Open Post | Weekend, July 11th – 13th (UPDATED Sat., 1:43 pm)

Image of Justin Reid via 247sports.com

Happy Friday y’all!

Andre James: As we predicted earlier this week, Andre James committed to UCLA yesterday at The Opening. Proximity prevented James from ever making a trip to Norman. He was however able to make take an unofficial visit to UCLA, which clearly played a role in his decision. His plan was to take an official visit to OU this fall, we’ll have to check with him and see if that’s still the plan.

David Long: Yesterday we mentioned that 2015 Ohio LB David Long will be taking an unofficial visit to Oklahoma on the 21st of this month. We caught up with him yesterday and talked about where the OU coaches see him on the field. He said that Tim Kish has told him he’d likely fit in as an outside LB. We also asked him where other schools see him, and he mentioned West Virginia has talked to him about playing an in-the-box safety role. So taking that into account, perhaps he’s being considered by OU as a NB/OLB as opposed to the every down Jack LB.

David doesn’t currently have an OU offer, but he said Kish came by to see him in the spring and has been in touch ever since. He said Kish told him if he was able to make it down to Norman at some point, then there was a good chance he’d pick up an offer. Some of the schools he does have offers from right now that are standing out include Missouri, Louisville and West Virginia. But he said if an Oklahoma offer came it would be a big one and would put them near the top of his list. We asked him about his commitment timeline, and he said as of now he’d like to take his officials so he doesn’t expect a decision to come anytime this summer.

Kahlil Haughton: Caught up with Kahlil a bit last night, and he let us know that he is nearing a decision. He said he feels like he’s getting to close to choosing that final school, but there are still some things he’s considering. As to his timeline for a commitment, it sounds like it could come before the summer ends. But that’s something he’s still thinking about. It sounds like it will depend on whether he decides he’d like to take some official visits.

Steven Parker: Have heard this young man is working very hard in the summer and is proving to have excellent cover skills. It’s been well known in the state of Oklahoma for a while — he did play corner somewhat regularly at Jenks — but it sounds like early on his showing of those skills are standing out even at the next level. Granted it’s only summer workouts right now, but a lot of positive buzz out there about how this young man is working and performing.

Samaje Perine: We have mentioned his name a couple of times since he arrived in Norman earlier this summer. And we’re probably going to mention him even more in the next few weeks. But man oh man…we have heard this fella’s name mentioned from a lot of sources. The word we’ve gotten is that he is flat out impressing everyone in pretty much every way possible. It doesn’t matter what is put in front of him, he does it and does it well. Have heard he has a mature way about him, both in terms of his approach to the game and his approach to life.

Again, cannot stress enough how many people we’ve talked to that have praised this young man. It will be very interesting to see how he transitions to full speed once they put the pads on, but one thing is for certain. He’s doing things the right way and whether he sees the field this year or in the future, it sounds like he’s going to be an asset to the program as a player and as a representative.

Joe Mixon: Have heard this young man has incredible quickness in open space, which really shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. That’s something he was known for coming out of h.s. but again, you like to hear it confirmed once an kid gets on campus and folks can see him next to other great athletes.

Justin Reid: Mentioned Reid yesterday, but had to bring him up again today after getting to watch him on the televised part of The Opening yesterday in the 7-on-7 competition. What a fantastic athlete and cerebral player. First, he’s got a great sense of where to be. He puts himself either at a point where has leverage on the receiver, or where he can make a play on the ball. He identifies the relevant routes quickly and then doesn’t bother trying to play the man. He goes right where he needs to be. Also, he’s got a great drive on the ball, and he triggers not just quickly but timely as well. He’s not triggering early and letting the QB set him up or go elsewhere. But he’s right there…right on time.

On a related note, like Mbanasor, he (Reid) had one of the best vertical jumps in the competition. He jumped 40 inches! As the brother of Eric Reid, it’s clear he has been around the game a lot and has the pedigree, but he’s also a great student in the classroom. Reid also has great size. He’s SPARQ verified at 6’2″ 188 lbs and he’ll use it! Take a look at his film.

Like, McKinley Whitfield, Reid is a throw back safety in that he loves to come down hill and lay the wood. And I’m not talking about someone who sees a player being wrapped up by a teammate and then comes in to clean up. I’m talking about identifying a play quickly, triggering and closing the distance, staying square to the LOS, and violently striking a receiver cleanly in space. Lastly, Reid’s athleticism shows up in testing and on film.

Would love to see OU extend and offer to this young man.

PJ Mbanasor: Last night ESPNU televised the semifinal and championship 7-on-7 games from The Opening. OU commit PJ Mbansor, and his team the Landsharks, made it to the finals. PJ had to defend some excellent WRs, most notably Clemson commit Deon Cain and Alabama commit Calvin Ridley. Understandably, PJ had some great moments and then some moments where he struggled.

However, PJ continues to show that he has great short area explosion. He can flip his hips better than most any CB his size. Here are a couple of clips from yesterday. Please excuse the camera phone recording the TV maneuver:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hLCvRRnLmE

What I want to point out in the second clip on the video is something we talked about yesterday, and something PJ actually did and later corrected in the two games last night. Multiple times he’s given an outside release and then the receiver comes back in. In the second clip you see PJ trusting his technique and ability to change direction. He opens up to the LOS as the receiver goes outside and when the receiver comes back inside, he has the ability to flip his hips, drive, and make a play on the ball. For those of you who don’t get a chance to really focus in on CBs, this is an amazing play. It shows a number of things that big CBs like PJ generally can’t do. One of the most obvious difficulties that big CBs have is changing direction. And the most common reason is obvious….CB is all about balance. When weight is shifted as the WRs release, a bigger receiver has more weight and length to shift back the other direction. PJ is able to do this abnormally well for a corner his size.

What hurt PJ in one of the 1-on-1 reps Wednesday, and in a couple plays last night, was that instead of trusting his ability/technique and flipping his hips with his eyes on the receiver, he would turn the opposite direction and lose sight of his man. But as you can see in the rep above, he rectified that and it’s great to see a young guy learn from his mistakes and correct it.

PJ also had to defend a number of go routes on the sideline. He defended most of them well, but he did get beat a couple times. I went back to really look at them. First, PJ’s team had to fight their way back to get where they were. So he had taken a ton of reps by the time to semifinal and final games came around. It’s clear physical exhaustion took a toll. Early on you see Deon Cain try to take PJ deep, and PJ turns and runs with him in-phase perfectly. A second time he’s actually on top of the route. So it’s clear the speed wasn’t the issue.

