Tag: 2023 recruiting class

Former four-star CB Jasiah Wagoner set to enter the portal

Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Jasiah Wagoner entering the transfer portal, according to a report on Thursday.

Spring practice is over for the Oklahoma Sooners and they’re one of the teams in college football feeling the roster crunch. Programs and players are making tough decisions about their future.

In the spring portal window, the Oklahoma Sooners lost projected rotational cheetah Justin Harrington. Now, another key defensive back piece in the 2023 recruiting class is heading to the portal.

According to Collin Kennedy of Sooners Illustrated and 247Sports, former four-star prospect Jasiah Wagoner is entering the transfer portal.

Wagoner played eight games and 76 snaps as a true freshman, according to Pro Football Focus. Wagoner had a terrific summer leading up to the season and was routinely discussed as someone who could push for snaps immediately as the Sooners searched for consistency at cornerback.

He missed the first half of the season due to injury before becoming a consistent part of the rotation in the back half of the year. He totaled three tackles and two pass breakups in 2023.

Oklahoma earned Wagoner’s commitment over Arizona State, Notre Dame, Washington, and Texas.

Wagoner’s departure is probably not the last for Oklahoma as players on the fringe or lower on the depth chart than they’d like to be will seek to enter the transfer portal ahead of the May 1 deadline.

Recent rule changes have clarified that all transfers, graduate or not, must be in the portal by May 1st to seek a new school. Previously, grad transfers were allowed to enter the portal after the deadline, but with the new rules, all players are treated the same when entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Wagoner will have three more years of eligibility remaining.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on X @thatmanbryant.

Notre Dame’s Carey Booth enters transfer portal but could return

Hopefully, he comes back.

When a player enters the transfer portal, they generally don’t go back to where they came from. Not so fast in the case of Notre Dame forward [autotag]Carey Booth[/autotag]. In an Instagram story and in speaking to On3’s Joe Tipton, Booth announced his that he’s entering the transfer portal. However, he has not ruled out coming back to the Irish as indicated in the following statement:

“I’m beyond thankful for getting to wear the blue and gold this year. I’m especially thankful to Coach Shrewsberry and his staff for believing in me and bringing me to South Bend. With that being said, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal to keep all of my options open – including a return to Notre Dame.”

IT’S BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY’s NCAA tournament bracket contest for a chance at $1 million prize.

Booth, the highest-rated player in Notre Dame’s 2023 recruiting class on 247Sports, played all 33 games for the Irish this past season, starting 19 of them. In his first collegiate season, he averaged 6.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.6 blocks a game.

At 6-foot-10, Booth was tied with [autotag]Kebba Njie[/autotag] for the tallest player on the team, and it’s possible he felt he couldn’t compete with Njie for a starting spot going forward. Whatever the case, hopefully, he isn’t gone for good.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Geoffrey on Twitter: @gfclark89

Texas A&M track and field inks multiple athletes from 2024 recruiting class

Texas A&M loads up on talent as they sign high-end Track & Field athletes

Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country has one of the elite coaching staffs in the country with legendary Track & Field coach Pat Henry and recent Coach of the Year Wendel McRaven. That alone makes the University an attractive place to come and develop their talent, but there is also a brand-new Indoor Track Stadium.

This past month, Coach Henry has signed several talented athletes to the roster throughout November and now December. Below, you can see who signed and the official announcement via the Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country social media page.

Yierra Flemings – Cameron, TX – Heptathlon

Khybah Dawson – British Virgin Islands – Long Jump

Nico Signorelli – The Woodlands, TX – Pole Vault

Milena Chevallier – Farmington Hills, MI – High Jump

Tyler Lowe – Johns Creek, GA – 400M / 200M

Penny Gracy – The Woodlands, TX – 3200M

Gilbert Rono – Kericho, Rift Valley, Kenya – 1500M / 800M

Debora Cherono – Kericho, Rift Valley, Kenya – 1500M / 6K

Madison Peters – League City, TX – 1600M / 3200M

Congratulations to all of the signees, and we can’t wait to see them in the Maroon & White next season.

Steve Sarkisian praises the freshmen class and how talented they are

Texas has a group of freshmen that will make immediate impacts.

This past recruiting cycle for Texas is one that can help shape the program for years to come. Continue reading “Steve Sarkisian praises the freshmen class and how talented they are”

Anthony Hill named to On3’s preseason true freshman All-American team

Anthony Hill is a star in the making

Of all of the talented freshmen that Texas brought in from the 2023 class, only one of them was named a preseason true freshman All-American by On3.

Former five-star linebacker Anthony Hill, who they ranked as the No. 4 player in the country, is the sole Longhorn named to the team. When talking about what he brings to the table, On3’s Charles Power raved about his aggressiveness and physicality.

“Aggressive, physical, downhill linebacker with versatility to also be a situational pass rusher. I think that skill set, his level of development, coming from a top HS program … has him set up to really make an impact early on as a freshman for Texas.

