Tag: 2020 Recruiting Class

ESPN re-ranked the 2020 recruiting class: Where’d Oklahoma land?

Taking a look back at the 2020 recruiting cycle, where did ESPN rank the Oklahoma Sooners 2020 recruiting class?

The 2022 class has had a few splashes here and there, but we probably won’t have a good grasp on the impact of this group until 2024. A few years since the arrival of the 2020 recruiting class, what kind of impact is this group having for the Oklahoma Sooners?

In their third season in Norman, the 2020 recruiting class is playing a huge role for the Sooners this year. Marvin Mims is one of the best receivers in the country and Anton Harrison is playing like a player that could be taken in the top 50 of the 2023 NFL draft. Andrew Raym has developed into a solid starter at center helping anchor a fast-paced Oklahoma offensive attack.

In ESPN’s look at the 2020 recruiting class, the Sooners improved from the No. 10 class at the time to No. 7 in their re-rank.

How this class finishes under new head coach Brent Venables remains to be seen as the Sooners navigate a rough patch. Several signees are no longer with the program. Under previous head coach Lincoln Riley, with whom they signed, this group has offered some really good production. Pieces of this class helped generate more than 20 wins, a conference title their freshmen season and a pair of bowl wins. WR Marvin Mims was a key target on that Big 12 title team and remains a top receiver for the Sooners. DL Perrion Winfrey was the top junior college DL and was a disruptive starter while with the program. Top signee Reggie Grimes has developed into a good defender, leading the team in sacks. The Sooners signed several four-star OLs with in-state ESPN 300 Andrew Raym and Anton Harrison developing into solid starters. – Craig Haubert and Tom Luginbill, ESPN

The addition of Perrion Winfrey from the junior college ranks was the highlight on the defensive side. Though a bit up and down for the Sooners, Winfrey provided an interior pass rush and was taken in the

Reggie Grimes has been a good player, but hasn’t been the best player in the recruiting class. There’s still another level that he can go to.

Aaryn Parks and Nate Anderson have provided depth along the offensive line and Justin Harrington has become a rotational Cheetah player for the OU defense. D.J. Graham had some good moments at cornerback, but recently made the switch to wide receiver.

Chandler Morris won the starting quarterback job at TCU before suffering an injury in the season opener. Max Duggan’s played so well that Morris hasn’t been able to reclaim the starting quarterback job.

The biggest disappointments in this class were Seth McGowan and Mikey Henderson. Both players had promising starts to their Sooners careers in 2020 before being dismissed during the 2021 offseason amid assault allegations.

If we were re-ranking the players in the 2020 class, Marvin Mims or Anton Harrison would vie for the top player. Both have been among the best at their position in the Big 12 and have received some first round buzz in early mock drafts for the 2023 NFL draft.

[listicle id=73875]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz7cqqgxy50qwt player_id=none image=https://soonerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

Kayshon Boutte and BJ Ojulari were steals in LSU’s 2020 recruiting class

Both Boutte and Ojulari exceeded their initial ranking in ESPN’s re-rank of the 2020 recruiting class.

LSU’s 2020 class was regarded as elite at the time. When the Tigers signed their 22-man group, it ranked as the No. 4 class in the entire country.

But with the power of hindsight, the class may have been even better than we realized at the time. That’s because two players, in particular, have overplayed their recruiting stature quite a bit.

ESPN recently released a re-rank of the top-25 players in the 2020 class, and it features two LSU players that were not among the top 25 coming out of high school: Receiver [autotag]Kayshon Boutte[/autotag] and edge rusher [autotag]BJ Ojulari[/autotag].

Boutte was the higher-regarded of the two as a recruit. He was still a five-star but ranked outside the top 30. Now, ESPN lists Boutte at No. 14. Despite a slow start to the season, Boutte is an elite talent and one of the top receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL draft.

LSU | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 33 (No. 3 WR)

When he’s healthy, Boutte has shown to be among the best in the country, especially as a route runner. Consistency has been the issue with Boutte, but when he’s on, he can dominate as of the most explosive players in college football. Coming off his first 100-yard performance of the season against Florida on Saturday, Boutte is physical with strong hands when contested and has traits similar to former LSU great Ja’Marr Chase.

However, the real overachiever has been Ojulari. A four-star recruit that sat outside the national top 100, Ojulari has since become a leader for the Tigers on and off the field. He’s also one of the nation’s top edge rushers and leads the team in sacks with 3.5 on the 2022 season.

LSU | 2020 ESPN 300 ranking: 122 (No. 13 DE)

Ojulari wasn’t the most high-profile name for a loaded Marietta High School (Georgia) state championship team that sent multiple players to Power 5 programs, but he has proven to be the most impactful. Ojulari is a lengthy, rangy edge defender with excellent initial quickness who went from an immediate contributor in his first year to a starter and leading pass-rusher in Year 2. Despite the Tigers’ struggles and coaching changes, he has remained a constant bright spot in Baton Rouge. Ojulari is among Jordan Reid’s top five draft-eligible defensive ends.