One of the plays a receiver (don’t recall if it was Cain or Calvin Ridley) caught on him was a deep ball in the end zone. PJ was there to make the play, put his hand up and got it on the ball, but the receiver was strong enough to haul it in. It was actually a fantastic catch. What he’s going to want to work on is getting his head turned around quicker and playing the ball. But believe me when I tell you that’s something most DBs have trouble with and need time to develop.

Another thing I wanted to note is that the second play on that clip above comes right after PJ had a pass caught on him. He shook it off and comes back the very next down and makes a play. He’s got great mental toughness. Additionally, something you see in big CBs often is that they rely on their hands a lot. That works fine against lesser talent, but once you get to college you’ve got to be able to move your feet. PJ continues to get better at moving his feet and not relying on just his hands to redirect. In fact there are times where you’d actually like to see him use his hands a little more. But it’s more important at this stage that he stay in front of the receiver primarily using his feet.

PJ has another year before he arrives at OU. There’s always room for improvement and we’d like to see him continue to work on his speed and technique. But as I’ve said before, PJ really may be the most complete CB prospect (at this stage of his development) OU’s had in recent years.

– UPDATE (Fri., 9:05 am): A quick update from 2015 JUCO OT & OU offer, Jamal Danley.

https://twitter.com/JDanley54/status/487597063761174529

 

– UPDATE (Fri., 9:25 am): I (Jordan) saw someone asking about the OL vs. DL 1-on-1 tape from The Opening and just came across it, so I just wanted to throw it up real quick in case anyone else was interested.

Also, here is some RB vs. LB 1-on-1 action.

UPDATE (Fri., 10:28 am): Some good news Sooner fans. Stud 2016 OT Clark Yarbrough (already has a ton of offers from schools like Mich., Tennessee, etc.) will be taking an unofficial visit to Norman on August 3rd with his dad and brother.

UPDATE (Fri., 12:50 pm): An absolute sick 1 on 1 with Spiro, OK’s McKinley Whitfield against slot receiver Brushawn Hunter. Just so you understand how explosive Hunter is – he ran a 4.38 40 at the Ark. State camp with an 11 ft broad jump. If you’re Okie please share this link. I’m telling y’all this kid is an Okie gem that is being under recruited and even if you disagree…the kid is a gem anyway because he’s a kind young man that does well in school and helps the young kids in his community.

– UPDATE (Sat., 9:45 am): Trevor Knight continues to impress at the Manning Passing Academy. Here is an interview with Mike Detillier, a Louisiana-based sports journalist and football analyst, on ESPN radio in which he compliments Knight on how good he has looked (Knight comments start around the 6:00 mark). If for no other reason, listen for his Louisiana accent. It’s fantastic. 

– UPDATE (Sat., 9:50 am): 2015 LB & OU offer Arthur McGinnis (New Orleans, LA) says during this interview that the Sooners will get one of his official visits.

– UPDATE (Sat., 1:43 pm): Encouraging news from 2015 JUCO OT Jamal Danley, who just yesterday announced he would not be in Norman this coming Monday as previously planned (but plans to visit at some other point in the future), who calls OU his ‘clear leader’ right now.

269 Comments

  • Jordan Esco says:

    “If Arkansas tells me they’re going to guarantee me a spot my freshman
    year, you already know I’m going to Arkansas regardless,” (Will) Sunderland
    said. “I’m really looking for PT.” – http://www.wholehogsports.com/news/2014/jul/10/oklahoma-safety-looking-visit-hogs-soon/

    I was going to offer this w/o comment, but kind of can’t help myself. Take it fwiw, but I wouldn’t ready too much into this (even tho I expect some of you will). It’s just my opinion, but I think this is mainly a case of a kid knowing who he was speaking with. Which is not to say there is no interest in Arky on his part, I suspect there is, but I also don’t think this is anywhere near as damning for OU (if you’ve taken it to be) as it reads.

    • lovethemsooners says:

      I won’t even to attempt to translate it. I much prefer our approach of telling kids the only thing they are guaranteed is an opportunity. That alone probably weeds out a lot of kids that we may not necessarily want or need.

      Also, is there any more information on the Joe Mixon “home sick” thing that you guys can post? There’s a lot of folks out there that believe he won’t be here in August. Would love a little more insight if it’s possible….with the understanding that some things just can’t be put out there.

      • Zack says:

        From what I’ve gathered is that there’s no reason to panic right now. There’s some details that I’m assuming would throw us as fans into chaos. I think he sticks it out he has elite potential and when the season comes around we will count on him to produce. And there’s so many ways he will be able to get on the field even if he is number 4 on the depth chart however if this has to do with potential playing time then it has to be an overreaction because it’s not even training camp that is when roles will be more defined.

    • vargo05 says:

      Here let me get this out of the way:
      Man, OU can’t even keep their in-state kids home anymore. Wariboko is going to end up out of state and now Sunderland is too. Our recruiting is pathetic.

      • Zack says:

        Wariboko would be a bigger loss he could be an all big 12 type of guy. I would actually hope Arkansas steals Sunderland. If people want to see safeties who play like Roy then Reid and whitfield are the guys you want. If you like gabe Lynn more then sunderlands your guy.

      • J. V o l m a r ™ ‼️ says:

        We kept the best player in Oklahoma from last seasons recruiting class last year in Parker (who plays the same position as Sunderland) and have a good shot at Barnett this year.

        • vargo05 says:

          I was being sarcastic. My reply is what you typically see on message boards anytime a top OK Preps kid doesn’t choose OU.

          • lovethemsooners says:

            …..in July no less.

          • TheFuerte says:

            Glad to know you were being sarcastic. My thoughts are that an Oklahoma kid is only worth it if he has an Oklahoma attitude. Too much Hollywood from some of the kids in recent years. The Oklahoma kids I liked were hard nosed, aggressive, and worked hard without attention. Think Calmus and Perkins.

          • FeedtheMonster says:

            I like the way you think!

      • lovethemsooners says:

        If Sunderland wants to go to Arkansas because they “promised” him a starting spot, we’re better off without him. Same goes with Wariboko, if he’s looking to commit to the school that will take his brother, he can move on too. We’d love to have them sure, but would be just fine without them as well. Certainly doesn’t mean our recruiting is “pathetic” as you say. We do have 7 kids committed right now, with 5 of them being sEcSPiN 300 players(for whatever that’s worth).

