Open Post | Tuesday, May 12th (UPDATE 1:07 pm)

Image via @ParkerBoudreaux

Parker Boudreaux: I had a chance to chat with Parker Boudreaux’s father yesterday and, as most of you know, Boudreaux is one of the most highly coveted 2016 offensive tackle prospects in the country. Brandon has noted on multiple occasions that Boudreaux is very interested in the Sooners and thoroughly enjoyed his visit to OU several weeks ago. And in talking with Boudreaux’s father, he certainly corroborated that sentiment.

Boudreaux’s father told me that while they live in Florida, they are originally from Louisiana. In fact he said their extended family still lives in Louisiana and on a recent trip back they, “told Parker it’s only about an 8 to 8 1/2 hour drive to OU for them.” Which makes it sound like the extended family might even be OU’s corner, haha.

When I asked Boudreaux’s father how the trip to Norman went he said, “it was great…could really feel the tradition there… definitely at the top of the list.” To be more specific, he said that his son is hoping to cut his list down in June to just five schools and that Oklahoma will “definitely” be in said list.

I don’t know how this one is going to end up, but we get the strong sense coach Bedenbaugh has OU right in the thick of things. If Oklahoma could land both Boudreaux and Kellen Diesch in this class, it’d be hard to deny that Bedenbaugh would have brought in two of the more athletic tackles in the entire country. – (Super K)

Jace Webb | OK Preps: Yesterday, 2016 OK Preps offensive lineman Tyler Brown (Lexington, OK) added a couple more offers (TCU and Arizona State) to his growing list. But another VERY intriguing 2016 offensive lineman who has quietly picked up a few offers is Jace Webb (6’4″ 295 – Hollis, OK).

Brandon recently passed Webb’s film on to the rest of us at TFB, and we all shared the same sentiments. It is rare to find a human being that big explode off the line that quickly! We were all excited by Webb’s size, but it was impossible not to be impressed by his burst and just how violent he is with his hands on initial contact.

Webb plays both ways in high school, but would certainly project as an offensive lineman at the next level. Once he’s able to dedicate himself to one side of the ball, both in terms of technique development and the reserve of energy from only playing offensive series, his upside could be very special.

He obviously plays at a small school so the competition isn’t what it would be at a bigger program, but his first step is just undeniable even against air. He can play reckless at times but whether you’re watching his sophomore film, junior film or the additional clips available, when he gets his hands on a defender, the initial punch is so jarring that the defender is simply helpless.

I had a chance to speak with Webb last night, who shared with him he currently holds offers from Ohio University, North Texas, Wyoming & Army. I suspect that list will only continue to grow as more and more people are able to see his film. One of the comments JY actually made in a TFB group text after watching the kid’s film was that Webb, “won’t get out worked.” JY sensed that both from his film and in speaking with Webb, who talked about the importance of discipline in his life and his desire to be successful at whatever he does in the future.

Athletically, Webb can hang with just about any of the big guys in the country. Though most of us live outside of Oklahoma, we always love finding these gems from our mother state. I get the sense that wherever Webb goes, he will represent his family, his city & his state well. – (Brandon & Super K)

Lon’Trelle Miller | OK Preps: Here on TFB we’ve talked previously about a couple of Tulsa Edison standouts in 2017 DB Marcus Mays and 2016 NG Alex Criddle. But we wanted to quickly highlight another talented defender at Edison named Lon’Trelle Miller (6’1″ 195 – Tulsa, OK). Miller is a 2016 outside linebacker with a great initial step and good closing speed. He also does a good job of using his lateral quickness to avoid blocks and/or get the blocker on his heels and work him outside in.

He just plays the game with great effort, showing up on plays even when he isn’t aligned play side and looks comfortable tackling in space. I would love to see what he could do playing in coverage. You get to see him drop on a couple occasions and he looks good doing so, but they’re mostly shallow drops and there isn’t any pattern matching. That’s something I’d like to see simply because given his size, he will likely be required to play in coverage at the next level. He currently plays OLB in a 3-4. But as it stands today, there is a lot to like about Miller’s game in my opinion – (Super K)

– UPDATE (11:43 am): Kerry Cooks once again wasting no time with regards to handing out offers and continuing what seems to be a recent trend (and a somewhat odd one, in my – Jordan – opinion) for the OU staff in general of a focus on 2017 prospects (as opposed to, you know, maybe 2016 kids). The most recent, today, in Thomas Graham Jr. (5’11” 170 – Corona, CA).