Recruiting rankings matter, and landing top prospects is key. But sometimes solid recruits can have great careers, and even high-profile recruits can impress beyond what was expected.

[mm-video type=video id=01gfgzbayv4cbdxvjxrb playlist_id=01eqbz5s7cf4w69e0n player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gfgzbayv4cbdxvjxrb/01gfgzbayv4cbdxvjxrb-142626ab7ca33245bbf06bff7b805138.jpg]

[listicle id=59413]

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno

Where does Tank Bigsby land in a re-rank of the 2020 recruiting class?

Tank Bigsby has shown his worth as the No. 2 rated running back from the 2020 class.

Coming out of the 2020 class, current Auburn Tigers running back Tank Bigsby was among the best running backs in the country. He joined Ole Miss’ Zach Evans who signed with TCU at the time and Texas’ feature back Bijan Robinson. This trio was set to make an impact in year one.

The trio combined for 1,952 yards on 278 carries with 13 touchdowns. No one had the workload that Tank received in the first season. He handled 138 rushing attempts while Evans and Robinson combined for 140.

In a recent re-rank of the 2020 class by ESPN (subscription required), where would they put this trio?

Bijan Robinson, who was originally the No. 21 prospect and No. 3 running back of the class is now listed as the No. 4 overall player and No. 1 at his position. Hard to argue with those numbers, Robinson has averaged 7.0 yards per touch in 26 career games.

Tank Bigsby checks in at No. 2 at his position and No. 25 overall. Five spots below where ESPN ranked him in the 2020 class but remains the No. 2 running back of that class in this re-ranking.

The aptly named Tank was among the top running backs in the 2020 class and quickly established himself as one of college football’s best. A thickly built powerful runner with good balance and agility, he made an immediate impact, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Bigsby ran for more than 1,000 yards last season and is versatile with good receiving skills, as he remains a key playmaker in the Tigers’ offense in 2022. He is coming off a 179-yard, two-touchdown performance against Ole Miss.

This season, Tank Bigsby leads the Power Five backs with his mark of 4.72 yards after contact per carry. He has 467 total yards after contact and forced 40 missed tackles this season.

Unfortunately, current Ole Miss running back Zach Evans didn’t make the cut among the top 25 prospects in the re-ranking after being rated as the No. 1 running back of 2020 originally.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbyzb4ahnasj2m3 player_id=none image=https://auburnwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Former offensive lineman Noah Nelson heads to transfer portal

The Sooners potentially could lose another member of the 2020 recruiting class.

Earlier Wednesday morning, reports came out of Norman about a player entering the transfer portal. While many have speculated about the possibility of Spencer Rattler, as of right now that’s just not the case. However, another Sooner from Arizona is on the way out.

Noah Nelson, a former Oklahoma Sooner has entered the transfer portal.

Nelson was on the team and roster headed into the new calendar year but left the program due to a medical issue per Parker Thune of 247Sports. Nelson was a member of the Sooners 2020 recruiting class and had a three-star rating and was ranked the No. 38 tackle in the 2020 recruiting cycle, per the 247Sports Composite Player Rankings. Nelson was also heavily recruited by Michigan, UCLA, and Arizona State.

With no real inclination as to where he goes it may be possible he heads back west or to a completely new school that didn’t recruit him as heavily as a recruit.

With Nelson’s departure from the program, that officially means six players from Oklahoma’s 2020 class are no longer on the team after just two years.  Nelson joins Seth McGowan (dismissed), Mikey Henderson (dismissed),  Jalin Conyers (transfer), Chandler Morris (transfer), and Justin Harrington, who also transferred.

While Nelson entered his name in the portal it’s not a foregone conclusion that he leaves but considering the lack of news about him being around the program it’s probably likely to expect him in a different jersey come to the start of next season.

Hudson Card among three of Texas’ second-year players to watch for

A big part of determining Steve Sarkisian’s early success will come from the 2020 class. Here are three second-year players to look out for.

Until the 2021 class, Tom Herman did an excellent job on the recruiting trail, rebuilding what was considered a rather poor roster. He pulled off back-to-back No. 3 rated classes in 2018 and 2019, followed by the No. 8 class the next year.

A big part of determining Steve Sarkisian’s early success will come from Herman’s final full recruiting cycle in 2020. They may not have been the highest rated on the 247Sports composite but may prove to provide the most NFL talent Texas has seen in a while.

Gerry Hamilton of On3sports and Inside Texas provided a list of three second-year Longhorn players to watch going into this season. A quarterback and two of his receivers feature, an offensive specialty for Sarkisian.

Here is Hamilton’s list:

Hudson Card may seem like the obvious one, competing for the starting quarterback job with Casey Thompson. There is reason to believe the Austin native will end up winning, even though he was with the second-team offense during the Orange and White.

He is more of a stereotypical pocket passing quarterback Sarkisian loves. Being quick and accurate in the RPO game, while also having the arm strength to deliver deep balls.

The two wide receivers mentioned bring two different dynamics.

