SoonerOracle737 says:

      I said a while back I thought TK9 has reached his ceiling in performance. The others have room to grow. But, I’d love to be wrong.

      • Fear The Magic says:

        Are you serious? Of course he still has room to grow. Its not at all unlikely that he’ll upgrade from Katy Perry to Shakira or maybe even Beyonce

        • SoonerOracle737 says:

          I hope he can upgrade to Taylor Swift, but I’m not holding my breath.

      • Jordan Esco says:

        I don’t know how anyone could say we’ve seen Knight’s ceiling when he’s never been afforded (at least during his time in Norman) the opportunity to run an offense suited to his strengths.

        • Zack says:

          And considering they changed coordinators, I think it’s safe to assume that bob thinks Thomas and knight are good enough to play at a high level. Especially since that coordinator is the only qb to win a national title for stoops.

          • JB says:

            It may be safer to assume that Bob’s options are limited so he has no other options. We haven’t done a very good job recruiting QBs over the last 3-4 years.

          • Zack says:

            I would disagree and say it’s been the development of the receivers. The last 4 or 5 we signed were 4 star guys if I’m not mistaken and while stars don’t matter, that explains that they were highly thought of by coaches and scouts.

          • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

            Hey, there’s an idea. The thing that Baker lacks, to my knowledge (he may have it), is the ability to run like Trevor and Cody. Thus, that part of the offense is limited with Baker. I think Cody has all of it. He’s simply not ready yet. /advertisement

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            I think that “part of the offense” is no longer a part of the offense. The TT QBS never ran well, and looking at the ECU film the QB doesn’t run.

        • Sooner 76 says:

          Jordan, what offense do you think would best fit Trevor’s strengths? IMO, it’s the zone read, but he has to stay healthy and he has to make better decisions with the ball.

        • Soonerfan1 says:

          I am rooting for TK. I have also heard that he is more relaxed and comfortable in this system than he has ever been before.

        • SoonerOracle737 says:

          Show me where his passing accuracy and ability to make reads has improved? It got worse as the year went on last year. Hence, my opinion.

        • SoonerfanTU says:

          To be fair, not every QB gets an offense tailored 100% to their strengths. Good QB’s don’t need that. Maybe I answered my own question…..TK can only be a good QB with a perfectly tailored offense. This is OU. We should be able to recruit QB’s that can be plugged into just about any system, and succeed. Save the whole “running” thing.

        • MrBigsby says:

          His ceiling was Bama.

          • Jordan Esco says:

            His ceiling as a passer was probably that Bama game, but not IMO as a QB. b/c again he still really wasn’t allowed to utilize his athleticism outside the pocket in that game.

          • MrBigsby says:

            You honestly think he can play better than that game? I guess it’s possible, just highly unlikely. In fact, I think he exceeded his ceiling in that game.

          • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

            But you just said his ceiling was against Bama. Which is it?

          • MrBigsby says:

            Well, since he hasn’t been able to replicate that performance, I’d say he exceeded his ceiling. Let’s be honest, in that game he played way above his capabilities.

          • paganpink says:

            But wasn’t that because most of the season he was either injured or recovering from an injury , or the coaches were scared he would be injured again without a legitimate backup quarterback? He was the same way the year before; very good at running with the ball at times but persistently hurt, or partially injured and recovering.

          • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

            Pretty high ceiling…not sayin’ just sayin’.

        • D Hunter Sanchez says:

          Fair point. However, would you say he’ll be running an offense suited to him in 2015? Don’t think so.

      • Krys Allen says:

        I just don’t understand how anyone could think any of these kids could have already hit their ceiling… for one he will have a new QB coach, maybe Riley and him click and Riley just explains things better, two he will be in an entirely new offense, maybe it utilizes his skillset better? Plus he is just a year older and hopefully wiser… more reps, more comfortable, better receivers.

        I am personally of the opinion that he will still be the starter, and while I don’t think he will complete 75% of his passes… I would not be suprised to see some of the bad interceptions go away and him complete 65%.