Hill has reportedly been emerging as a young star during fall camp, and has even been moved to a couple different spots. He was an elite athlete at the high school level, racking up 303 tackles, 13 sacks, and nine forced fumbles.

Oklahoma freshman Peyton Bowen poised for a strong 2023 season

Peyton Bowen starting to settle in just a few weeks before the season starts.

The Oklahoma Sooners struck gold in the [autotag]2023 recruiting class[/autotag], landing three five-star players. Two of those players were in key positions on the defensive side of the ball.

[autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], one of those aforementioned key defensive players, is on track to play a big role in the 2023 season.

After Tuesday’s practice, Bowen told reporters he’s thankful he decided to come to Norman early and get spring practice under his belt. But he believes this isn’t an easy position to play at Oklahoma.

“All of the movement,” Bowen said. “That’s the hardest part. I feel like I know the plays really well; it’s just how your alignment and disguising. I think that’s just the main thing, and that gets to me. Obviously, I’m getting better at it now from the spring, but it’s coming along.”

In addition to learning traditional safety, Bowen mentioned after practice that he’s played several spots in the Sooners’ secondary.

“I have moved around a lot,” Bowen shared with OUInsider’s Jesse Crittendon. “I’ve played five different positions in fall camp. It’s been a challenge, but I’m doing great at it. I feel like every day, I’m getting better at it. Obviously, it’s not perfect because I’m still learning five different positions and I get put in at five different places. So every time we’re learning a new install, I’m learning it at that position they put me in that day.”

The Denton, Texas, native is joining a room that has one returning starter, [autotag]Billy Bowman[/autotag]; one player who has played a lot at Oklahoma, [autotag]Key Lawrence[/autotag]; and a starter for another Power Five school, [autotag]Reggie Pearson[/autotag]. All are guys Bowen said he’s leaned on for help.

“The old guys have been great on if you ask them a question about the defense, they’ll easily teach you it and show you and take you under their wing,” Bowen said. “Even the young guys that came in too, the freshmen, they’re all trying to help each other out because you’re only as strong as your weakest link.”

While there is immense pressure on a five-star at any program, there’s even more when you are a five-star at Oklahoma and on defense. But if the spring game was any indication, Bowen is poised to live up to the hype and put forth a great freshman season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Walter Rouse back from his injury and ready to roll

After spending four years playing for the Stanford Cardinal, Walter Rouse is excited about making one last statement at OU.

The [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] made a few splashes last offseason both in the transfer portal and in the [autotag]2023 recruiting class[/autotag]. One of those was the addition of [autotag]Stanford Cardinal[/autotag] offensive tackle transfer, [autotag]Walter Rouse[/autotag].

Rouse finished his four-year career at Stanford with multiple accolades. He was an All-Pac 12 honorable mention selection twice and freshman second-team All-American. Instead of going pro, something he admitted was the plan. He decided to use his COVID year and transfer to Oklahoma.

That’s how he ended up at the [autotag]University of Oklahoma[/autotag]. The Sooners had a need at tackle after the departures of [autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag] and [autotag]Wanya Morris[/autotag] to the NFL.

Combine that with the injury to freshman [autotag]Jacob Sexton[/autotag], and the Sooners were thin. Rouse comes to the Sooners with 38 starts under his belt and more than 2,500 snaps at the collegiate level. Despite missing the spring due to a shoulder injury, he said he’s ready to go.

“The shoulder feels great,” Rouse said. “A lot better than I expected it to be. Honestly, from the first day to now, I feel like I’ve been getting better every single day and improving just a little bit. Honestly, I’m just having fun. I haven’t been able to hit somebody in about eight months.”

He admits missing the spring led to a learning curve, but he said it helped that he could ask questions and do some mental reps on the side. But even with that missed time, Rouse feels the offensive line is coming along really well.

“Overall, especially the one’s group, we are really connecting with one another, and I’m loving working with Savion (Byrd) on the left side,” Rouse said. “Just really forming a great relationship with one another. Some of the stuff we are doing is non-verbal because we just are already feeling it, it’s already instinctive.”

The offensive line plays a major role in how the offense performs as a whole. It helps to have one of the best in the business coaching them in Bill Bedenbaugh. It might be crazy to say after losing a first-round left tackle, but if this group can come together, they have a chance at being even better than a year ago.

And if they are, the addition of Walter Rouse through the portal will be a big reason as to why.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1366]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Former Notre Dame commit picks powerhouse program

At one time he was the highest-ranked player in Notre Dame’s 2023 recruiting class. Now he’s officially headed to the SEC.

The first commitment Notre Dame received in the 2023 recruiting class was from edge rusher Keon Keeley in spring of 2021. Keeley was a big-time commitment out of Florida who, along with Brenan Vernon of Ohio, gave the Irish a solid start to the future Notre Dame defensive line in a matter of days.