Omeire was expected to be a breakout star during his true freshman season but tore his ACL in fall practice. Now that he is fully healthy, the former four-star recruit is expected to burst onto the scene with Sarkisian. Speed may not be Omeire’s forte but he may be the best pure receiver on the team.

Quite the opposite is true for Dixon. Speed is the name of the game for the Carthage native, showing it against Colorado in the Alamo Bowl. If during fall camp, Dixon can show he is ready to play, watch out.

ESPN lists Texas WR Troy Omeire as breakout candidate for 2021

After tearing his ACL last year, wide receiver Troy Omeire was recently listed as a breakout candidate for the Longhorns in 2021.

It was hard to take your eyes off of wide receiver Troy Omeire throughout fall camp last offseason due to his impressive physique and acrobatic catches. Continue reading “ESPN lists Texas WR Troy Omeire as breakout candidate for 2021”

Texas Football: List of recruiting offers to 2022 quarterbacks

Take a look at the top five quarterbacks that Texas has offered from the 2022 recruiting class.

The 2021 recruiting cycle will conclude in less than two weeks as the second signing day is approaching on Feb. 3. Steve Sarkisian’s new staff will have plenty of work to do as they finalize Texas’ No. 17 class in the country. Continue reading “Texas Football: List of recruiting offers to 2022 quarterbacks”

Texas Football: Bijan Robinson named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week

Standout freshman running back for the Texas Longhorns earned newcomer of the week honors. Bijan Robinson didn’t look like a freshman.

One of the big contributors in the Texas Longhorn’s 27-13 victory over West Virginia was Bijan Robinson. He set season high’s in rushing yards and yards from scrimmage. His 54-yard run to open the game set the Longhorns up deep in WVU territory for their first touchdown. Robinson was a highlight waiting to happen in this game.

Bijan showed why he was highly touted coming out of Arizona in the 2020 recruiting class. He averaged 9.4 yards per carry and 10.8 yards per touch. His 151 yards from scrimmage were the most by any Longhorn this season so far. His 113 yards rushing were the most by a Texas player this year, edging out Sam Ehlinger‘s 112 against the Oklahoma Sooners.

[lawrence-related id=26581]

After his performance, Robinson is now second on the team in rushing yards (294) and just behind Ehlinger (323). Bijan also leads the team in yards from scrimmage (399). It was clear on Saturday against the Big 12’s top rushing defense that they need to play him more. Robinson gives this team so much as a runner and receiver that you have to play him.

Head coach Tom Herman needs to lean more on the freshman moving forward. Especially while Keaontay Ingram continues to deal with a high ankle sprain and Roschon Johnson has dealt with the shoulder injury this year. They should ride the young back like Herman did back at Ohio State in the 2014 title run.

As the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, Herman’s star running back was Ezekiel Elliott. During that run he gave Elliott 20 touches per game for an average of 7.0 yards per touch. Herman did state he didn’t want to “overload” the freshman but he has been their most effective back this season when on the field.  Bijan averages 6.7 yards per touch in seven games.

Is it Bijan Robinson’s time to shine in wake of Ingram injury?

It was reported by head coach Tom Herman that Keaontay Ingram will miss time with a high ankle sprain. Is this Bijan Robinson’s opportunity?

When the top running back in the 2020 class signed his letter of intent with the Texas Longhorns there was plenty of excitement. Texas was able to keep Bijan Robinson away from the Ohio State Buckeyes, Southern California Trojans and the Alabama Crimson Tide. He only ended up taking visits to Texas, OSU and USC.

He was one of the highest touted running backs that signed with the Longhorns. In terms of all-time recruits, he ranked 13th in school history according to 247Sports Composite rankings. Only Jonathan Gray in 2012 ranked higher than Bijan. Easy to say the expectation level for Bijan was through the roof. Especially after you look at the records he set in Arizona. So is Robinson about to take hold of that running back position?

Last week in the wild win over Oklahoma State, Robinson ended up playing the most snaps of any running back. He has started the last two games but split time with Keaontay Ingram and Roschon Johnson. After Ingram’s injury, it was split between Bijan and Roschon, the former played the most snaps. He was in on 47 of 82 possible snaps. That is a play percentage of 57.3%. Johnson was in on 39% of the plays.

[lawrence-related id=26238]

Of the 47 snaps, Bijan touched the ball on 15 plays (32%). Roschon was the target on 28.1% of his opportunities. It is one thing to come in following an injury but when you know you are the guy, it gets a bit different. Johnson has been dealing with a lingering shoulder injury this year. Could be a reason that Robinson is seeing more opportunity. Against the Cowboys defense, Robinson averaged 4.5 yards per carry. With more carries as the weeks go by, it feels like he catching up to the speed of the game.

Robinson still has the fewest carries of the backs and Sam Ehlinger, but has the second-highest yards per carry. It seems that the coaching staff likes to use him between the 20’s. However, when the team approaches the red zone and goal to go situations it is Ingram or Johnson. Given Bijan’s receiving ability, he should get more looks and that may just happen while Keaontay recovers from the high ankle sprain.

[vertical-gallery id=25997]