        • Brent says:

          OU fans think TK9 has already hit his ceiling because they just finished watching Landry Jones peak in his sophomore year.

          • Krys Allen says:

            Good point.. i would argue that you can see alot of the same tendencies in LJ, BB, and TK. The common denominator was JH.

          • Brent says:

            very true. it just dawned on me that Bradford peaked in his soph year also (because of injuries, but still not a great trend for OU QBs).

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Disagree. LJ set freaking records while at OU. Yes, he cost us a potential N title against Missouri, but the offense wasn’t scoring challenged as it has been at times the last two years.

          • SoonerOracle737 says:

            Landry had tremendous accuracy to fall back on, when he wasn’t running around in circles behind LOS.

        • SoonerOracle737 says:

          I want TK to succeed, but if I’m honest in my talent evaluation I have to tell myself he’s not getting better. Why isn’t he getting better? Most of the burden falls onto the player and not coaches.

        • Scott Moore says:

          Perhaps. Remember Boykin in 2013? He looked as bad or worse than Knight. Very inconsistent. He gets a new Offensive coordinator. New system. New QB coach. Now he’s a front runner to win the Heisman. Sure would be nice to see that happen for TK. Couldn’t happen to a nicer kid or group of fans. ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Sooner 76 says:

        I’d love to be wrong as well, b/c he has a lot of physical talent.

      • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

        I disagree about Trevor.

        Cody has yet to reach his potential. I’m not wrong.

    • Zack says:

      TK9, not sure if anyones nicknamed him tech nine. But he will be the starter day one. I said the other day that I believe he’s hurt more than anyone is letting on. If he can play though I’m ok with that I just want the best qb on the field. And if the mcginnis kid from heritage hall or wherever is the best then start him.
      If duron Neal is the best qb then start him. We need a guy who can put a team on his back like Landry and go win a shootout like he did vs wvu and osu in 2012.

      • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

        Gallimore for QB is my vote. Neville dares you to disagree.

    • Sooner 76 says:

      Criticizing someone’s performance is NOT hating them.

      And I’m NOT a negative person about OU.

      I like Trevor, and think he’s an outstanding young man.

      He has a good arm, and he’s very fast. He’s had some great games in addition to the Bama game, such as the K-State game in 2013, when he threw well, and he and Clay ran the zone read to perfection. It shows what that system can do with a good running QB and a good RB.

      That being said, he’s proven in two seasons to be very inconsistent in his performances, both within games and from game to game. He’s also been injured both seasons.

      He doesn’t seem to read the field well, locks onto his primary receiver, and throws the ball into coverage. The pick against Baylor was thrown towards Bell, who had 3 players on him.

      IMO, poor QB play was OU’s biggest problem last year. Bell was also inconsistent and his poor play in the texass and Baylor games in 2013 was the primary reason OU lost of both those games. His QB rating was under 10 in both of those games. Blake had some excellent games as well, such as the ND game. For the record, I like Bell and think he’s an outstanding young man as well.

      • Zack says:

        Qb play was questionable for good parts of 2013 and 2014 but the system was not very suitable and didn’t every one basically know our plays the last 2 years on offense and last year on defense? I think the main problem with last year is there were a lot of young and inexperience at key positions.

        • Sooner 76 says:

          I respectfully disagree about the system. IMO, the poor playcalling was not the disease, but a symptom. Josh would change the playcalling when the QBs were playing poorly. He would become very conservative, fearing interceptions.

          When the QBs played well, I thought the playcalling was pretty good.

          Poor play by the WRs except Shep also hurt the QBs.

          • Krys Allen says:

            Well, agree to disagree because the system is what is responsible for making these QB’s consistent. If they have the talent to have good games against good teams, then the system should be what takes that talent and translates it into consistency. This is why I am hopeful going forward. These guys have the tool set, they just need the proper system and QB coach to hone their skills and improve their consistency.

