Tag: Oklahoma Sooners recruiting

Oklahoma Sooners make top 9 for 2024 4-star OT Josiah Thompson

Oklahoma included in the top 9 for 2024 top 100 prospect Josiah Thompson out of South Carolina.

The Oklahoma Sooners have been one of the better recruiting schools over the last year, the first year under [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag].

They closed out the 2022 class No. 8 in the 247Sports team recruiting rankings and look to be headed for a strong finish in the 2023 cycle. Looking ahead to 2024, there’s little doubt that Venables and his crew can continue the recruiting momentum.

They’ve gained some steam in recent weeks as 2024 prospects begin to narrow their recruitment. Recently, the Sooners made the top nine for South Carolina prospect Josiah Thompson.

In addition to the Sooners, Thompson included Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Georgia, LSU, Miami, South Carolina, and Tennessee in his top nine.

Thompson is a top 100 prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, ranking inside the top 100 in the 247Sports composite and the On3 consensus at the position.

One of the top players in South Carolina, Thompson is currently projected to stay home and play for the [autotag]Shane Beamer[/autotag] and the Gamecocks. The Sooners have been active in the southeast since Brent Venables’ arrival in Norman. Earning a commitment from one of the region’s best prospects would be a huge pull for Venables and offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh.

Josiah Thompson’s Recruiting Profile

Projections

Film

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Sooners receive crystal ball flip for 4-star S Daeh McCullough from 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong

The Oklahoma Sooners received a crystal ball from 247Sports Steve Wiltfong and Brandon Drumm to flip 2023 four-star safety Daeh McCullough from Cincinnati. From @john9williams

The Oklahoma Sooners are entering the stretch of the 2023 recruiting class. The early signing period is only a couple of weeks away, and Oklahoma looks to be closing in on top prospects from across the country.

As we eagerly away the decision of five-star safety [autotag]Peyton Bowen[/autotag], the Oklahoma Sooners appear on the verge of flipping another safety. Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports flipped his previous crystal ball for 2023 four-star safety Daeh McCullough from the Cincinnati Bearcats to the Oklahoma Sooners. Since Wiltfong’s crystal ball flip, Brandon Drumm of OUInsider at 247Sports has also flipped his commitment from Cincinnati to the Sooners.

McCullough has been committed to the Bearcats since June, but the Sooners have made a late run on McCullough, issuing an offer in early November. With Luke Fickell making the move to Madison to take over the Wisconsin Badgers, Oklahoma looks to be in a prime position to add McCullough.

The South Bend, Indiana, native, is a top-five player in the state and ranks as the No. 34 safety in the 247Sports composite.

According to Drumm, the McCulloughs have a strong tie with Oklahoma cornerbacks coach Jay Valai. Deland McCullough, a running backs coach that was with Indiana and is now with Notre Dame played with Valai during their time with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Daeh’s older brother Dasan just entered the transfer portal after a strong season with the Indiana Hoosiers. Dasan, a defensive end, posted 6.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

Could the McCullough brothers unite to play college ball for the Sooners? It looks like they’ll get the younger Daeh if the Steve Wiltfong prediction flip holds true.

On Daeh, the four-star safety brings good size at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. McCullough plays fast, coming downhill in a hurry in run support from single-high safety looks. Playing both ways for St. Joseph’s High School, Daeh shows off good ball skills, attacking the ball in the air and knows what to do with it when he has it in his hands. He times his blitzes well as both a pass rusher and run defender. He’s sticky in man coverage and able to carry players across the formation.

Daeh McCullough’s Recruiting Profile

Crystal Ball

Film

Hudl

Oklahoma Sooners receive commitment from JUCO CB Kendel Dolby

Oklahoma added to their 2023 recruiting class with a commitment from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M cornerback Kendel Dolby. From @john9williams

The Oklahoma Sooners 2023 recruiting class picked up another commitment Wednesday afternoon with a pledge from junior college defensive back Kendel Dolby.

Dolby comes from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in Miami. That’s the same school that produced former Sooners defensive tackle LaRon Stokes.

Dolby played in five games for NEO in 2022 and recorded 19 tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and four pass breakups. His best game of the year came back in August when Dolby recorded six total tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, and three pass breakups.

