Tag: Andy Bass

Oklahoma Sooners signee Andy Bass ranked as a top 10 athlete in the 2024 class by On3

Oklahoma Sooners 2024 signee Andy Bass gets a big time recognition in On3’s latest rankings.

The final On3 [autotag]2024 recruiting class[/autotag] rankings have dropped. Oklahoma Sooner fans have been upset with how On3 has ranked their signees for the most part.

But one signee that On3 actually has ranked higher than any other recruiting service is [autotag]Andy Bass[/autotag]. The Heritage Hall product comes in as a four-star prospect in On3’s latest ranking. They also rank him as the No. 10 ranked athlete in the country.

This comes after a massive senior season by the do-everything player from Oklahoma. Bass played quarterback for Heritage Hall. He finished with 3,144 passing yards and 34 touchdowns. He also ran for 1,480 yards and 31 touchdowns.

He’s someone with elite speed and really caught the eyes of a lot of people when he came to Oklahoma’s camp this past summer. During the camp, he ran a lot of routes at wide receiver. That showed his elite speed and that he could catch the ball.

From what it sounds like, he’ll be in the running back room and will be coached by [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag], but he will be a gadget guy for the Sooners once he recovers from the injury he suffered in his final game. He’ll play some at wide receiver but also some at running back. I see him as the next [autotag]Gavin Freeman[/autotag] in the sense of just finding ways to get him the ball.

It remains to be seen how much of an impact he will have in his first year in the Crimson and Cream but if he can get back from his injury and learn the playbook, it’ll be hard to keep that speed off of the field.

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5 positions where the Oklahoma Sooners are better than they were a year ago

Every year there is roster turnover, but where are the Sooners better? Here are five positions Oklahoma’s better than they were a year ago.

Every offseason teams around college football have to deal with a significant amount of turnover to their roster. That’s been the case for the Sooners each season of the Brent Venables era.

No position group was hit harder than the offensive line. They lost the five guys that were starters for the majority of the season. Though they’ve been able to retool the lineup with transfer portal additions, it will be months before we know if those additions will work out.

Elsewhere, however, the Sooners look to be in really good shape, especially when you compare it to how several positions looked this time last year.

Here are five position groups that look better compared to where they were a year ago.

Sooners signee wins Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year

Oklahoma Sooners signee Andy Bass wins Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year after an incredible senior season at Heritage Hall.

The Oklahoma Sooners added one of the best offensive players in the country when they earned the signature of three-star athlete Andy Bass.

Bass, who played quarterback for Heritage Hall, was incredibly productive, showing off his dual-threat ability with an explosive senior season. For his efforts, Andy Bass was named Oklahoma’s Gatorade Player of the Year for 2023.

Bass completed 66% of his passes for 3,144 yards, 35 touchdowns and two interceptions. He ran for 1,478 yards and 30 touchdowns, averaging 10.7 yards per carry.

At Oklahoma, Bass will be in the running back room, but he also will see time at wide receiver. He’s a dynamic athlete who can create huge plays.

Sooners [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] and [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag] won Texas and National Gatorade Player of the Year awards. [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag] was a two-time Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year.

Here’s a look at Bass’ huge year via Hudl.

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In-state star athlete signs with the Oklahoma Sooners

One of the most productive players in the state of Oklahoma signs national letter of intent with the Sooners.

Andy Bass, one of the most productive players in Oklahoma, is joining the Sooners after submitting his national letter of intent during the early signing period. Bass will join the Sooners as a preferred walk on.

Bass is a three-star athlete and the No. 5 player in the state according to Rivals. The dynamic quarterback for Heritage Hall threw for 3,144 yards and 35 touchdowns, ran for 1,478 yards and 30 touchdowns and had one reception for 71 yards and a touchdown. He accounted for 65 touchdowns during his senior season.

The Sooners expect to use Bass in a variety of ways. He will spend time with the running backs but will also learn the wide receiver position as he gets acclimated to college football.