            Just one example would be the pick 6 against k-state. For whatever reason we run what l recall to be some kind of bubble screen right next to our own end zone. Sure maybe it was an improper read by Trevor, but if Riley is in that situation and knows his QB has a tendency to read that wrong, then maybe he doesn’t give him the option and that game turns out completely different.

          • Sooner 76 says:

            There’s a difference between the offensive system and coaching the QBs. The latter is where Josh failed, IMO. That, and other than Landry, I don’t think Josh recruited an excellent or great QB while he was at OU.

            That said, I do like Lincoln’s system better than Josh’s and I think Lincoln will recruit and coach better than Josh. But what Josh accomplished as a player will never be tarnished by his coaching ability or lack thereof.

          • I disagree. Play calling and coaching has been the major issue with the offense the last 2-3 years with a few games being the exception (like the Alabama game when they let Trevor be Trevor). JH’s play calling was weird to say the least. We run the ball right down a teams throat, get on the their 20 yard line and then throw 3 passes and kick a field goal. We come to the line after making 7 passes in a row and run the ball straight up the middle with 9 defensive players inside the tackles. We call a pass to the sideline on our own 1 yard line, gets it picked for 6. I know the QB could have optioned out of it, but IMO it should never have been called. I love JH, but loved him a lot more as just a QB coach.

          • Sooner 76 says:

            I get what you are saying. If we get to the redzone and they stack the LOS, then OU passes and you complain. If they run at the stacked defense, you complain.

          • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

            Indeed there are some ideas here. The main issue to address is that OU executed well against Bama. Trevor to Sterling. 4th down conversions. INTs. Sacks. Yes, quite a few big plays given up by OU. Ok, that’s settled.

            When have we seen the middle screen other than in the Bama game? That was perfect for Roy.

            Josh attacked the field vertically against Bama. Either we weren’t good at that ever again or we simply didn’t do it much. I asked K if we ran post routes (because I can’t see them on the TV frame) and he said they did. However, I’m still at a loss for the middle of the field over 25 yards.

          • Zack says:

            The WR was one of the key inexperienced positions for sure but there was very little separation from receivers. It seemed like they were trying to run pro style route combos when everyone is running quick pass routes. I expect the receivers to look a lot better this year with the route system.
            From what I’ve read about the leach systems is that the receivers basically run option routes and the qb and wr have to know the options based on how the defense sets up.

      • Exiled In Ohio says:

        I don’t disagree that he had accuracy and read problems. But I still feel like that was much worse late in the season, after Sterling went down and his receivers weren’t helping him.. I think he didn’t have good options and started pressing, then had some confidence issues when things went poorly. I think he’ll learn from that and he will have much improved receivers this year. Plus, I think when he’s allowed to run it will boost his confidence. Just needs his mojo back this season!

        • Sooner 76 says:

          TCU was game 5, K-State was game 7, and Baylor was game 9. He was injured in the Baylor game.

          • SoonerMGB56 says:

            You are correct about the point in the season those games were, obviously.
            But in pursuing your agenda to place all blame on TK, you overlook coaching contributions to the TCU loss, and a variety of contributions to KSU. And coaches contributed to the Baylor fiasco.
            TK’s pick six v TCU was all on him. But we had a couple of drives, deep into TCU territory late, where the play calling was so horrendous that they fizzled and died. We lost by four.
            KSU, the pick 6 was a horrible play call. You just don’t make that call, in that position on the field. Now TK could have thrown is away. So that is 50/50 coach/player. But Hunnicut missed two chip shot field goals, an extra point, and we had a drive deep, late that fizzled due to poor play calling. We lost by one.
            Baylor, the near pick 6 turned the game in their favor. But the incessant 3 and outs (PLAY CALLING!!!!!!) contributed greatly. As did Mikey’s total loss of confidence in his DB’s.
            OSU, TK wasn’t even playing…..all on the offensive coaches and Bob on the re-punt.
            Clemson…..the team had quit by then.
            In summary, with no receivers stepping up, predictable play calling and game plans handcuffing the QB’s. You can’t put it all on them.
            BUT…….I’m not sure we have better than TK. Not sure we don’t. The development of QB’s has gone downhill so much since Josh went to OC, it’s impossible to tell. I hope Baker or Cody get their chance, but I’m not sure that with better coaching, TK can’t improve. I’m just not very confident any way you look at it.
            We’ll find out week two, at Tennessee.