– UPDATE (1:07 pm):

 

79 Comments

  • BleedCrimson says:

    First

  • bjwalker82 says:

    Beed N Bo.

    • bjwalker82 says:

      I know this is recruiting season but I can’t get into it as much with that sour taste in my mouth after last season. I’d like to know how OU will improve the defense. I wanna know who is suspended and why. To me this is a crossroads for the program. Some thought that was the case last season, and they may still be right when we look back on it.
      We’ve heard that “Bob is focused” etc. but I just don’t know if I can believe that anymore. Not until…real and tangible results. Can’t wait for summer workouts so I can worry myself with this stuff some more. To be a Sooner fan is too be spoiled and yet tortured at the same time. What a joyous diversion.

      • Herman Bubbert says:

        Some very important people agree in total with you. 2015 is a turning point – one way or another – for this program.

        • Boom says:

          You have made us very aware of this information and I believe all of us have this down. However, feel free to get this shot in once or twice a month.

          • Herman Bubbert says:

            So has K. You whine at him much?

          • Boom says:

            Not whining, just said I get it. K doesn’t gig us with this info at every chance he gets. Both of you have spoke clearly on the “key” stakeholders and how they view the season. I don’t disagree with either of you.
            TFB brings us a wealth of recruiting info which is fun to watch and follow. I don’t think I see you commenting on the recruits or who’s a fit. Thank you.

          • boomersooner says:

            Exactly. Just another in the long line of flaming bags on our porch. I cannot wait for an ignore button

    • Sooner 76 says:

      BB definitely putting in the work. OU should ave an excellent OL as long as he is in Norman.

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    Open Post is in…now I can go about my day.

  • hOUligan says:

    Seeing OP with a pic of BOUdreaux gets the heart pumping. And none of this’ I’m going to be listing my Top 15 in June’ jazz. Dude plays football, not posting selfies to ‘am I pretty’. Want this kid playing for OU.

    • Sooner 4Ever says:

      Pictures of other men flexing gets your heart pumping hOUligan? I didn’t know that about you. But I don’t judge; whatever floats your boat. 🙂

      • hOUligan says:

        It’s all about the BOOM. Was hoping OU made his top 20 he’s releasing soon. ; )

  • Boom says:

    Love the new names surfacing. Parker is a given but Jace Webb? Great find and he’s impressive. Hopefully Coach B is tuned in and has reached out to Jace.
    Lon’Trelle, quick and powerful. I don’t care what his size is, you can’t coach instincts and passion. Good find and again I hope OU will evaluate him.
    Thanks, fun to see Okie boy’s getting their due.

    • Super K says:

      Brandon texted me and said his film is very similar to Strikers HS film. Have to say I agree

      • Boom says:

        Same type of fire & instincts as Striker. Curious if he is really 6’1 or if he’s still growing. Doesn’t matter to me as he is a baller. I like Jace too.

  • hOUligan says:

    And while we’re at it, would love to see offers to Webb and Brown. Have been hearing Webb’s name over the last year. Love what he says and JY sees it….kid has natural ability, coach-ability and sensibility. He will work his tail off.

  • BigJoeBrown says:

    TFB or anyone else. What inparticular do coach’s do to make recruiting visit’s valuable when they come to campus? You know rather than the usual tour (that everyone does).

    • JD says:

      IMO you have to be a salesman..give the usual tour but sale it to them on that tour…the trophies, the bling, all of the amenities, the degrees they want to pursue…campus life…you have to make them feel like this is the place for them (you always hear the recruit say that after committing or signing their LOI)

  • Soonerfandave84 says:

    Thanks K and Brandon, if Boudreaux were to choose OU, that’d be a huge get and could open Fla recruiting up even more for the Sooners…time to open the checkbook for Coach B

  • KJ1123 says:

    I like how Coach B is recruiting. It looks like he’s recruiting tackle heavy but alot of these kids (including 2015 class and kids like Parker) can slide inside easily. It’s easier to teach a tackle to be a guard and the guys he’s bringing in are athletic enough to play all along the front. The OL has to gel quick this year!