      • Indy_sooner says:

        A little bit early to declare that, don’t you think?

      • Super K says:

        Vargo was bein sarcastic y’all. Check his comment below 🙂

  • Jordan Esco says:

    Fairly important update and unfortunately not one of the good news variety

    • Zack says:

      That sucks about Danley hopefully he gets his visit to Norman it would be painful if 3 offers who have us in their final cut choose other schools because they couldn’t make it to Norman before they made a decision. Thomas did make it to visit but wanted another one prior to making his decision.

      • Kody K. says:

        Hey Zack, I like the Justin Reid kid since you brought him to my attention. I bet he gets that OU offer SOONER than later.

        • Zack says:

          I’m surprised he was somewhat under the radar. I think I saw espn had him rated the #80 ish safety or maybe just DB but if it was safety then that’s way to low. His name should put him in the top 200 prospects alone.

        • J.K. Abbott says:

          At first thought after watching Reid’s highlight film I needed to see more. Not just a highlight cut up but actual game film. No doubt Reid is a great tackler and physical but there wasn’t enough coverage / wide angle film to see him in his back peddle, breaks, him in space, man etc.. But after reading that Reid jumped 40″ to hell with the film! 40″ vert is freakish. Reminds me of when Broyles jumped/cleared 7′ as a Soph in HS. At that point his film didn’t matter much.

      • Gary Robbins says:

        I still have hopes for Madison Akamnonu, Jalin Barnett, Cody Ford and maybe Jamal Danley. If we lose all 4 of them OU will be in deep trouble. Maybe there are some others out there.

    • Steve Cooke says:

      If we lose him I’m sure Coach B can find another juco. Does anybody know how OU stands with our other juco offer Martinas Rankin, OT, (6’5, 300, 5.0), Perkinston, (Gulf Coast CC), MS?

  • Steve Cooke says:

    Hey it happens. If we lose him goodluck to him but don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

  • Chase Korenek says:

    Amazed with the thoroughness and detail brainiacs. Don’t see how you guys find the time but wanted to express the thank you’s again. Really, really love what you guys do. JY, hope the little guy is doing well. I know you’re already grooming him for that OU line 🙂

    • Jordan Esco says:

      Appreciate that and you reading!

      • Gary Robbins says:

        Thanks Jordan and Super K for all the info you provide. I read another article on Sooners Illustrated from the new guy (Justin Hite). He also predicted an Okie State victory of 27-24. But this Gunter Sharp of (CRFF-?) predicting an Okie State victory of 48-20! Not that I’m a betting man , but I wonder how much money he would like to bet on that bold prediction.

    • Super K says:

      Thanks Chase! Once things calm down with the baby and his recent move to Chi town JY will be back on but I know he appreciates all the well wishes from you and everyone here buddy 🙂

      • TheFuerte says:

        My thoughts go out to JY. We had our first child last summer. I didn’t get to follow any offseason news last year and remember tuning in to the first ou game last year thinking “who is this Striker kid, and how is that cb from Keller Central starting?”.

        • JY says:

          Thanks man. We haven’t got a lot of sleep lately, but I’m hoping by september he’s settled into a routine, so I can get back at the trench warfare stuff.

          • TheFuerte says:

            I really liked the trench warfare and game analysis very much. I would love to see the different ways we attack the different fronts and talent levels in the big 12 this year.

            On the baby, mine turns 1 on the 31st. Get yours used to loud noises ASAP. Then you can yell “boomer sooner”as loud as you want come august.

    • JY says:

      Thanks for the well wishes! I’m finally back at it today, and mama and Roman will be moved in on Saturday this week. We’re really ready for it to be over.
      i tell ya though, Roman’s got really active hands at this point. May be a little early on the footwork, but the indoctrination has already started.

      • hOUligan says:

        Seriously. A lot of huge changes in your life, JY, in a short time span. Best wishes to you, your wife and new son. Before ya know it, we’ll be watching film of Roman, knowing he’s a virtual OU lock. ; )

      • Chase Korenek says:

        “May be a little early on the footwork, but the indoctrination has already started.” Haha, that made my morning JY. You’re probably right, it might make mama a little angry if you start working on his footwork too much right now! 🙂

  • ToatsMcGoats says:

    OH MY GOD. Why haven’t we offered Reid yet?

  • SoonerPhins says:

    I want OU to offer Reid right now after watching those highlights. He plays like my favorite Safety to watch, LaRon Landry. Just one of those punishing Safeties that will make you wish you never caught the ball.

  • Mr. Jones says:

    I’m pumped to get Mbanasor on campus! Thanks for the breakdown.

  • Zack says:

    Twitter is about to break for anyone slightly interested in nba news.

  • Mr. Jones says:

    Any updates on the Gallimore front? He looked pretty good in the OL/DL highlights.

  • Fear The Magic says:

    The OL / DL vid was pretty intense. Tim Settle is a BIG boy for sure but his speed/ quickness sure didnt impress me.

  • Bill Duncan says:

    What’s up with the recent evals? Will that be getting an update any time soon?

  • blaster1371 says:

    All this talk about multiple safety prospects getting offers. What about the one safety commit OU has. I don’t recall his name but he is in the ESPN 300. Sounds like the guy has become a total after thought.

    • Doobie74OU says:

      I’m pretty sure that Super K and many others say that he is a ok Safety but doesn’t near measure up to the other guys we are going after. Maybe that we also play a scheme that he doesn’t really fit in as well as the other Safety prospects mentioned in this post! Super K would have much more insight but that is what I remember piecing together from these open posts over the last several weeks.

    • Isaac Wright says:

      Not an after thought but many believe that if Texas offers that he will flip

    • Kody K. says:

      Jamile Johnson. Many of the regulars on this site don’t seem too crazy about him. Although I think he looks pretty solid. At the same time, he doesn’t have me jumping out of my seat.

    • Zack says:

      Not an after thought but there are 3 safeties with ou near the top that are better IMO. Some people would probably put Sunderland ahead of him but I think JJ is a little bit better right now. Sunderland needs to show more of a killer instinct.

    • J.K. Abbott says:

      I like JJ. I think Isaac hit the nail on the head. Also there is another cat at SOC I know the Sooners would love to have so maybe that’s why OU offered JJ so early.