        • boomersooner says:

          Good stuff. I’d add having a new voice to listen to will help, especially when the new voice ain’t constantly cussing atcha

      • Daryl says:

        Isn’t this why we fired our offensive coordinator and QB coach. Maybe it wasn’t Bell and Knight as much as it was coaching? Only time will tell.

        • Sooner 76 says:

          This is what I don’t understand. Players have bad games and it’s always the coaches’ fault.

          Trevor throws a pick into triple coverage and it’s Josh’s fault. I don’t think so. That’s on Trevor all the way.

          • Daryl says:

            Sooner I agree there are plenty of times where players just make bad plays and that is not a coaches fault. Then there are times that coaches set players up to fail. For example how all of knew that when we ran a “zone read” there was no read. It was a handoff. When as a fan I can see the DE crashing down the line every single time it is the caches job to say no matter what keep it this time to keep them honest. Our OC didn’t do that. Another example is a bubble screen call. The reason our guys look at the sideline over and over is because our players were not given the option to checkout of plays. So you call a bubble screen when DBs are in press coverage from sideline. Those are coaching errors not player errors. By no means is Trevor off the hook for his bad decisions but neither is the coach for putting players in bad situations. That is all I am saying.

            What we all agree on is if you take a few interceptions away and a punt last year is a very successful year. Translation we need better QB play however we can get it and a little better coaching and this team could really surprise people this year.

          • Sooner 76 says:

            I hated that the zone read was pre-called. I think that had to do with fear of injury on the QB. I think that was taken out of Josh’s hands by Bob, just as I think the lack of a single pass in the last 4 possessions against osu was Bob’s call and not Josh’s.

            I’m not trying to be an apologist for Josh, but I think the degree of criticism on him is unfair.

            I agree that it was time for Josh and Jay to leave, but not for bad playcalling, rather for bad player development. I’ll say this for Jay, his WRs were mostly great blockers, but too many couldn’t catch the ball.

          • Drew says:

            That’s the thing though. If Bob wouldn’t let TK run, then JH should’ve ran a different play.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Well, Cody Thomas didn’t provide BS with much confidence throwing the ball last year did he?

          • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

            First games ever played as college player, we probably could expect some ups and downs. Moreover, what did the coaches tell Thomas to do?

            Did they tell him, “Just don’t throw an INT. Manage the game and that’s it”?

            Did they tell him, “Let loose. Be confident. Play however you want. Win the game. Command the offense. Score points…”?

            This is information that we’d need to know to better explain someone’s performance.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Fair enough. But you saw the tape, he couldn’t complete a simple swing pass. I mean, what’s right is right. I hope he is tearing it up and wins the job being the best guy.

          • D Hunter Sanchez says:

            Exactly. BS said after that interception that “you cannot make that throw in that situation.”

      • SamSooner says:

        Sooner 76, you make valid points. But I don’t think JH did TK any favors with his predictable play calling. I think LR will abandon his game plan if he sees something during the game in order to take advantage of a defensive scheme.

        You’re right about TK; he does lock onto receivers and he is bad about predetermining who will get the ball.

      • L'Carpetron Dookmarriot says:

        It seemed that he locked onto a receiver at times (Shep…). But what were his reads? Does anyone know that? I don’t.

    • SamSooner says:

      Well, it would appear you have a “strong affinity” for topics involving QB play. How have you been, my friend? LOL!

      How’s that?

      • Exiled In Ohio says:

        An excellent post! Just what I would expect from a gentleman and scholar such as you!

