The Football Brainiacs

Image of Xavier Newman via 247 Sports

– Things To Watch For Friday: Needless to say this Friday with the BBQ will be a huge recruiting opportunity for the Sooners. Many of you have been keeping up with TFB’s visitor list for several weeks now and with that in mind, we wanted to remind you of a few things to keep an eye on this weekend.

* K’Lavon Chaisson: As mentioned on Monday, we still cannot confirm whether talented 2017 OLB/DE, K’Lavon Chaisson (Houston, TX) will be at the BBQ. The latest word TFB received was from Chaisson’s coach who simply said, “[I] doubt he goes.” So barring a change of plans, at this point we aren’t expecting him to make it.

But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep our eye on Chaisson, who we talked about in that same Monday OP generating some buzz around the possibility he could announce a commitment maybe even as early as Friday (despite not likely being able to attend the BBQ). And as we’ve continued to check with sources close to Chaisson, that possibility seems more and more real.

Though we’ve yet to confirm with Chaisson personally, one source close to him we asked about the possibility of a pending commitment said, “I cannot confirm that, but it would not surprise me.” And a second source close to Chaisson told TFB they did believe a commitment is expected to happen soon, perhaps on Friday.

Again, until we hear it directly from Chaisson we cannot say for certain one way or another. But it certainly sounds like the possibility of it happening is distinct enough that it’s something to watch. We should add that one of the sources from above also said “I’m sure OU is in a good place” regarding where the Sooners stand with Chaisson. – (Super K)

* Xavier Newman: Ever since 2017 Texas OL commit Xavier Newman received an Oklahoma offer, we’ve been on commitment watch. And with Newman expected to be in Norman this Friday for the BBQ, this possibility of a flip to Oklahoma becomes even more imminent.

We’ve spoken with a number of sources and the feeling definitely remains that Newman flipping to OU is just a matter of time. No time like a good BBQ, am I right? – (Super K)

* Adrian Ealy: 2017 OT Adrian Ealy (Baton Rouge, LA) will make his first trip to Oklahoma this weekend. And while we haven’t heard much on the possibility of Ealy committing, we mentioned him here if for no other reason than because of how OU’s offensive line numbers are playing out in this 2017 class.

If Newman does indeed flip, that would give Oklahoma three OL commits. Which would then likely only leave the Sooners just one remaining OL spot. In the past Ealy has been pretty open about his interest in Oklahoma and if things go well this weekend, we’re curious to see if his hand isn’t forced, so to speak and he feels the need to ‘reserve’ that final spot for himself with a commitment. Either way, Ealy tells TFB he plans to be back in Norman for the Ohio State game. – (Super K)

* Chuck Filiaga: Just wanted to pass along that our own Alex King chatted with 2017 OL and OU offer Chuck Filiaga this past weekend. Filiaga told Alex that he may possibly attend the BBQ, but as of this past weekend was still “discussing it with (my) parents.” – (Alex & Super K)

* Omar Manning: We have Manning listed as a “possible” attendee in the visitor list for this weekend. TCU has long been considered the favorite for Manning, however just the other day TFB heard he has not been communicating with the Horned Frogs nearly as much of late. Which could certainly bode well for the Sooners, who, like the OL, probably have one more WR spot for the right candidate. So we’ll certainly keep are eye on whether or not Manning makes it to Norman for this weekend’s BBQ. – (Super K)

– Anthony Hines: Earlier this week TFB spoke with the father of 2017 LB Anthony Hines about a possible return trip to Oklahoma, as Hines and his family originally planned on attending the BBQ this Friday before a scheduling conflict arose. Hines’ father shared with TFB, however, that even though they won’t be able to make it to to the BBQ, they do expect to be in Norman on the following Monday. Which will mark one of many visits Hines has already made to Norman, but Monday will be the first in which Hines’ mother will accompany him.

Speaking with Hines’ father, it seemed that a commitment timeline is coming into focus but is still not quite settled. “He (Anthony) had originally planned to commit before the season started. Now it looks like it may be during the season, as he may take some visits. But he is a 17-year old kid, so that may change as well,” Hines’ father told TFB. Among those visits is likely to be yet another trip to Norman, this time for a game, but that may not be in the form of an official visit. “Just because OU may not get an official doesn’t hurt them at all. We have been up there so much we kind of know what to expect,” Hines’ father explained.

Hines released his Top 10 during The Opening, and his father said they don’t have any plans to name a Top 5. His son will simply commit when they feel the time is right. After speaking with Mr. Hines and a couple of sources close to the family, we continue to feel good about where Oklahoma stands in this one. – (Brandon)