      • Zack says:

        According to K McKinney is the prize at the school but he’s committed to notre dame.

  • Travis Coyle says:

    Gotta love that o-line v d-line. I know its 1-1 but Tim settle looked ordinary. Saw some good o-line reps. Why do we struggle so much in getting O-line interest let alone commits?

  • thedeez says:

    So McKinley “Charles Woodson” Whitfield still doesn’t have an offer? And the kid has never been in even a mediocre S&C program? What am I missing?

    • Zack says:

      Mike stoops is infatuated with Sunderland.

      • Chase Korenek says:

        You know Zack you’re right and for the life of my I cannot figure out why?? Don’t get me wrong he’s a good player, but I really don’t understand why Stoops wants him so bad, especially after watching some of his film. He also seems like a pre-madona.

        • Zack says:

          I understand wanting him but I wouldn’t put guys like Reid or whitfield on hold for him when I think they’re much better. And Reid is a guy to get in on before lsu decides he’s as good as his brother.

          • Chase Korenek says:

            Exactly…and like I said I’m not saying he’s not good, from what I’ve seen, in my opinion I just don’t get why Mike is so enamored with him at this point.

        • J.K. Abbott says:

          Have you seen him?? He’s a good looking athlete. Most D1 coaches are enamored by the eye test. Football coaches have egos. If the kid has the goods most coaches think they can coach them up.

    • BoomerDave says:

      So our coaches are idiots for not offering Whitfield yet? How about all of the rest of the D1 coaches around? Have they been beating down his door with offers? Perhaps he will be a star someday, who really knows. He’s new on the scene and is on our coaches radar. We pay our coaches well to evaluate players. Why can’t some of you just trust their professional opinions?

      • thedeez says:

        Well that was an overreaction.

        • BoomerDave says:

          Perhaps. My comment was not just aimed at you deez. You were only about the 20th person to just not understand why we haven’t offered Whitfield. I just pointed out that no other major college has offered him either. He may not be as good as you guys think he is. Athleticism doesn’t make you a football player.

          • Kody K. says:

            Your right, OU coaches have spent much more time evaluating these guys than we have. It’s their job. At the same time, coaches miss on picking the best recruit all the time. It’s just a fact and coaches admit it all the time. The people here at TFB just don’t want Whitfield to become one of those misses. Oh, and he is a football player, by the way. I think the coaches see that he is a little raw. Plus, what position do they see him evolving into with that awesome frame he has; is it going to be safety, linebacker, nickel, or defensive end? Some even see him player corner at the next level.

          • just_a_fan says:

            See one thing people fail realize about Mckinley is football was his second sport.. That’s a reason why he’s looked over cause y’all didn’t know about him til about a few months again. Nd basketball was his main sport, our first unofficial visit for basketball with OU. Coach crutchfield was recruiting him.

          • Baron Boomer says:

            Well he is amassing quite a following among us Sooner grass-roots! He should be glad to hear that!

          • Gary Robbins says:

            Doesn’t OU have someone name Tapper who’s first love was basketball and he seems to be doing pretty good at OU. I’ve heard a lot of coaches like the athletic basketball players who have a passion for football. I still wish he had an OU offer before he goes to Arkansas later this month. It’s sort of like a burr under my saddle. Best of luck in wherever McKinley chooses.

  • Zack says:

    ONE HANDED

  • Big Higg says:

    Dang. Why haven’t they offered this guy? Not knowing where to put him or what to recruit him for is no longer an excuse.

  • CS says:

    Can we all write a petition to Bob to send an offer out to McKinley?

    • soonerinks says:

      CS, I understand your strong feelings for an offer to go out to McKinley. I agree, I do want OU to extend an offer. But at the same time I trust our staff to evaluate the recruits and go after the ones they think they need. This may be a small class we take or it may end up to be close to a full one, we don’t know yet so I think they are going to be very selective. Probably in a full 25 available scholarships they would probably have already offered. I really think they are committed to wait on Haughton and Sunderland and I trust their judgement. I hope we end up being able to take a larger class and hopefully that would make room for McKinley.

      • BoomerDave says:

        Very well stated. My sentiments exactly!

      • Kody K. says:

        Good point. But on other side of coin, you wait too long on one guy and you end up having to maybe take the 6th guy down on the board.

  • SoonerPhins says:

    Was Jalin Barnett at the Opening? Seems weird that the #1 OG wasn’t there.

  • Roger Nixon says:

    Yeeow! Whitfield looks like he can extend to whatever length he needs to be. Great hands as well. Looks like the best out of Spiro since Rod Shoate.

    • Super K says:

      Shoate was McKinley’s relative

      • Sooner Ray says:

        That’s a family that needs to keep reproducing!

      • CcrBoomer says:

        I had never heard that. Rod Shoate was one of my fav Sooners when i was a kid.

      • Baron Boomer says:

        Super K – I think you may need to take another shot at “making as much noise as humanly possible” to the OU coaches to take another look at this guy…

        His OU camp performance may not have sealed the deal, but the strength and the other factors all seem to be screaming “WINNER”…Would love to see him as a Sooner!

        • Super K says:

          OU likes him but their board is full right now. They are waiting to see what happens with the kids they’ve already offered. Additionally see him more as an LB. I disagree there. I think he could be a great LB but why box in a kid with that size that can cover? OU certainly isn’t alone in their assessment. Tech coaches want him as an LB as well. But again, I disagree.

          • Baron Boomer says:

            Hope that approach works out for us…

            Coach Stoops has previously said he believes “we usually get the kids we are supposed to get” or similar…Lets hope the Sooner Magic works on this throw to destiny then! 🙂

    • Zack says:

      Kish better end up with some big time kids. He’s in the top 3, 5, 10 on just about every linebacker offer.

      • Kody K. says:

        If Kish doesn’t I have a suggestion for next year. Gundy recruit the linebackers for the 2016 class and Kish recruit the running backs. We can afford a mediocre crop at the RB spot for a year.

        • Zack says:

          I have faith this is his year it may take help from monty to land someone like Rickey deberry or breylin Mitchell or other jack linebackers. I think he’s done a good job recently coaching the guys we have and finding kids that fit what the overall defensive scheme.

          • Kody K. says:

            Yes, and I did feel guilty when I hit the post tab. Kish doesn’t deserve that snide comment……..yet. But, we need a smash mouth linebacker with size and authority. Yea, Striker is awesome(not a Kish recruit) but he is a rushing machine. Can you imagine if striker had a Brian Bosworth to work with? Now after I said all that, we might just have something in Jordan Evans. We will all see this year.

