There is no position at Oklahoma under a microscope more than the defensive backs.
The Sooners were second to last in the country in passing defense prior to Alex Grinch’s arrival in 2019. Oklahoma has not had a defensive back drafted higher than the third round since Brodney Pool in 2005.
The first year of Grinch’s ‘Speed D’ helped raise Parnell Motley’s draft stock, and Oklahoma’s defensive coordinator brought in high level players like safety Bryson Washington in his first recruiting class.
Here is where Oklahoma’s defensive back board stands in May for the 2021 recruiting class.
*The star and position rating is according to Rivals.com.
CORNERBACK
LATRELL MCCUTCHIN—FOUR-STAR—NO. 5 CB
Oklahoma has been pushing for the highly recruited corner out of its rivals backyard. Latrell McCutchin took the trip from Austin, Texas, to Norman in March and all the momentum remains on the Sooners side of things. There hasn’t been any indication of a commitment coming anytime soon, though.
JAYLIN DAVIES—FOUR-STAR—NO. 6 CB
The Sooners have developed a great relationship at high school powerhouse Mater Dei in California. Pulling Jaylin Davies out of southern California is going to be tough for anyone, but Oklahoma getting an official visit down the line shouldn’t be ruled out.
ISHMAEL IBRAHEEM—FOUR-STAR—NO. 16 CB
Like McCutchin, Ishmael Ibraheem took a visit to Oklahoma prior to the sports world shutting down. The long, rangy athlete hasn’t said too much in regards to his recruitment, but the Sooners getting an unofficial visit prior to the coronavirus shutdown is important.
DREYDEN NORWOOD—THREE-STAR—NO. 46 CB
Yep—the name should sound familiar. The younger brother of current Oklahoma defensive back Tre Norwood received an early offer from the Sooners. Though he has kept things close to the vest, Oklahoma continues to keep tabs.
DE’JAHN WARREN—FOUR-STAR—UNRANKED JUCO
Probably the least recognizable name on the board. There is no telling where Oklahoma stands with the top junior college player in the country, but the Pennsylvania native is going to be a tough pull from Penn State. The Sooners have a need in 2021 to start at corner, and getting Warren in for a visit shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.
SAFETY
KENDAL DANIELS—THREE-STAR—NO. 27 S
In what I have labeled as Oklahoma’s can’t-miss prospect for 2021, Kendal Daniels remains the top priority on defense for Alex Grinch. The in-state prospect is getting pushed hard from Clemson, but the Sooners remain in a good spot for the Oklahoma native.
ANDREW MUKUBA—THREE-STAR—NO. 36 S
For awhile, one could have told the world that Andrew Mukuba would join teammate Latrell McCutchin and it would have been believable. Seems as if Oklahoma has recently cooled off, but Mukuba is a guy one shouldn’t be surprised by if the Sooners go back to.
TOMMI HILL—THREE-STAR—ATH
The Florida native is new to the Oklahoma board. Tommi Hill’s offer sheet doesn’t match up with his ranking, but the Sooners are already pushing for another Sunshine State player.
JORDAN MUKES—THREE-STAR—UNRANKED
Oklahoma’s second in-state commitment in the 2021 recruiting class. Jordan Mukes is new to football, but his athleticism is clear based off his basketball highlights. Mukes’ ceiling is close to endless as long as he continues to progress.
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