Tag: Bill Bedenbaugh

Eugene Brooks finishes as a top 10 interior offensive lineman in the 2024 class per On3

Eugene Brooks rose quickly to end the year. So much so he finished in On3’s top 10 2024 IOL rankings.

Much was made about the Oklahoma Sooners’ offensive line class in 2024. Some were even questioning [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag]’s ability as a recruiter and coach.

Although Oklahoma missed out on some of their top prospects, that narrative was crazy talk.

Bedenbaugh has built a reputation for taking guys who aren’t highly recruited and turning them into stars. [autotag]Orlando Brown Jr.[/autotag], [autotag]Creed Humphrey[/autotag], [autotag]Cody Ford[/autotag], [autotag]Tyler Guyton[/autotag] and [autotag]Ben Powers[/autotag], just to name a few, were all three-star players according at least one of the recruiting services coming out of high school. Four of the five have carved out nice NFL careers, and the other is projected to be taken in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft.

Still, you hope to land some of the big fish that you are going after. However, one guy who could be an overlooked prospect who becomes the next great one is [autotag]Eugene Brooks[/autotag]. Brooks was once a three-star but shot up the recruiting boards after impressive camps and All-American games. He made the move all the way into On3’s top 10 interior offensive linemen of the [autotag]2024 recruiting class[/autotag].

Brooks is a consensus top 185 player in the country and is as high as a top 75 according to 247Sports. All four major recruiting sites have him as a top 10 interior offensive lineman, with 247Sports ranking him the highest at No. 3.

It’s unclear what position he will play at Oklahoma. Many thought he would play guard, but there have been some rumblings that he could be Oklahoma’s next great center. That remains to be seen, as well as how much playing time he will receive in year one.

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Oklahoma Sooners earn commitment from 3-Star OT Ryan Fodje

The Oklahoma Sooners picked up their 10th commitment in the 2025 recruiting cycle with a pledge from offensive tackle Ryan Fodje.

The Oklahoma Sooners hot start in the [autotag]2025 recruiting class[/autotag] continued Sunday morning with a commitment from offensive tackle [autotag]Ryan Fodje[/autotag].

Fodje is currently considered a three-star prospect according to 247Sports and On3 but has received a lot of buzz in recent months, picking up a number of high-profile offers.

In addition to the Sooners’ offer, Fodje holds offers from Texas, Texas A&M, Oregon, Nebraska, Missouri, Tennessee, and USC. He’s considered a top 30 offensive tackle prospect in the 2025 recruiting cycle but could see his stock rise.

Last summer, Fodje spent time with the Sooners at Brent Venables Football Camp and earned an offer from Oklahoma in August. That August 26 offer from OU was his first, but over the last four months picked up 18 more offers. In the last couple of weeks, he received offers from Texas, Oklahoma State, and Oregon among others. He even spent time at Texas’ Junior Day on January 20.

The commitment marks the Sooners 10th in the [autotag]2025 recruiting cycle[/autotag] and second offensive line commitment, joining [autotag]Owen Hollenbeck[/autotag] from Melissa, Texas.

Fodje moves very well with his 6-foot-5, 275-pound frame. He has a nice first step in pass protection and uses his length well. As a run blocker, Fodje is a physical player. Once he engages his defender, he doesn’t disengage until the opponent is on the ground or the play is over. He does a great job driving his feet and blocking through the whistle. He’s a natural athlete who has all the tools to make a huge impact at the University of Oklahoma.

More: Oklahoma Sooners 2025 commitment tracker.

Ryan Fodje’s Recruiting Profile

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Sooners land commitment from Washington transfer OL Geirean Hatchett

The Oklahoma Sooners added more offensive line depth through the transfer portal with the commitment of Washington OL Geirean Hatchett.

Oklahoma’s approach to the transfer portal has been to address needs and bolster depth under [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag]. But they have never looked at and tried to build their entire roster via the transfer portal. This is why Venables is adamant about his recruiting efforts through the prep ranks.

However, after seeing the five guys who started along the offensive line and few depth options depart this offseason, Venables and his offensive line coach, [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag], knew they had work to do. That’s why the Sooners have brought in three transfer offensive line options this offseason. [autotag]Spencer Brown[/autotag] came from Michigan State, [autotag]Febechi Nwaiwu[/autotag] transferred from North Texas, and [autotag]Michael Tarquin[/autotag] transferred in from USC.

That list just grew as the Sooners landed a talented interior offensive line transfer in Geirean Hatchett. Geirean is a junior offensive lineman transfer from the Sugar Bowl-winning and national champion runner-up, Washington Huskies. 