Along with Taylor Tatum and Xavier Robinson, Bass joins a great group of running backs at Oklahoma. It’s a deep position group that will have substantial competition for carries, but Bass will have a shot to carve out a role.

He’ll likely redshirt his freshman year after suffering an injury in the Oklahoma state playoffs. Whenever Bass does step foot on the field for the Sooners, he’ll provide the offense another dynamic weapon in both the run and pass game.

More from the [autotag]2024 Early Signing Period[/autotag]

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Sooners continue to add via the transfer portal with commitment from RB Sam Franklin

Oklahoma continues to add productive pieces via the portal as UT-Martin transfer Sam Franklin commits to the Sooners.

Oklahoma has lost three running backs to the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] in the last few weeks. In many ways, it was beneficial, given it is nearly impossible to keep six scholarship running backs happy.

[autotag]Marcus Major[/autotag], [autotag]Daylan Smothers[/autotag] and [autotag]Tawee Walker[/autotag] entered the transfer portal. Walker is still practicing with the team, so there’s a chance he remains in Norman. [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag] and the rest of the offensive staff decided losing three running backs was too much and offered multiple players in the transfer portal. One of those offers went to Sam Franklin, a talented and productive running back from UT-Martin.

After a visit with Oklahoma this week, Franklin cashed in that offer and announced his commitment to the Sooners. Franklin was a Walter Payton award finalist for the Skyhawks. The award is given annually to the national offensive player of the year in the Football Championship Subdivision of Division I.

For the 5-foot-10, 190-pound redshirt sophomore, 2023 was a massive year. With 223 carries, he amassed 1,378 yards (6.2 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns. He caught 14 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown in 11 games. He’s decisive and quick enough to break away at the second level. Adding him to [autotag]Gavin Sawchuk[/autotag] and [autotag]Jovontae Barnes[/autotag] gives Oklahoma three game-ready backs who have produced significantly. It also allows Oklahoma to ease incoming freshmen [autotag]Taylor Tatum[/autotag], [autotag]Xavier Robinson[/autotag] and [autotag]Andy Bass[/autotag] into the collegiate football world.

Franklin has two years of eligibility remaining, and his commitment brings Oklahoma’s transfer portal commitment tally to four.

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3-star WR Dozie Ezukanma decommits from the Oklahoma Sooners

2024 three-star wide receiver Dozie Ezukanma decommits from the Oklahoma Sooners.

Anytime there is a coaching change, there’s bound to be some turbulence in that year’s recruiting class. Jeff Lebby leaving to be the head coach at Mississippi State was sure to create some disruption.

Big names like Michael Hawkins, Davon Mitchell, Zion Kearney, David Stone, and Daniel Akinkunmi have affirmed their commitment to Oklahoma following Lebby’s departure. However, the Sooners saw their first player decommit from the 2024 recruiting cycle.

Three-star wide receiver [autotag]Dozie Ezukanma[/autotag] announced via X that he’s reopening his recruitment.

“After careful consideration and reflection, I have made the decision to recommit from the University of Oklahoma,” Ezukanma said in a statement. “This choice is not made lightly. I’d like to thank OU and the coaching staff for the incredible opportunity given to me.”

Ezukanma has been committed to the Oklahoma Sooners since June 20. He holds offers from Missouri, Kansas, Oregon, Kansas State, Arizona, Arkansas, Houston, North Texas, Miami, TCU, Purdue, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.

With the decommitment, the Sooners still have four wide receivers pledged to their 2024 recruiting class. That includes [autotag]Zion Kearney[/autotag], the No. 103 player and No. 20 wide receiver in the cycle, [autotag]Ivan Carreon[/autotag] (No. 217, No. 31), [autotag]Zion Ragins[/autotag] (No. 223, No. 32), and [autotag]K.J. Daniels[/autotag] (No. 70 WR). [autotag]Andy Bass[/autotag], the talented in-state athlete also figures to be a factor at wide receiver for the Sooners.