          • Zack says:

            It’s hard to have those stout guys in the middle in the big 12 it’s a pass happy offense but teams are getting better every year at running between the tackles in spread formations. So you gotta have guys that can fly around and hope your line can win the line of scrimmage.

          • J.K. Abbott says:

            You speak the truth Zach. I’d rather have Coach Kish who has a proven record in coaching Lbers then some slap d1ck who can recruit but can’t coach his A$$.

          • Kody K. says:

            Zach–there are 240# stout backers that can fly around the field and crush the run. I’ve just seen us get ran over too much lately in the first and second level. I want us to be able to transition to a bowl game or championship game with a run pounding SEC team. Whatever it takes to play on a National Championship level, not just your own conference. Yea, we did beat Bama this year (hell yaess!!!!) but we did take too much of a pounding from their run game.

        • OohRahMama says:

          Legendary, elite programs never want to settle for mediocre anything. But I do follow what you’re saying.

    • SoonerPhins says:

      Isn’t he a strong Texas lean? I thought I read that somewhere. Hopefully Kish closes on some top LBs. Running thin at that spot.

  • Jeremy Phillips says:

    it seems as though we have tons of offers out to slot WR’s and we are only going to take 1 or 2… so why on the other hand do we only have a couple of offers out for Safeties when we are going to only take 1 or 2… why wont Mike at least hedge his bets on Haughton and Sunderland maybe put some pressure on them if thats who he really wants by extending a few more safety offers to guys like Reid and Whitfield???

    • J.K. Abbott says:

      I think waiting on Haughton is a no brainer. Great player and great kid. I love the Whitfield kid. He’s the type of kid that would keep the equipment guys busy at OU. Whitfield will knock the snap buckles off your helmet. With the quote from Sunderland that is all I needed. No one athlete is greater then the team/program.

  • SoonerPhins says:

    Jalin Barnett to Commit before season

    https://twitter.com/LandThieves/status/487675577663377408

  • Doobie74OU says:

    OU better get on this Whitfield bandwagon before somebody else does. As this film from “The Opening” makes its way around his recruiting is going top skyrocket. Just has the feel of one of those guys that looks pretty good on film but when the games start he is even better. The better his competition the higher he takes his game! OU and Mike Stoops better get on board this train cause it is about to leave the station.

    • Sooner Ray says:

      That’s one kid I’ve seen that I don’t want to lose out on. Can’t figure out why the trigger hasn’t been pulled. I’m really hoping that they’ve worked their deal and are just trying to keep him under the radar.

      • Zack says:

        His brother is a poster on here now and says mike wants to see his first few games. Earth to mike his film is unreal.

        • Sooner Ray says:

          Yeah, I’ve replied to his brother before. I don’t mind them checking out his games as long as they’ve made it clear to him that he is high on the board.

          • Zack says:

            If he’s high on the board they should offer. Jeremy had a great question below about why not offer and just keep it first come first serve like we are with the slot receivers.

          • Gary Robbins says:

            I agree on offering McKinley and Reid. An old poker player friend of mine used to tell me “think long you think wrong”. Just offer them and sort it out later. I just hope Arkansas doesn’t offer McKinley later this month at their camp or whatever. Arkansas seems to have good connections in that part of the state. We will see.

          • just_a_fan says:

            Rumors have it there gonna offer when we go up the the 24th.. Both coach Lunney and coach smith love him. Our cousin Anthony Eubanks played Wr there

          • rphdenton says:

            welcome back……….on oui, they were reporting that ou wanted to consider him for lb but wanted to see him play this fall……..is that true………….if so, does that help or hurt the chances with him……thxs

          • just_a_fan says:

            He told me he didn’t care what he plays just wants the coaches to give him the opportunity

          • Zack says:

            He looks like he can play any position except oline and dtackle.

          • ToatsMcGoats says:

            Only because he doesn’t have the lbs.

          • rphdenton says:

            ……btw, clear your calendar…….you’re a popular guy on here …..you don’t have time for anything else (lol)…….thxs for the response

          • EasTex says:

            As I’ve said here before, if we are in the school yard and I’m picking my team (for any game you can think of) I’m picking Whitfield first.
            I’ve been a football and Sooner fan for over fifty years and I trust my eyes. He is a natural born player.

          • CcrBoomer says:

            I really hate to see him sign with Arky. What is Arkansas record in the SEC the last 3 years? From what i am hearing around the fan base is Brett’s days are numbered there and not just from on the field stuff. If he goes to Arky i will still pull for him tho, i try to keep up with most the Oklahoma kids.

        • Kody K. says:

          There could be something else involved making them a little cautious. The kid is a thumper with great football instincts. Mike needs to unhitch that wagon to Sunderland and hook it right on up to Whitfield. Then put the full court press on Haughton. I’d love to be in the OU coach’s recruiting meetings to hear their thoughts and opinions.

          • just_a_fan says:

            I haven’t heard anything just they wanted us to come camp with them.. Nd we did.. right after he said he seen all he needed to see, but wanted to see his first few games.. Talked mckinley last night and he told me they’ll regret sleeping on him.

          • Zack says:

            This right here…can we get the guy who has inside connections to mixon need to pass this message to the coaches?

          • Sooner Ray says:

            Tell him this is a process and he doesn’t have to get pressured into anything. Hope he gets all the praise in the world but he needs to know not to burn any bridges.

          • Kody K. says:

            They will regret it and so will the rest of the OU fan base. Plus, I’ve heard he is a great kid. Is there anything extra you can tell us about him or his recruiting, since your his brother? Would OU be his top choice if he could go anywhere he wanted? Please tell him he is the favorite of the TFB family and we want him at OU. Were cheering for him! Thanks.

          • just_a_fan says:

            Really just a lot of schools flirting with and wanting him to camp with them.. Purdue and unc have both asked weekly for him to come up on a unofficial.. Nd I’m not sure if OU would be.. But if they were to offer I know for a fact, they’d be a thought.

        • ToatsMcGoats says:

          The last few games from last season were good for me!

      • Doobie74OU says:

        To late to KEEP HIM UNDER THE RADAR now. There is film and it is good film! Doing well at The Opening can start turning a lot of heads for this kid! We slow play to much sometimes, it cost us Justin Manning a couple years ago and it could cost us again.