    • KJ1123 says:

      Speaking of OL, here’s a kid out of Northern Cali with only one offer. Has him listed at 6’4″ 330 but looks pretty proportionate on film. He’s really raw but athletic and hits pretty hard. He plays left guard and nt on his film.

      http://www.hudl.com/athlete/1854688/highlights/246791375/v2

    • soonerthunder says:

      And I think they will gel okay. Coach B has had a lot worse to work with and made them productive. I think there’s no dropoff with St. John, Kasitati is real good, Darlington should continue to yearly improve. That leaves 2 spots and B has been here long enough to have worked with those guys to find 2 to do the job, IMO. I think we have 3 stud OTs in the wings: Brown, Frison, Evans and if any of the others beat those guys out, then they are really good, IMO. I think Alvarez at OG, but we’ll see. I have no idea who will eventually win out at left OT. Who do you think will be the starting 5?

      • KJ1123 says:

        I think it will play out like this at the end of camp:

        RT Frison
        RG Kasitati
        C Darlington
        LG Danley
        LT Brown

        I think Brown will have the edge over Farniok. Although he wasn’t perfect during the spring game, I think he played the best there. Evans will battle with Farniok to be his backup and get some playing time, so will Samia at RT. Alvarez will get pt as well. I think that will make the core group this year. The rest will be plug and play guys as needed.

        • soonerthunder says:

          I think that is a pretty good guess as to the starting five, however, I am pretty confident that the LT will be St. John. St. John will be drafted next yr, I believe, and when you have a very talented upperclassman who’s as good even (not necessarily better) than a lower classman and both will probably be in the league, you always play the upper classman. It really hurts a team when a younger guy is not better than an upperclassman but starts above a guy who has put in the time for several years over a guy who just came. It would ruin St. John’s chances of playing in the league if he didn’t start, when, IMO, he is better than the younger guy who may in the end be better than St. John, but isn’t now, again IMO. I think if you have a guy who could start as FR and SO and be drafted but also a guy who is a JR and SR who also will be drafted, start the JR or SR over the younger guy. More players drafted mean more bragging rights.

          That also gives security to Brown, Evans, etc. Yes, they want to start, but if they know that they aren’t noticeably better than the upper classman, they are okay with working hard, and then, when they are upperclassman, there may be a great recruit come along, but they know that they’d have to be noticeably better to play over them b/c they paid their dues.

          I think Williams and thompson were really good (both were drafted into the NFL–you are good if you are drafted). However, before last season a two-year starter on the OL said St John has worlds of talent. they see each other daily for two/three years. He was the only guy mentioned going into last year other than the starters that was a sure thing. St John’s “problem” was that he was younger and they two guys above him had PT experience, to boot. Because of that I think St John starts, but we’ll see. The only reason I don’t think Evans makes a play for starting along with Brown and Frison is that he’s coming off an injury (isn’t he?). I believe OLmen are the hardest position to develop. I think it’s best when you have a system where guys are in the system two/three yrs b/f starting b/c of some talented Jr/Sr in front of them. All stair-stepping into the league. It also will usually result in the end a higher draft round if they are older and therefore a little stronger.

          You are weak as a team, IMO, if you ALWAYS let the younger guys start over an older guy if they are the same talent wise, b/c it causes discontentment among the players when they don’t think a guy is better due to talent or talent & experience.

          • KJ1123 says:

            You know I admit I totally forgot about St. John, I like the way he played in the spring game. Technique wise he’s not as polished especially in pass pro, but I definitely liked his aggressiveness and I agree he would start at left. Brown has the measurables but I think he is still a year out from being a solid started. When I watched him play he looked young playing wise (if that makes sense).

            I agree talent and experience are a strong argument to start a player. However, if both players are equally talented and the upperclassmen is being consistently outplayed (grading out higher week in and week out) by the underclassmen you have to go with the the latter. To be honest guys on the OL will not care what class you are in as long as they trust that you are doing your job and not making costly mistakes.

            If the kid is good enough to play in the NFL the scouts will see that regardless if you are a full time starter or not, I believe the OU OL seniors will get a great shot at being drafted next year.

            SO my edited lineup would be:

            LT St. John
            LG Danely
            C Darlington
            RG Kasitati
            RT Frison

            With heavy rotation from Brown, Farniok, Alvarez. For the young guys Samia and Evans will get some work in on PAT and Field Goals and maybe some actually game experience in blowouts and so forth.