The Oklahoma Sooners likely have a deep group of returning players for the 2024 season at wide receiver as well. Andrel Anthony, who suffered a season-ending knee injury, is likely to return in 2024. Nic Anderson and Jayden Gibson saw their roles increase throughout the season and should be back. Jalil Farooq, who’s been a starter for the Sooners each of the last two seasons, could be a candidate to move to the slot to replace Drake Stoops. Brenen Thompson, Gavin Freeman, and Jaquaize Pettaway also return.

The Oklahoma Sooners are deep at the position heading into the offseason and with the transfer portal, could add a name or two to improve their depth.

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‘Why not choose Oklahoma?’: Versatile three-star athlete Andy Bass commits to the Sooners

“Why not choose Oklahoma? The fanbase, family, facilities, coaches, team, talent… the list never ends.”

Heritage Hall three-star athlete Andy Bass commits to the Oklahoma Sooners.

The Oklahoma Sooners went fishing this offseason and hooked an excellent find. After announcing his top three, three-star athlete Andy Bass committed to Oklahoma on Thursday morning during a ceremony, which saw Oklahoma beating Kansas State and Syracuse.

Bass is a local kid who attends Heritage Hall, a school less than an hour from Norman, Oklahoma. “Why not choose Oklahoma? The fanbase, family, facilities, coaches, team, talent… the list never ends,” Bass told Sooners Wire on his commitment.

Bass is the starting quarterback for his high school team. However, Sooners’ offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and running backs coach DeMarco Murray plan to use him in multiple ways at Oklahoma.

“I would be in the running back room with Coach Murray,” Bass said. “But I would also be split out wide quite a bit to get me in space or in one-on-one situations. Coach Lebby even mentioned that I would be playing some QB inside the goaline. The diversity of my role on the team is something I am super excited about.”

It seems that plan for Bass worked.

Bass helps diversify the Sooners’ cabinet for offensive weapons for the future. Imagining the possibilities of being on the same field at the same time as Jackson Arnold could unlock some fascinating offensive packages as the Sooners forge on into the SEC next year.

Bass joins a versatile group of playmakers for the 2024 recruiting cycle for Jeff Lebby to utilize.

“I love how much the ball is shared between every position in so many unique ways,” Bass said of his future offensive coordinator’s offense. “It’s such an explosive offense. So, I believe my unique skill set will allow me to thrive in every aspect“

As for the head coach, Andy Bass shared his excitement playing for Brent Venables.

“The very first day I was at OU for a visit, I was in Coach V’s office for over an hour discussing his vision and plan for the future. If that doesn’t already say enough, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone so passionate about what they do. I couldn’t be more excited to play for him. We keep in touch on the regular which you definitely don’t see from every coach.”

Oklahoma has probably tapped out at the running back position, with Bass, Taylor Tatum, and Xavier Robinson in the fold for 2024.

With running back settled for the cycle, DeMarco Murray can now turn his attention to the class of 2025, where names like Deondrae Riden, Michael Turner, Tory Blaylock, and Riley Wormley are names to watch.

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Sooners get prediction for 3-Star in-state product

Just one day after losing a battle for a four-star running back, the Sooners get a prediction for one of the most versatile players in the nation.

The [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] staff continues to work to put a bow on the [autotag]2024 recruiting class[/autotag]. This is a class that started slow but has picked up steam as of late.

That doesn’t mean the Sooners haven’t had their losses, they just come few and far between. Thursday, they missed out on four-star running back Caden Durham, who chose the LSU Tigers. Track was a factor in that decision.

Just one day after losing that commitment, the Sooners get a prediction for one of the nation’s most underrated and versatile players. That would be Heritage Hall’s do-everything player, [autotag]Andy Bass[/autotag].