Geirean Hatchett has played over 25 games, including eight in 2023. In his fifth year, he still has room to add more strength and continue to develop. It’s likely that will be a point of emphasis this winter with head strength and conditioning coach Jerry Schmidt. Geirean played well before an injury limited him in the second half of the season, posting some solid pass-blocking grades via Pro Football Focus. With time to heal, a return to his productive days before the mid-season injury seems likely.

Here’s what Roman Tomashoff, site editor for UWHuskies Wire, had to say about Geirean.

He’s a good run blocker but needs to continue to work in pass protection. He has all the tools to be a really good offensive lineman, but needs to get stronger as he gets beaten too often with power. He’s worked a lot at multiple positions but is best at guard. – Tomashoff, UWHuskies Wire

The Sooners are getting a talented football player who offers valuable snaps and experience to an offensive line room that lost the five guys who started for the majority of the year.

With another portal addition, the offensive line is retooled. The stage is now set for Bill Bedenbaugh to do what he does best: develop and get the most out of his offensive linemen.

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Oklahoma’s Tyler Guyton joins former Sooners in Mel Kiper’s 2024 NFL mock draft

In his first Mock Draft for the 2024 NFL Draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper sends Tyler Guyton to join former Oklahoma star.

The 2024 NFL draft is just a few months away. Prospects have begun training for their individual workouts, and the NFL scouting combine. The highest-rated prospect for the Oklahoma Sooners this draft cycle is offensive tackle [autotag]Tyler Guyton[/autotag].

Guyton has a chance to be selected in the first round this April. In Mel Kiper’s first mock draft for ESPN (ESPN+) on the 2024 NFL draft, he has Guyton joining former Oklahoma Sooners [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag], [autotag]Marquise Brown[/autotag], and [autotag]Marquis Hayes[/autotag] in Arizona.

We’re finally back to Arizona, which almost certainly thought this pick would be much higher when it made the trade with Houston last April. I gave the Cardinals a WR1 at No. 4 overall, and this pick could be a way to solidify their bookends, as they drafted Paris Johnson Jr. at No. 6 a year ago. Johnson spent his rookie season on the right side, but he’s suited to play left tackle, as that’s where he played his final season at Ohio State. Guyton, however, spent almost all of his time at right tackle for the Sooners; he allowed zero sacks in 2023.

As I wrote in my scouting report on Guyton, NFL teams will covet his physical tools, even though he started just 15 games in college. – Kiper, ESPN

Kiper’s doing what he can to provide Kyler Murray with the tools to take the next step in his career with the Arizona Cardinals. Providing Murray with Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 4 overall gives the Cardinals another fantastic wide receiver threat that can do it all. Guyton to Arizona gives Murray an ascending tackle who excels as a pass protector.

Guyton would be the second Sooner in as many drafts to be selected in the first round, following [autotag]Anton Harrison[/autotag]’s selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 27 overall last year.

It would be quite the feather in the cap for offensive line coach [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag]. [autotag]Tyler Guyton[/autotag] started his career as a defensive lineman before switching to tight end at TCU and then offensive tackle. When he arrived in Norman, he was a raw but superb athlete who transformed into a starting offensive tackle for one of the nation’s best offenses.

Any concern about Bedenbaugh’s ability to recruit and develop is unmerited as he continues to help offensive linemen find their way to the NFL.

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Portal target: LSU transfer OL Zalance Heard visits Oklahoma

The Sooners continue to try to build their offensive line, this time with a visit from a highly-touted offensive lineman.

The biggest question mark going into next season for a lot of people was the offensive line. The Oklahoma Sooners would have to replace the five guys who started a majority of the season.

They have to do that while also entering into the SEC, which makes that task even more daunting. The Sooners have gotten to work, signing a high school class that appears to be underrated. Also, they’ve gotten to work in the portal with commitments from [autotag]Michael Tarquin[/autotag], [autotag]Spencer Brown[/autotag] and [autotag]Febechi Nwaiwu[/autotag].

But the Sooners aren’t done there. They hosted former five-star and LSU Tigers transfer, [autotag]Zalance Heard[/autotag]. Heard was LSU’s highest-ranked recruit in the 2023 class and comes with three years of eligibility. He appeared in 12 games a season ago and made one start.

He would be a massive get for Oklahoma not only for this upcoming season but for the following season as well because it would almost assuredly solidify their left tackle spot for at least those two years. But it won’t be easy for Oklahoma to win his services.