          • soonerthunder says:

            I agree. And, if it does turn out to be the lineup, I think we can play winning football with them and the backups.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    update added

    • Soonerfandave84 says:

      the 2017 thing an attempt to stop “slow playing” recruits?

      • Jordan Esco says:

        Maybe, but wouldn’t that be counter-intuitive seeing as how we’re in the midst of this 2016 class?

        • Boom says:

          Does this go to the amount of scholly’s we will have in 17 compared to 16?

          • Jordan Esco says:

            Oh, I’m sure that plays some kind of role in things, yes. But it’s also not like they’re sitting there right now w/ just a couple spots to fill in 2016 either.

          • Boom says:

            I’m with you. Seems like we’ve always been a little late on some folks so maybe we are taking a real proactive approach with all the new coaches.
            As far as 16, hope we are focused in on our key recruits because if not, we are going to be scrambling.

        • Soonerfandave84 says:

          Yeah I agree, Im not sure if they feel pretty good about where they are for ’16 already or not

      • Mysterio1 says:

        I agree, it can’t hurt. many times in the past kids were very put off by OU coming on very late.

  • Thomas Lenard says:

    Parker Boudreaux is my #1 recruit, not just at OL but overall! I hope we land him.

    • Indy_sooner says:

      He’s a game changer, that’s for sure, but I feel like B will develop anyone into a beast. Personally hoping for Kelly myself. We really need elite backers in this class.

    • Mysterio1 says:

      It all starts with the Beef, and this kid is Prime.

    • soonerthunder says:

      Mine’s the guy we already got–Kendall QB. He will help the overall recruiting on top of being the most important get, IMO.

  • thebigdroot says:

    Just a curiousity question: while the athlete’s are in Haiti is a place for them to work out?

  • Exiled In Ohio says:

    Anyone know the latest on Whaley? Looks like all of our eggs are in that basket. Perhaps that’s intentional, to let him know he’s our main guy.

  • Jordan Esco says:

    update added

  • Andrew Sundborg says:

    Having read about recruiting for a long time, the biggest worry I hear is scholarship numbers. But somehow Bob usually works it out without oversigning somehow

  • Katyboomer says:

    anybody see this on Mayden? Thought OU had made up some ground.
    http://recruiting.scout.com/story/1545882-mayden-marching-to-summer-decision?s=73

    • Daryl says:

      You have to be cautious with any reports but I feel like scout might be the worst. A month ago or so they had a video interview that was Titled “OU making a move”. I watched the video and I kid you not the kid never even mentioned OU. He actually talked about texas the entire interview. How can you possibly mess that up but they did. LOL

      • Katyboomer says:

        That’s funny. In the interview he didn’t talk about OU either. I hope he comes to OU, but can’t get them all.

  • EasTex says:

    Soooo Parker Boudreaux’s family is originally from Louisiana?
    I’m shocked, SHOCKED I tells ya’!

  • Sooner Ray says:

    Anyone who thinks the off season is slow is welcome to come help me service equipment, spray pasture, mow, take care of livestock, fill water tanks, etc….. Anyway, in the house now and it’s good to see our B-man recruiting hard building up the O line!

    • EasTex says:

      Can’t help you with your daily duties, but I can give you a good Cajun joke about Clarence and Boudreaux.

      Boudreaux live across de bayou from
      Clarence who he don like at all.
      Dey all de time yell across de bayou at each other.

      Boudreaux would yell to Clarence, “If I had a way to
      cross dis bayou I’d come over dere an pass my fis by
      you jaw good, yeah!”

      Dis went on for years. Finally de state done built a
      bridge across dat bayou right by dere houses and
      Boudreaux’s wife Marie say, “Now is you chance
      Boudreaux. Why don you go over dere an beat up
      Clarence lak you say.”

      Boudreaux say “ok” and start across de bridge
      but he see a sign on de bridge an he stop to read
      it and then he go back home. Marie say,

      “Why you back so soon?” and Boudreaux say
      “Mais Marie I don change my mind about beat up
      Clarence.

      You know Marie dey got a sign on dat bridge what
      say Clarence 13’6″. You know, he don look near dat
      big when I yell at him from across de bayou…!”

    • JD says:

      you have to mow…guess you have the house fenced off….only got one field baled before the monsoon

  • EasTex says:

    Laugh loudly and often, my friend. 🙂