Bass was someone who came on the scene at one of Oklahoma’s camps in June. He wowed those in attendance with his speed and athleticism. He’s a guy who can play running back but could also play some wide receiver.

 

While it’s unclear what position he will play, it should be noted that [autotag]DeMarco Murray[/autotag] is his lead recruiter. But if he chooses Oklahoma, he probably will be used in a variety of ways.

Bass will announce his commitment on Aug. 24, 2023. He’s down to Oklahoma, the [autotag]Syracuse Orange[/autotag] and the [autotag]Kansas State Wildcats[/autotag].

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Oklahoma Sooners pick up prediction for 2024 3-star athlete Andy Bass

OUInsider’s Parker Thune flipped his Rivals FutureCast from Syracuse to Oklahoma for 2024 three-star ATH Andy Bass.

The Oklahoma Sooners are looking to close the offseason by locking up commitments from several 2024 prospects over the next few weeks. One player they’ve picked up momentum for in recent days is Heritage Hall three-star athlete [autotag]Andy Bass[/autotag].

Bass dropped his top three on Sunday: the Oklahoma Sooners, Kansas State Wildcats and Syracuse Orangemen.

On Monday morning, Rivals and OUInsider’s Parker Thune flipped his Rivals futurecast that once favored the Orange to the Sooners.

Bass, who played quarterback for his high school squad is being considered at running back and slot wide receiver for the Sooners. An elite athlete, Bass is able to make plays in the open field with fantastic lateral agility and breakaway speed.

If the Sooners land Bass as part of their 2024 recruiting class, Jeff Lebby would have another fantastic athlete to get the ball to in the running game or the passing attack. Oklahoma already has tight end Davon Mitchell and running backs Taylor Tatum and Xavier Robinson. Wide receivers Zion Kearney, Zion Ragins, Ivan Carreon, Dozie Ezukanma and K.J. Daniels give the Sooners an incredible stable of playmakers for Lebby to work with once they get on campus.

A team can’t have too many playmakers and with Thune’s prediction favoring the Sooners, it looks as if Oklahoma is on the verge of landing one of the best playmakers in the Sooner State.

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Versatile local three-star ATH Andy Bass has Oklahoma in his top three

Oklahoma makes top three for three-star athlete Andy Bass, a talented athlete from nearby Heritage Hall.

Three-star athlete Andy Bass is nearing the end of his recruitment. The release of his top three on Sunday highlights a pivotal moment in his recruitment and sends a message to the three remaining schools about where things stand.

Sunday afternoon Bass released his top three schools remaining. Joining the Sooners were Syracuse and Kansas State.

Oklahoma has plenty of experience in recruiting battles with Big 12 foe Kansas State. Especially for more regional prospects. Oklahoma fighting off schools from New York is a little different, though.

Nonetheless, Oklahoma has to like its chances being that Bass is a local product. Oklahoma allows Bass to stay close to home, surrounded by many friends and family. On the playing field, Bass told Rivals that he’d primarily be joining the running back room, but that wouldn’t be all.

“They have a pretty unique plan for me too, after what I got to hear from Coach Lebby and Coach Murray on Friday,” Bass told OUInsider’s Parker Thune. “I think I would be playing some running back; I’d be in the running back room. But I’d also be split out wide quite a bit, trying to get me one-on-one with linebackers. And they even said [I’d be] playing some quarterback inside the goal line. [I’d have] kind of my own package for that. So they definitely brought some interesting things for me to think about.”

Oklahoma has a plan to utilize Bass’ athleticism in a myriad of ways. Bass plays QB for his Heritage Hall High School team. Still, his most likely ceiling in college is playing multiple positions as a true offensive weapon that can run, catch, and occasionally play a little quarterback.

There is no set timetable for his decision, but it’s likely Bass will want to visit his other finalists throughout the season before making a decision. Most recently, Bass was at Oklahoma this weekend for Party at the Palace, representing Oklahoma’s last summer recruiting event as the dead period begins August 1st.

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