        I’ve been well! Women’s World Cup definitely helped with the offseason blues. Watched the MNT against Honduras last night, and that didn’t help the blues; they played terribly. But a win’s a win!

        • SamSooner says:

          I agree with you, as well as Al Davis.

          • Exiled In Ohio says:

            You agree with me that you are a gentleman and a scholar? I should have mentioned your humility also!

          • SamSooner says:

            Well, I guess if I need to clear this up for you, I will. I figured Al Davis would have given this away: “Just win, baby.”

            I have very little shame and less humility. I will take praise from anyone who gives it; that includes compliments I throw my own way.

          • Exiled In Ohio says:

            Ok, I admit I understood you the first time.

            I don’t blame you, me, or Mac Davis for our lack of humility.

          • SamSooner says:

            Touche’, again.

          • Exiled In Ohio says:

            Did you get the Mac Davis reference? One of my favorite songs!

          • SamSooner says:

            I did not but I looked it up. “It’s hard to be humble.” It really is.

    • Mizuno44 says:

      The new offense will be perfect for a QB who’s primary goal is to get the ball into the hands of our skill players, whether handing off or passing, making correct reads, delivering accurate passes consistently, and by all means not forcing things when nothing’s there. We also should have no intention of integrating the QB in the run game, and let any scrambling ability be a bonus. Let’s get back to some basics and allow the run game to setup the pass, or vice versa, because our weapons in the skill areas are growing. If it’s TK, great, I just haven’t see it yet, and we have to run the table to get a sniff at the playoff.

      • SoonerOracle737 says:

        Mucho agreeo amigo.

      • Rick says:

        Agree will all your points. Disagree about TK. We have seen his potential. That was his Sugar Bowl performance. He definately hasn’t always lived up to that potential, but that is what he is capable of, with a good game plan, and some good receivers on the field. Remember, the Air Raid makes a mediocre QB seem much better, and a quality QB like Superman. Riley’s QB’s at ECU were not particularly gifted, and neither was his running backs who by the way were 1000 yard RBs. He did have some good receivers and a good system.

    • JB says:

      Short of an injured Mayfield about the only time he’ll see is mop up duty

      • Boom says:

        JB, this offense is suited for Trevor. Not saying he’s the starter but he will do well and he will make the calls at the line. He wasn’t able to do this with JH much less even see what the defense was giving him. Like I said, not sure who will start but love the competition as it will only make OU better. In addition, when one goes down there won’t be a huge drop off. We will be fine tuned.

    • hemisooner says:

      We ONLY had one passing threat (sterling) all year. As soon as Sterling went down, Trevor’s play suffered. Before Sterling 260yds avg 59.3% completion 9 TD 6 INTs for QB rating of 137.2. After sterling went down, 159.7 avg 51.1 % completion 5 TD 6 INTs for QB rating of 98.3. Now add in Westbrook and Andrews to the WR corp and you will see his numbers jump.

      • Exiled In Ohio says:

        Thanks for adding some objective data to the discussion!

      • D Hunter Sanchez says:

        I hope. But 59% is not a solid stat for an OU QB. Paul Thompson, not a gifted QB, threw for 60%.

      • ND52 says:

        Sorry but Knight looked flat-out lost at times last year. And Michael Jordan in his prime couldn’t have caught some of his passes.

        • D Hunter Sanchez says:

          Yep. Hell, Tim Duncan at 7’0 couldn’t haul some of those air balls down.

    • D Hunter Sanchez says:

      As one who has voiced the opinion of anyone but TK, you raise a solid point in that after Shepard got hurt, TK’s play got worse. Perhaps he’ll improve with this being a third year and more weapons. But he threw a dumb pass in the Spring game. Jury is out still.

