With spring ball behind them, Oklahoma’s next major task is to turn up the heat on the recruiting trail. One way that could happen is to keep landing on top five lists of four-star defensive linemen.
The Sooners saw this exact scenario play out on Wednesday evening as they landed inside the top five for Virginia native and former Michigan commit Joel Starlings’ Top 5 list. The massive defensive tackle stands 6-foot-5 and over 300 pounds. Physically he already fits the mold of the type of defensive linemen Brent Venables wants in Crimson & Cream.
Starlings is a massive space-eater that could play either defensive tackle spots in a four-man front. His size would also allow a team to line him up as the nose tackle in a three-man front.
At the moment, it looks like he’s favoring a bunch of east coast schools in his final five. Oklahoma is the only real traditional football powerhouse on the list and the fact that he was just offered in February could mean there’s real interest on Starlings’ behalf to see what Oklahoma has to offer.
TOP5️⃣… CHOSƎN☝🏽…
(who will it be?) pic.twitter.com/cNyddDSqA6
— GЯIM ЯΣΛPΣЯ (@JoelStarlings) April 27, 2022
Starlings has visits set up with four of his top five with the Sooners set to host the talented defensive line prospect June 10 according to his Twitter profile. Starlings spoke with Brian Down of 247 Sports about what sticks out for him with Oklahoma.
Oklahoma is a great school and I am building a relationship the coaches. I know some people who there (Kelvin Gilliam and Damond Harmon) and they are telling me about the school. I am planning on going to visit June 9 just to get a good look at Oklahoma. – Down, 247Sports
Oklahoma’s recent forays into the east coast have paid dividends and look to have them firmly in a position to succeed
Joel Starlings’ Recruiting Profile
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