      • ToatsMcGoats says:

        Him and Reid BOTH. I think it’s odd that they think Sunderland is the one, when Whitfield and Reid are out there and interested.

        • Sooner Ray says:

          I’m SMH, a home grown kid with ties and interest will play his butt off, as if he doesn’t already do that.

        • Zack says:

          Reid and whitfield are better at the things you need to be good at to be a safety. And Sunderland looks athletic but whitfield and Reid are even better athletes.

          • just_a_fan says:

            The funny thing is okhoops has mckinley ranked in the top 3 players in the state in basketball.. He also made the Mokan Elite EYBL basketball where only the top players in the country play.. But choose to workout for football.. Lol also ran a 22.00 in the 200M nd hasn’t ran track sinc freshman yr. #athlete

          • Zack says:

            Wow that’s crazy to turn that down. It’s easy to tell how athletic he is he shows it on film. I’m not sure why he’s not rated higher. I watched his sophomore highlights yesterday and they were mostly at WR and he looked just as good. IMO he is a can’t miss guy I hope mike doesn’t wait too long.

          • just_a_fan says:

            Well I spoke with Josh M not sure how to spell his last name. But he told reason he isn’t rated higher is, because they didn’t know about him til a few months again.

          • Zack says:

            From rivals? I don’t subscribe to him but he’s pretty responsive to people on twitter seems like a good guy. IMO he’s the best player in the state and there’s 2 guys that are borderline 5* so I don’t understand why stoops is sleeping on him.

          • J.K. Abbott says:

            22 in the 200???? That’s sick man.

          • ToatsMcGoats says:

            Damn. Just….. damn.

    • J.K. Abbott says:

      Too me Whitfield is a no brainer. Not only does he have great physical tools but he’s violent at the point of attack. He will stroke your a$$! Just wonder about his grades, ACT etc… Maybe he hasn’t qualified yet. I have no idea and it’s none of my business but if you looked up or goggled “Mike Stoops ideal defensive player” I would bet their was film of Whitfield on it.

      • Gary Robbins says:

        I did too-about his grades. I also noticed that Army and Navy have offered and I thought their requirements were pretty strict. Also Reid has offers from Yale and Brown- so he must be pretty cerebral also. Or maybe I’m the one off track. Too many happy hours and old age.

    • BoomerDave says:

      Doob, don’t worry, there is no “Opening” film to “get out”. If Whitfield was at “The Opening” don’t you think he’d already been discovered?

      • Doobie74OU says:

        Sorry it was the Elite 50 film from above that I was referencing. I thought it said The Opening but that was somebody else, but it is still film and it is starting to make its way around.

    • BoomerDave says:

      Doobie, please don’t worry about Whitfild’s The Opening film getting out. He wasn’t at The Opening. If he were at The Opening he really wouldn’t be a secret, would he?

    • Kody K. says:

      And if his recruiting does blow up during his senior year—-Is he going to hold a little grudge against OU for not offering sooner being he is right in their back yard.

  • SoonerPhins says:

    Random Question, but have you guys heard any update on DJ Ward? Is he standing out at all after RS last year? I know the talent in front of him is good, but for the future of the DE position.

    • Super K says:

      Not sure bud. Haven’t really asked. He was recruited as an even front DE so, though I haven’t seen him lately, he’s a probably bit of a tweener in our system.

  • James D-Space says:

    Wow….

  • Shelby is a Patriot says:

    Someone needs to go knock on Stoops’ door and demand he offer Whitfield right now.

  • Doobie74OU says:

    RANDOM POST : I was looking on Rivals today and just examining the OL recruits for next year. JY will appreciate this seeing that he loves all thing OL related. You know why Alabama is so consistent year in and year out. The recruits they pull in on their OL are ridiculous! If football is won in the trenches and we know it is they will be successful for a long time to come. In their recruiting class for next year they have a commitment from the top 2 OG on Rivals, the top center, and the number 3 & 8 OT. I know we can argue stars and rankings and this and that but if you keep putting that kind of great OL play out there (especially with all the other talent they bring in) they will be at a Championship level for the foreseeable future. We know at OU that as soon as our OL started getting better everybody got a lot more optimistic about our chances. This isn’t the only reason Bama is good but I’m glad we are starting to recruit and teach OL better at OU because it only will lead to bigger and better things in the future! I will get off my soap box now

    • Jared Tyra says:

      The bill bedenbaugh effect man

    • Kody K. says:

      Right you are Doobie. Funny thing, when I was watching the OL vs. DL clip above, I looked up two of the olinemen that I liked maybe the best. Guess what? They were both committed to Bama. Then I looked up Bama’s verbals and can you believe they have 19 already. I mean that’s almost an entire class. Elite Recruits fight and compete against each other to get to Alabama right now. Where other universities are fighting and competing with each other to get the elite recruits.

      • CS says:

        EExactly! I saw this explosive DEnd and guess what Bama commit, this awesome OLine guy with locks, Bama lean!! Man, its unbelievable!

        • Kody K. says:

          Yip, it is CS. I don’t see it changing all that much as long as Saban is there.

    • J.K. Abbott says:

      True story Dobbie. In a perfect world Id rather have a great offensive line and average Skillies then great Skill Players and an average OLine. There are some on here that might disagree because great Skillies are more sexy but when it comes to wins and losses a great OLine trumps great Skillies anyday.

      • Zack says:

        A great oline can make average skill guys look good. But never the other way around.

        • Gary Robbins says:

          Are we looking at a troubling pattern?
          1. Andre James to UCLA.
          2. Garrett Thomas to Texas.
          3. Jamal Danley cancels visit.
          4. Toby Weathersby (a one time heavy OU lean ) to Texas.
          5. Josh Wariboko , de-commits (we all know why).
          6. Jalin Barnett says it’s between OU and Arkansas.
          That’s a great group of offensive lineman, just wondering.

          • Zack says:

            I’m not worried I think Barnett is going to ou and Danley I think still could. And if wariboko re commits to ou then we would be set. If not there’s still solid guys especially in state kids like the kid from kingfisher and the kid from yukon and one from Santa Fe also.

          • Gary Robbins says:

            Oh I still believe OU can get Cody Ford, Madison Akamnonu , Barnett, Danley, and maybe even Wariboko. I was just concerned about a conspiracy pattern of some sort. Not really OU will be alright come February.