Heard also visited the Tennessee Volunteers over the weekend, and rumors started to swirl about the [autotag]Ole Miss Rebels[/autotag] possibly getting involved as of Monday. But all reports have been positive for Oklahoma. He apparently is high on [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag] and his track record of developing guys and getting them into the [autotag]NFL[/autotag].

We also know Oklahoma will play the NIL game. They just won’t overspend for a guy like other schools will. It also could be positive for Oklahoma that Ole Miss got a commitment from a transfer tackle on Monday evening and is hosting another tackle this weekend.

For now, it’s a waiting game, but if Oklahoma can pull it off, it could be a massive win.

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Sooners pick up another offensive lineman via the transfer portal

The Oklahoma Sooners have added their third offensive lineman in the transfer portal, former Florida and USC tackle Michael Tarquin.

The Oklahoma Sooners had work to do heading into the offseason. Even prior to the transfer of true freshman [autotag]Cayden Green[/autotag], Oklahoma was set to lose four starters along the offensive line heading into 2024.

They’ve made moves in the [autotag]transfer portal[/autotag] to add offensive tackle Spencer Brown from Michigan State and [autotag]Febechi Nwaiwu[/autotag] from North Texas. Now, the Sooners have added another experienced player to add to Bill Bedenbaugh’s group.

Former Florida Gators and USC Trojans offensive lineman Michael Tarquin is heading to Norman to join the Sooners, according to OUInsider’s Parker Thune.

Tarquin has started 28 games in his collegiate career with more than 1,110 snaps per Pro Football Focus. He’s predominantly been a right tackle at the collegiate level.

A former four-star player in the 2019 recruiting class, Tarquin has been on Bedenbaugh and the Sooners’ radar for a long time. Most recently, the Sooners attempted to recruit Tarquin to Norman after the 2022 season.

In the portal this offseason, the Sooners have added a trio of offensive linemen that provide a lot of experience to a young offensive line group.

With [autotag]Jacob Sexton[/autotag], Spencer Brown and now Tarquin with experience at right tackle, Bedenbaugh and the Sooners’ offensive staff will have to make some decisions to make with how they deploy their offensive linemen. It’s possible one of their tackles will move inside to guard. Tarquin could be a viable option to bump inside to right guard.

In addition to the 2024 offensive line class, the Sooners have done a nice job retooling their offensive line room in the wake of their five departures up front. Now it’s a matter of once again making the pieces fit together as the Sooners head into the SEC.

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‘I feel like he definitely could be special’: Daniel Akinkunmi turns heads at Under Armour All-American events

Akinkunmi has done nothing but show he belongs at the Under Armour All-American game with several good performances.

The Oklahoma Sooners may have found their hidden gem of the 2024 recruiting class: three-star offensive lineman [autotag]Daniel Akinkunmi[/autotag].

Akinkunmi is coming to Norman via the NFL Academy in London, England. He has only played football the past few seasons. That’s why people were anxious to see how he’d hold up against some of the nation’s best high school players at the Under Armour All-American practices.

Not only has he held up just fine, but he’s impressed a lot of people, including myself. He’s becoming my favorite player in the class.

From him talking about asking [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag] for the playbook moments after signing to being the last one on the field earlier this week working on his technique by himself long after the events concluded to his early morning workouts with his future teammates, there’s no question his work ethic is there. And his peers are taking notice.

“We were up at, I think, 3 a.m. lifting,” Stone said. “Me, him and Von (Davon Mitchell) were all in the weight room and I ended up calling J.J. (Jayden Jackson) and I was like, ‘Hey man this dude is going to be special; his work ethic is just like ours.’ I feel like we could definitely make a case to be like [autotag]Trent Williams[/autotag] and that [autotag]Gerald McCoy[/autotag] class that we had. I feel like we could really be like that. Us going first round in the same draft class, I feel like he definitely could be special just like that.”

Being the next McCoy and Williams is a lofty goal. That duo went top four in the 2010 NFL draft. But the work ethic is there for both.

Akinkunmi spoke with OUInsider about his relationship with Bedenbaugh.

“We talk every single day,” Akinkunmi said. “He calls my mum every single day. He and my mum are best friends, they talk all of the time. We absolutely love each other. That’s my coach, and I’m never going to change up on him. Unless he gets fired, and let’s be honest, he’ll never get fired, so I’m rocking with Coach B all of the way.”