Vernon remains committed to Notre Dame’s class, but Keeley, now graded a five-star prospect, backed off his commitment in August. Now Keeley has decided on his future school, and it’s the one we were most worried about the second he took a visit there while still committed to Notre Dame.

As they say, the rich keep getting richer.

See updated 2023 recruiting team rankings following Keeley commitment

As for Notre Dame, it’ll still have a very strong class but missing on a talent like Keeley certainly stings. The Irish also received the bad news in the last few hours that a four-star defensive lineman from the 2024 recruiting class is backing off his commitment as well.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbz1mmy7gev0xbr player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=]

[lawrence-related id=66029,65626,64983]

[listicle id=64987]

Gallagher smashes Notre Dame’s hope of commitment

Which remaining receiver does Notre Dame have to land now?

Sometimes you’re the sledgehammer and sometimes you’re the watermelon.

Notre Dame was, indeed, the watermelon when it came to four-star wide receiver and top 100 overall player (247Sports) in the 2023 recruiting class [autotag]Rodney Gallagher[/autotag], who announced he plans to play college football at West Virginia.

Gallagher chose West Virginia over seven other finalists, including Notre Dame, Texas, Penn State, Oregon, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech and Pitt.

Gallagher was one of Notre Dame’s top offensive priorities in what has already been a stellar recruiting class.

Gallagher originally stated he would announce his decision on July 4, but last week decided to bump up his announcement.

Notre Dame has one wide receiver committed in its 2023 recruiting cycle. That is, of course, [autotag]Braylon James[/autotag] of Stony Point High School in Round Rock, Texas.

[lawrence-related id=56482]

[lawrence-related id=55874]

[listicle id=29791]

ChampU BBQ Visitor List: Who’s coming to Norman this weekend?

A look at who’s coming to town for the ChampU BBQ this weekend.

Oklahoma’s future looks bright. Less than a day ago, they received news of their first slate of SEC opponents when they begin play in their new conference in 2024. It’s a compelling slate and something that gets the competitive energy flowing.

If they plan to make an impact when they get there, the class of 2024 will have a profound hand in that. This class will be the first class that hits the ground and is immediately thrown into the fire that is the SEC. They’ll spend their whole careers being molded by the best football conference in the country. For the Sooners to compete for the top, this 2024 class must be unique.

It’s only fitting that Oklahoma has its premier recruiting event, the ChampU BBQ this weekend, right after the SEC opponents were revealed.

The Sooners can use the SEC to their advantage, selling the appeal of playing in an elite conference to any athlete unafraid of competing against the best in the country.

Last year’s ChampU BBQ had attendees signing with the Sooners and are now on campus with the current roster. Here’s a running count:

  • OT [autotag]Cayden Green[/autotag]
  • LB [autotag]Phil Picciotti[/autotag]
  • ATH [autotag]Jacobe Johnson[/autotag]
  • RB [autotag]Daylan Smothers[/autotag]
  • CB [autotag]Makari Vickers[/autotag]
  • WR [autotag]Jaquaize Pettaway[/autotag]
  • OT [autotag]Logan Howland[/autotag]
  • QB [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag]

In short, a nice chunk of OU’s 2023 class came to the event. Arnold was already committed before the BBQ, but having him there helped Oklahoma recruit and, ultimately, the remaining players committed in the months after.

The visitor list for the event is long, with well over 20 official visitors already confirmed.

This weekend in Norman will be jam-packed with an extensive amount of talent. David Stone, a consensus top-10 recruit, is the headliner. He’s a hometown kid who grew up a Sooner fan. A commitment from him would be massive. He’s at the top of the Sooners’ recruiting board and a must-have in this cycle.

[autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] and [autotag]Taylor Tatum[/autotag] are two talented four-star running backs Oklahoma would be delighted to have.

Oklahoma has four 2024 commits in the building this weekend, and aside from them enjoying their officials, they can and will likely be used to recruit some of their uncommitted counterparts. [autotag]K.J. Daniels[/autotag], [autotag]Zion Kearney[/autotag], [autotag]Isaiah Autry[/autotag], and [autotag]Jaydan Hardy[/autotag] are the four commits who will enjoy their officials as Oklahoma Sooners.

[autotag]Joseph Jonah-Ajonye[/autotag], [autotag]Nigel Smith[/autotag], and [autotag]Dominick McKinley[/autotag] join David Stone as highly touted defensive linemen in Norman this weekend. Aside from landing Stone, can Oklahoma at least snag two of the remaining three? This weekend of visits could go a long way in determining that.

This weekend will have ripple effects for the 2024 cycle and help lay the foundation for Oklahoma’s future in the SEC. Last year’s event netted Oklahoma seven commits in the weeks and months after. The Sooners will be thrilled if the same happens this year.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5 category=1367]

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.