          • EasTex says:

            I believe OU will be fine come signing day.
            Just recall this past signing day, OU went 4 for 4 on targets(4 for 5 if you thought Clark was in), including Frison.

          • Gary Robbins says:

            Oh yeah I had forgotten about Mr. Limo.

          • EasTex says:

            Which is why I view the 4 for 4 on targets as what really happened.
            I was all for Clark until the last month before signing day. Too much drama.

          • Kody K. says:

            Of course we’ll be fine, were the Sooners! I just wish more top recruits came knocking on our door, instead of us knocking on theirs. WE HAVE EARNED THAT KIND OF STATUS!!!

          • Zack says:

            And ford and akamnonu puts us at 4. Let’s just say Danley says no there’s still Leo something a juco commit to tech who’s interested in ou. And then you let Barnett take his time but if they get to 6 commits I think one has to be a juco guy. There’s no reason to take 6 high school seniors this year. I’ve done a little mock list to get to 22 recruits although I think we will have 26-28 so we could take an extra safety and corner and still have room for 2 wideouts or an extra half back.

            Qb -1
            Hb -1
            FB/TE -2
            WR -1
            OL -6
            DL -3
            LB -3
            CB -2
            S -2
            K -1

          • EasTex says:

            Yessir, young men that either can’t make a decision or make bad ones. :}

          • Gary Robbins says:

            Amen, now what does OU have to offer?
            1. 2nd best football winning percentage in last 15 years (Boise State was 1st).
            2. Just announced a $370 million dollar improvement and expansion to stadium and facilities which includes a 30k sq. ft. weight lifting facility.
            3. Norman was recognized as the 2nd best college town in the country.
            4. OU’s present football stadium was recognized as the best in the Big 12 before improvements
            5. A 1 year old $75 million dollar dorm with private rooms(and bathrooms) plus 5* dining room all known as Headington Hall ( a game changer) .
            6. Recent announcement of alternate uniforms to be worn on special occasions (seems to be a huge hit with former,present , and hopefully future recruits).
            I’m missing something but my fingers are wore out.
            What more could an athlete want, oh yeah maybe an offer!

          • EasTex says:

            For OL offers, the fact that this year’s class is heavy on seniors should have an impact.

          • Kody K. says:

            That’s what I was thinking Tex, coupled with our track record for putting linemen in the league. You’d think that would make OU a top choice for an Olineman with potential.

          • sracer says:

            I wonder if a lot of kids get intimated when they visit hear? Especially with all the coaches being so honest with them. Just think I would rather have the recruits that are ready to put out the effort,
            Instead of the ones that get homesick, I know it’s a lot to handle for a 17 year old.

          • John Garner says:

            Great coaching and tradition too.

          • Fear The Magic says:

            We need to plant some palm trees on campus. Plastic ones at the very least.

          • Kody K. says:

            Funny…….Lol!

          • Gary Robbins says:

            Yeah, didn’t an OU recruit last year commit to Arizona or Arizona State and one of the reasons was pretty palm trees. Go figure.

          • brainpimp says:

            yes, you should panic and not watch the team the next 4 years.

          • Gary Robbins says:

            I’ve been watching OU since 1971 and certainly don’t plan to stop in the near future for any reason.

        • EasTex says:

          “We’re the men,” Hodges said. “He (Lottinger) says, “The quarterback
          is our wife and the running backs and receivers are our kids and we’re
          trying to protect them.”

          “We’re the only ones with ‘men’ in our name,” Pritchett said. “There are backs, receivers and we’re linemen.”

          Source.

        • Doobie74OU says:

          AJ McCaron – Lost like 4 games as a starter 3 BCS NC Maxwell & Johnny Unitas Awards Sec All Conference awards and acolaids go on and on, but by most peoples evaluation an average QB that got taken in the 5th rd of the NFL draft.

          • Kody K. says:

            He was always insulted when called a system QB. Until he proves me wrong in the league, that’s what I’ll call him.

        • Kody K. says:

          Very true and clever. Nice!

      • ToatsMcGoats says:

        I come from an area that is full of Class A high schools. There were two schools that performed at high levels every single year and those two schools are Commerce, Ok. (Mickey Mantle’s hometown), and Wyandotte, Ok. (recently won Bigger Faster Stronger’s “School of the Year” award). While the latter isn’t what it used to be, both schools field great teams year in and year out.

        The biggest reason as to why they do so well every year is they always have the biggest and the best OL’s in the district. The skill players are average, but the Oline play makes them look like superstars.

        • Dustin says:

          Where you from? I’m from Grove.

          • ToatsMcGoats says:

            Originally from Picher, but, since it doesn’t exist anymore, I now live in Commerce.

          • Isaac Wright says:

            Hahahahaha, Picher that tornado was terrible man wiped the whole city of the map

          • ToatsMcGoats says:

            Yeah, it sure did. If the EPA hadn’t already bought most of the residents out, there would more than likely have been more than 8 deaths.

      • Kody K. says:

        Can’t argue with that.

  • just_a_fan says:

    Oh he isn’t just his mentality there’s always a chip on shoulder.. So he plays harder to show ppl how good he is,,

  • Zack says:

    In that linebacker vs running back one on ones Arthur mcguinnis looks like a kid that’s gonna be in good position to make tackles reminds me of shannon.

  • Zack says:

    Brainiacs I wanted to see if you guys had seen ILB Amonte Caban out of Alabama. Crystal ball has him going to Mississippi state and both bama and auburn already have at least one ILB commit. Is this a kid that ou could get in on recruiting? Or is he a lock to msu.

  • Defend Colfax says:

    I’m starting to get angry about us not offering Whitfield yet. Kid looks legit. Do you guys think he’d commit early if offered?

    • Super K says:

      He’s just interested in finding a good opportunity to play. Doesn’t strike me as the type that’s interesting in getting involved in the recruiting process or growing his twitter following by amassing offers. He’s just an athlete that likes to play and compete. So I suspect whoever offers first and seems like a good fit will win his services. He just came on the scene late. Most schools have their boards set by the summer and then they wait till the fall to see how things play out.

  • Super Keith says:

    I think the hype that would have come with Perine was silenced by the Mixon hype. Also, it seems that Perine is a “speak softly and carry a big stick” kind of guy (he seems reserved in public), and Mixon is a “Cali Swag” kind of guy. Nothing wrong with either of those, but it’s not hard to see how Perine didn’t come in as hyped. Then you remember the recruiting process for Perinie, him choosing OU over Bama, the fact that he has the body of an NFL RB, and it starts to make sense that maybe he is going to explode on the scene next year.

