Tag: 2024 4-star defensive lineman

Oklahoma receives pair of crystal ball predictions for 2024 4-star DL Nigel Smith

The Oklahoma Sooners starting to gain some 2024 recruiting momentum earning crystal ball predictions for 4-star DL Nigel Smith. From @john9williams

Oklahoma’s been firing on all cylinders on the recruiting trail since Brent Venables’ arrival. After landing in Norman last December, the Sooners 2022 recruiting class landed inside the top 10 after he and his staff were able to pull that class together by signing day. The 2023 class has the potential to finish inside the top five as they head down the stretch.

After their win over Oklahoma State, when they hosted a number of players across the next few recruiting cycles, the Sooners continue to build positive recruiting momentum.

After receiving commitments and projections for players in the 2023 class from Bedlam weekend, the Sooners are moving in the right direction for 2024 as well.

One player that seems to be trending in Oklahoma’s direction is 2024 four-star defensive lineman Nigel Smith. The Sooners received crystal ball predictions from OUInsiders’ Parker Thune and Brandon Drumm in the last few days.

Nigel Smith, from Melissa, Texas, is one of the top players in the Lone Star State, ranking inside the top 10 with ESPN, Rivals, the On3 Consensus, and the 247Sports Composite rankings. He’s the No. 6 defensive lineman in the 247Sports Composite for 2024.

Smith has had a fantastic 2021 season for Melissa, racking up 66 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. Melissa’s 10-2 on the season and in the midst of a playoff run in the Texas 5A division 2 state championships. They’ve got a regional matchup with Terrell on top for this week and, with a win, would move on to face the winner of Midlothian and South Oak Cliff in the other regional on their side of the bracket.

Nigel Smith’s size jumps off the screen. He plays big and moves well for a player of his stature. He does a good job shedding blocks and getting into the backfield. He’s a versatile defensive lineman who can play as a defensive end in a three-man front or as a three-technique defensive tackle in a four-man front. Smith displays strong hand usage, which he uses to quickly defeat blocks both on the edge or along the interior. He’s a physical player looking to punish the ball carrier.

Smith is among a group of defensive linemen the Sooners have targeted in the top 10 at the position for 2024, along with David Stone T.A. Cunningham, Williams Nwaneri, and Kamarion Franklin.

Nigel Smith’s Recruiting Profile

Projections

  • No Rivals Futurecasts predicted at this time.
  • On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine has the Ohio State Buckeyes as the favorite for Smith.
  • Oklahoma has received a pair of crystal ball predictions for Nigel Smith since Saturday.

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Oklahoma Sooners receive crystal ball projection for 2024 4-star DL Kavion Henderson

In the wake of the Oklahoma Sooners spring game, OU received a crystal ball projection for 2024 4-star defensive lineman Kavion Henderson.

In the wake of 75,000 strong showing up to support the launch of a new era of Oklahoma football, the Sooners are seeing their spring game efforts pay off on the recruiting trail.

The Sooners received favorable predictions for Kaleb Spencer and Mario Craver, and they’ve also received a prediction to land four-star defensive lineman Kavion Henderson out of Leeds, Alabama.

On Sunday, Parker Thune of OUInsider and 247Sports issued a crystal ball prediction for the Sooners to land the highly regarded defensive line prospect from the heart of SEC country.

According to Rivals, Henderson ranks as a top-20 prospect and is inside the top 100 in the 247Sports composite. With Todd Bates and Brent Venables leading the way, Henderson is a priority target for the 2024 recruiting class.

The new defensive staff prioritized defensive line talent upon their arrival to Norman. And from their time at Clemson, they have the track record to pitch to prospects looking to make the jump to the college level with aspirations of playing in the NFL. No team in college football had more sacks and tackles for loss over the last decade than Clemson with Venables at the helm. Venables’ defenses have sent several defensive line talents to the NFL.

The track record speaks for itself.

Henderson has the makings of a great player at the next level. He has a great frame that he knows how to use when engaging blockers. Henderson attacks blockers off the snap and scans the play. His strength allows him to disengage to rush the passer or set the edge in the run game. He does a great job of stringing the play out on wide runs to make the tackle for loss. When teams throw wide receiver screens, he does a great job at keeping contain and not letting the player cut back inside. He has good instincts to read when teams are looking to throw screen passes.

Off the edge as a pass rusher was regularly double teamed but bull-rushed his way through the double team to get the sack. He’s never out of a play and doesn’t give up even if he’s initially slowed on his rush. He’s a patient rusher that will keep working to get through the double team.

Henderson displays a good bull rush and pull-rip on his pass rush and takes excellent angles. He continues to pursue after the quarterback moves in the pocket to avoid the rush, often creating pressure or getting the sack after doubling back on the QB.

As a sophomore, he’s already an incredibly talented player that would add a great deal to the Oklahoma Sooners’ defensive line down the road.

The only other crystal ball on Henderson comes from Arkansas Insider Danny West from March of this year. Henderson must have come away impressed from his time in Norman for Thune to issue a counter prediction following the Sooners’ spring game.

On3’s recruiting prediction machine has Georgia, Auburn and Ole Miss as the leaders for Henderson, though that listing may not have been updated to reflect his visit to Norman.

It’s early in the cycle, but this bodes well as Venables and the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for their future home in the SEC.

Kavion Henderson’s Recruiting Profile

Crystal Ball

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