    • JD says:

      I like the year Boykin had last year under his new offense…TK can very easily have similar results…interesting enough is the fact that TK and Boykin had very similar stats there first two years and now Boykin is a heisman contender year 3…not saying it will happen but wouldn’t be shocked if it did happen…wouldnt be shocked if Cody was the guy either

  • OceanDescender says:

    Do yall think having Austin Bennett on the team will help with recruiting Jordan carmouche? Maybe they’re good friends or something?
    Edit: Since they’re both from Manvel, to clarify.

    • JD says:

      Is Austin still on the team..thought he bolted

      • OceanDescender says:

        I thought he had some snaps in the spring game. Don’t believe I’ve heard him tied to a transfer or dismissal like kj young or dannon cavil.

        • JD says:

          You may be right…I thought there was something out there after the SG…it might have been KJ though

  • bjwalker82 says:

    Fair enough K. Didn’t mean to assume regarding ‘Hard Work Matters’.

  • Matt says:

    Guys, guys, guysโ€ฆ.everyone needs to remember what TCU was 2
    years ago. Then they went out and got themselves and OC and QB coach. Boykin
    was expected to move to WR even going into fall camp and now he is a legit Heisman
    candidateโ€ฆ There is NOTHING to say that OU canโ€™t have the turnaround they did.

  • OU85 says:

    Just want to put it out there. How about some film breakdown of Lincoln Riley’s offense maybe with ECU? JY, K??

  • SamSooner says:

    I say JY because Super K has made it clear that he’s “all about that D, ’bout that D, no offense.”

    Well, huh? Huh?

    Was that funny?

  • Mizuno44 says:

    Would love to have Lampkin, if he wants to be here. Tough though when I sift through the rough timeline headquartered in the area of my brain where cells used to live; he was once committed, couldn’t get admitted to that school down South, was then a “firm” verbal commit once again, now he’s considering other schools. As I said, would love to have him on board, but surely we can land someone of equal or more value, and that WANTS to be here. IMO, and now stepping off my soap box as I’m typing.

    • SamSooner says:

      The thing that I like, as I read the article, is that Texsa is pissing him off.

    • SoonerfanTU says:

      He is starting to seem kind of flaky. I’m about ready to move on from hoping he ends up at OU.

    • Slim Sooner says:

      Agree with that. Lampkin could’ve already been here a long time ago, but he chose to decommit then chose Texass Sucks over us. It was only a maybe he’d come to OU when he didn’t qualify there. No matter how good he is, that’s not a kid who’s ours to lose. So go get the young men who actually want to be Sooners. If he ends up here, I’ll support him but I’m sure not losing sleep over the deal. We’ve got some talented players who signed up for the good guys from the start. I like them. Just my opinion.

  • SoonerfanTU says:

    Mayfield still not throwing?

  • Boomer4life says:

    It’s just weird that Lampkin can’t make a decision.

  • Jeff says:

    So will Rivals new #1 player in Oklahoma get a OU offer?

  • Boom says:

    Missing on QB Shea Patterson is a true bummer. Shea is a stud and a great kid and he’s heading to Ole Miss. I know what your thinking but he has a brother who is the recruiting coordinator at Ole Miss and he and Shea are tight. I’m at the opening in Beaverton, Nike campus this week during elite 11 and now all of the 7 on 7. Never seen a quick release like Shea’s. Nothing even close. For someone who appreciate QB’s, it is a thing of beauty.

    Tyrie Cleveland is a freak. 6’4 4.35 laser timed Never ran over 4.0 after 5 times and he did the vertical 5 times and averaged 41″. Freak WR.

    FYI – TE Isaac Nauta is so smooth and his cuts left CB’s grasping for air. Also, he ain’t no 236, more like 255. Unreal, kid is going to FSU but he will be great.

    Devin White RB/LB Louisiana is 6.05 260 ran a 4.45 and his slowest time was 4.5. Dad told me he was 260 and there is no doubt he is 260.

  • DCinAZ says:

    Only thing I took from the story about Sheperd working with a young receiver was a veteran WR showing leadership by helping an underclassmen with his game. Not sure why there would be confusion about that.