The recruitment of the junior college prospect moved quickly as Oklahoma offered him on Nov. 2. He visited Norman during Bedlam weekend, and just a few days later committed to Oklahoma. According to 247Sports, he had planned on taking a trip to visit Washington, but will now be a member of the Oklahoma Sooners.

Dolby also had offers from Washington State, Kansas, Arkansas, Boise State, Houston, Liberty, Mississippi State, Missouri, and Oklahoma State.

The 23rd commitment to the Sooners’ 2023 recruiting class, Dolby joins Makari Vickers, Jacobe Johnson, Jasiah Wagoner, and Erik McCarty coming in to join the Sooners’ defensive backfield next year.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow John on Twitter @john9williams.

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.

Film

Hudl

Updated Oklahoma Sooners 2023 commitment tracker

Which players have committed to the Oklahoma Sooners for the 2023 recruiting cycle?

The 2023 class is about a month away from early signing day and less than three months away from national signing day.

Since Brent Venables’ arrival in Norman, the Sooners have been one of the top recruiting schools in the country over the last two cycles. After finishing eighth in 247Sports team recruiting rankings for 2022, the Sooners sit at No. 7 and have a great chance to move into the top five by national signing day.

With the recent additions of Ashton Sanders and Taylor Wein, Oklahoma has 22 players committed to the 2023 class. Recent projections favor the Sooners to add more talent if the Rivals Futurecasts come to fruition. Oklahoma received a pair of projections from Rivals analysts to land five-star safety and Notre Dame commit Peyton Bowen after he spent time in Norman for Bedlam.

Brent Venables, his coaching staff, and the recruiting support staff have done an excellent job over the last year building out their 2023 recruiting class and they don’t appear close to being done.

The final tally will come on national signing day, but the Oklahoma Sooners look well-positioned to have one of the country’s best group of signees.

Let’s take a look at the updated commitment tracker.

PREDICTIONS: No. 18 Texas vs No. 4 TCU and Saturday’s biggest games

Crowd noise and road atmosphere could determine whether or not Texas wins or loses.

Week 11 is underway, and the Texas Longhorns figure to be in the game of the week. No. 18 Texas will host the No. 4 TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday evening.

TCU enters the game 9-0 and in position to play in its first College Football Playoff. The Horned Frogs have been dominant since the start of the season, in large part due to great coaching.

Sonny Dykes’ coaching staff is winning in multiple areas. For starters, their strength and conditioning program appears to be among the best in the nation. Play-calling and game planning have given TCU a noticeable edge over its opposition.

Adding to the degree of difficulty, the Horned Frogs have recruited and developed well in recent seasons. Quentin Johnston, Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson, Kendre Miller, Max Duggan and Jordan Hudson come to mind.

Texas will have its hands full on Saturday. Here’s how Week 11 could play out this weekend for the top featured games.

Oklahoma Sooners earn crystal ball for 2023 EDGE Taylor Wein

On the same day Oklahoma issued an offer for 2023 EDGE Taylor Wein, the Sooners were projected to land the rising Tennessee prospect. From @john9williams

The Oklahoma Sooners wasted little time identifying defensive line talent to add to the 2023 class. Recently they offered and received Rivals futurecasts for 2023 defensive lineman Ashton Sanders, and now it looks like Oklahoma’s zeroed in on another defensive lineman to add to the class.

On Wednesday, the Sooners issued an offer to 2023 defensive end [autotag]Taylor Wein[/autotag] out of Nolensville, Tennessee. Not long after he received his offer, Brandon Drumm of OUInsider at 247Sports submitted a crystal ball prediction in favor of the Oklahoma Sooners.

Wein is a 6-6 245-pound defensive end who primarily plays on the right side in three and four-man alignments. He displays an ability to perform in both one-gap and two-gap defensive schemes.

The first thing that jumps off the page about Wein is his first step. He’s quick off the snap, often allowing him to beat his blocker before they even come out of their stance. He displays good hand usage at the point of attack to defeat blockers. Wein shows off a strong set of pass rush moves, deploying a diverse set to keep blockers off balance. He can win inside and outside when rushing the passer.

As a run defender, it’s clear his length causes problems for offensive linemen. Despite his height, he shows a strong ability to play with leverage and does a great job at setting the edge and playing with discipline in the run game.