    Either way, I think we’re set up very nicely at the RB position for the next couple to three years.

    • captfoss says:

      Reminds me a bit of Sterling Shepard and Durron Neal when they were both incoming Freshmen. All the hype was for Neal, and we see how that one’s turned out…

      • ToatsMcGoats says:

        Great comparison! I was partial to Shepard because 1) he’s an Okie and 2) he was so polite and well spoken in every interview I watched of him. I love the types that let their play do the talking!

        • Shelby is a Patriot says:

          Not only that but Shepard give 110% on every play and it’s noticeable. Several times in the Sugar Bowl he turned nothing into 5 plus yards or so.

          • ToatsMcGoats says:

            Indeed. He really puts the effort out there, and he does it in a quiet manner that often results in him being overlooked by those who don’t really follow the Sooners like we do. He’s definitely one of my favorites.

      • Super Keith says:

        Yeah, there are similarities.

        Personally, I was a Shepard fan from his time in high school. The minute he signed with OU, he was a favorite. I watched his dad play, and was so proud to see him earn a scholarship. I wasn’t 100% sure he’d become the kind of player his has become, but I can’t say I’m too surprised either. Just love the kid.

    • DCinAZ says:

      When you have gunboats the size of Perine’s, you don’t need any hype or to “speak loudly”.

    • PLAW0720 says:

      I’m still reserving judgement until I see them on the field. I remember a couple of other big time recruits that couldn’t transition from HS to D1. Ultimately, Calhoun and Johnson left the program. Boomer!

      • SoonerKevin says:

        The small amount of film that I got to see on Johnson, and Calhoun, did not impress me. Samaje has some good footage, and it is impressive. I’m not making a prediction, but watching his film, and hearing about the rave reviews, let’s just say I have a good feeling.

  • Dustin Parish says:

    My buddy on the team told me DGB was throwing up after his first day of summer workouts. Said, “Man, we didn’t work out like this at Mizzou.”

    • ToatsMcGoats says:

      Beautiful! I always thought OU better than most teams. Having confirmation of that is priceless! Thanks!

    • Kody K. says:

      I would love to see interviews with transfer players like Jalen Saunders, Justin Brown, and DGB after he’s here a year comparing OU to their former universities. It might give some good insight to our program as well as encourage certain high school players to commit to OU.

      • Super Keith says:

        And possibly convince guys looking to coast through to pick another school. Man, that would save a lot of trouble for all involved.

    • Super K says:

      LOL great update Dustin!

    • Eric Hoffpauir says:

      I wonder how much of this is DGB not working out much since being dismissed, how much is Mizzou not having as good of a training regimen as OU, and how much of it is him getting some “special attention” because of his past behavior. Or maybe a little bit of everything.

  • thebigdroot says:

    I just started visiting this site and love the detail and unbiased approach like the 4 letter site. Plus you don’t have to be an insider. Quickly becoming my favorite site. Thanks for doing this. Awesome job.

    • Zack says:

      If ou were going to take another running back this is who I hope it is although I think soso showed he can be more of an all purpose back at the opening.

    • DCinAZ says:

      Man he looks a lot like Demarco Murray. Side by side pictures would be WEIRD.

    • Super K says:

      Tyreik might be too late. Heard OU is done at RB.

  • L'carpetron Dookmarriot says:

    Perhaps some were upset because Tim Settle isn’t coming to OU. The video above should make people reconsider. Big, but slow. However, McKenzie looked good. And Gallimore could be a freak. He doesn’t even know how to play yet and he doesn’t look appreciably different than most other DLs in the video. [claps hands together for Gallimore to come to OU]

    • Zack says:

      I would agree although I wouldn’t let that video be the deciding factor. Some of those guards were nasty and he may be more of a gap filler and run stopper.

      • L'carpetron Dookmarriot says:

        I think it’s just fine to draw a wide-ranging conclusion on the basis of two short snippets of video… #jokes

        • Zack says:

          Haha I do agree that I’m not upset about him favoring other schools over ou. His recruiting has been kind of quiet since he said something about Clemson being his favorite. His shenanigans of putting ou at the bottom of his list was enough for me to not want this 5*

        • Kody K. says:

          Why not? Everybody else does. Lol!

  • EasTex says:

    The update on Danley doesn’t surprise me, I took his “grades come first comment” at face value.

  • DCinAZ says:

    Liked the Arthur McGinnis kid and what he said about his two for sure visits being UCLA and OU. Sounds like a good kid. Said he wants to be used as an outside rusher (Striker backer anybody?) If he takes a visit, I hope Striker is his chaperone around campus.

  • EasTex says:

    Sooo, scanning the interwebs found an interesting article on Alabama recruiting.
    Alabama’s flight records reveal controlled chaos behind securing the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class.

    • Gary Robbins says:

      Interesting read as Alabama probably has a Director of Player Recruiting Results (DPRR) via direct jet access. With 197 football offers to date for 2015 they probably need another jet.
      Only about half of the top 100 players on 247 Sports list have committed for 2015. What really puts a burr under my saddle is this. Texas Tech has 2 of the top 50 on this list already committed to them (Stidham and Fehoko) and both were Oklahoma offers. SMH
      On a better note Bucky Brooks, NFL analyst put out a list of Top 10 NFL left tackles and at #3 was Trent Williams(Washington Redskins). It seems like he had a long term contract of 60 million ( with almost 19 million guaranteed). That’s not exactly pocket change. In another story other NFL lineman with lesser contracts ( OU alumni) were Phil Loadbolt. Chris Chester, Lane Johnson, Donald Stephenson, Davin Joseph, Gabe Ikard, and probably 2 more after this year. So future OU lineman as they would say on the Price is Right -come on down.

      • Clint Lenard says:

        I haven’t read the entire story, but don’t they usually borrow the jets from donors? I thought that’s what Stoops did, anyway.

        • Gary Robbins says:

          Probably Alabama does in a round about way. The jet is registered to the Crimson Tide Foundation – fund raising arm of the Alabama athletics Foundation. The pilot and co-pilot are on the official staff directory of the Alabama athletics department. Oh by the way Saban’s contract allows use of 25 hours annually for “personal, non business travel”.