Akinkunmi said he’s headed straight to Norman after the Under Armour events conclude this week and will immediately get to work on becoming Bedenbaugh and Oklahoma’s next hidden gem.

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Oklahoma Sooners receive three predictions for transfer offensive lineman

Oklahoma Sooners could be getting some more good news, this time in the transfer portal.

It’s no secret, the Oklahoma Sooners have a lot of work to do along the offensive line before next season. The Sooners must replace all five starters from this season, although [autotag]Jacob Sexton[/autotag] and [autotag]Troy Everett[/autotag] started a few games in 2023.

[autotag]Walter Rouse[/autotag], [autotag]McKade Mettauer[/autotag], [autotag]Andrew Raym[/autotag], [autotag]Cayden Green[/autotag] and [autotag]Tyler Guyton[/autotag] are gone. Sexton replaced Guyton at the end of the season due to an injury. Everett played some guard earlier in the year when they were trying to solidify that position before Green took over.

The Sooners brought in [autotag]Eddy Pierre-Louis[/autotag], who is the top interior offensive lineman in the 2024 recruiting class, according to Rivals. While [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag] showed he will play freshmen, we know that’s not what he wants to do.

So, the Sooners have hit the portal hard. They’ve received one commitment, former Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle [autotag]Spencer Brown[/autotag]. Now, they’ve received three predictions from SoonerScoop’s Josh McCuiston, Michigan State insider Justin Thind and national recruiting analyst Brian Dohn for his running mate at guard, [autotag]Geno VanDeMark[/autotag].

VanDeMark and Brown started on the right side of the line, so they have chemistry playing together. Given Sexton played right tackle, those two could be moved to the left side or they could move Sexton to the left side if VanDeMark were to sign.

Michigan State had an up-and-down season, and so did VanDeMark, although his best games came against his best competition. According to Pro Football Focus, he had pass-blocking grades of 71.7, 76.6, and 86.4 against the Michigan Wolverines, Ohio State Buckeyes and the Penn State Nittany Lions.

He definitely is better at pass blocking than run blocking, although he’s solid at that as well. Ultimately, he would bring experience and depth to a depleted offensive line.

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Underrated offensive tackle prospect Isaiah Autry signs with the Sooners

The Oklahoma Sooners officially add Isaiah Autry, an underrated offensive tackle prospect out of Mississippi.

The world of recruiting can often be a roller coaster ride. There are ebbs and flows in recruitments. One of the more underrated additions the Oklahoma Sooners are making during the early signing period is offensive tackle [autotag]Isaiah Autry[/autotag].

Autry committed to the Sooners back in April and like nearly every one of the Sooners committed prospects, never wavered on his pledge. Despite receiving overtures from programs like Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, and in-state schools Ole Miss and Mississippi State, Autry stayed with his commitment to the Sooners.

The No. 1 offensive tackle in the state of Mississippi, Autry has good technique and displays great strength. Once he latches on to a rusher, he stops them in their tracks. His 6-foot-7 frame provides good reach to prevent rushers from getting in on his body, allowing Autry to maintain good leverage. He drives his feet as a run blocker, continuing his blocking assignment well after the ball carrier has broken through to the second level.

Autry was the first offensive lineman that Bill Bedenbaugh received a commitment from in the 2024 recruiting class. As they get ready to move into the SEC, the Mississippi native will one day be an important piece at tackle for the Sooners.

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

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State of Oklahoma’s top interior offensive lineman has officially signed with the Sooners

Josh Aisosa is on board as he has signed his National Letter of Intent with the Oklahoma Sooners.

There might not be anyone in the country who is better at their job than [autotag]Bill Bedenbaugh[/autotag]. He’s produced countless offensive linemen that have gone on to have successful NFL careers.

He hopes to have more of that success with his 2024 recruiting class. One of those guys is three-star and the state of Oklahoma’s top interior offensive lineman, [autotag]Josh Aisosa[/autotag]. Aisosa is a 6-foot-4 and 305-pound offensive lineman who will probably play guard at Oklahoma.

He also has a wrestling background, which usually pays dividends for offensive linemen. [autotag]Creed Humphrey[/autotag] is a name that comes to mind for that.

For his role in 2024, typically Bedenbaugh likes his linemen to sit a year while developing their bodies with [autotag]Jerry Schmidt[/autotag]. That’s not to say he won’t play true freshmen, as we’ve seen. Especially with the loss of [autotag]Cayden Green[/autotag], a true freshman offensive lineman could earn a role in 2024.

But most likely, Aisosa will have a developmental year before taking on a bigger role in the future.

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

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