Taylor Wein’s a playmaker too. He’s adept at ripping the ball out of the ball carrier’s hands.

While listed as just a three-star player at the moment, Wein has the appearance of a diamond in the rough. A player that has been under-evaluated at the moment. But after picking up his first Power Five offers from Oklahoma, USC, and Virginia Tech in recent days, his value exceeds his recruiting rating.

As we inch toward the early signing period and national signing day, Taylor Wein’s recruitment will be one to watch. This is a player that has a chance to far exceed his current three-star rating at the collegiate level.

Taylor Wein’s Recruiting Profile

Projections

  • On the same day that he received an offer from the University of Oklahoma, Brandon Drumm submitted a crystal ball favoring the Sooners.

Film

Hudl

Sooners receive crystal ball projection for 2024 4-star OL Casey Poe

After he visited Norman for the Sooners’ game against Baylor, Oklahoma earned a crystal ball for 2024 4-star OL Casey Poe. From @john9williams

With three games to go, the Oklahoma Sooners have a few more opportunities, including their final home game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in Bedlam to make gameday impressions on the future of college football. While much of the attention is on the 2023 class with Colton Vasek’s flip to Texas and the early signing period less just over a month away, Oklahoma’s also been entertaining unofficial visitors from the 2024 and 2025 recruiting classes.

One player that Oklahoma had in Norman over the weekend for their matchup with the Baylor Bears was four-star offensive lineman Casey Poe out of Lindale, Texas.

The Sooners must have made a strong impression on the 2024 prospect because earlier this week, OUInsider’s Parker Thune issued a crystal ball prediction in favor of the Oklahoma Sooners landing Poe.

Poe stands 6-5 and weighs 280 pounds. He has the build to play tackle in addition to guard.

He’s a physical player at the point of attack. An offensive lineman that doesn’t simply want to block his opponent but wants to punish them. He moves well in space and does a great job of keeping his feet underneath him and moving.

Here’s what Thune had to say about his crystal ball prediction.

I believe Oklahoma solidified their lead for four-star 2024 OL Casey Poe this weekend. I’ve long mentioned that Poe could be a guy that commits early in the process, and I think the Sooners would be the beneficiary in that case. I’ve had a gut feeling about the kid for quite a while, and I mentioned last month that I was getting very close to putting in a crystal ball. With as well as things went on the gameday visit, I’m going to go ahead and enter a moderate-confidence prediction in favor of the Sooners. – Thune, OUInsider at 247Sports

Casey Poe’s Recruiting Profile

Projections

  • On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine has the Sooners out front.
  • Crystal Ball from Parker Thune of OU Insider at 247Sports

Film

Hudl

Where’s Oklahoma in team recruiting rankings after Colton Vasek’s flip to Texas?

Where do the Oklahoma Sooners land in the team recruiting rankings after Colton Vasek’s flip to Texas?

Colton Vasek’s flip to Texas was surprising but perhaps not nearly as surprising as the commitment, to begin with. Vasek comes from a family of Longhorns and lives in Austin. So, the fact that Brent Venables, Miguel Chavis, and Todd Bates were able to pull the commitment in the first place was pretty impressive, even if it only last for a few months.

While Vasek was the ninth highest-rated commit for the Sooners before flipping to Texas, he’s a good player with a lot of potential. It’s a loss for Oklahoma. Vasek marks the second flip from Oklahoma in the last couple of weeks after three-star linebacker Kaleb Spencer turned his commitment from the Sooners to Miami.

It’s a bummer to lose commitments, but it’s not a sign that confidence is fading in the Sooners. There’s still work to be done to lock in the 2023 recruiting class, but Oklahoma is still trending toward a top 10 and maybe even a top five class in 2023.

With the decommitment of Colton Vasek, let’s take a look at where Oklahoma stands in the 247Sports and On3 team recruiting rankings for the 2023 cycle.

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Sooners gaining momentum in race for California defensive lineman Ashton Sanders

Oklahoma continues to be the school with the most momentum to land three-star defensive tackle Ashton Sanders. From @thatmanbryant

Oklahoma has spent the last week and a half issuing offers for the 2023 and 2024 recruiting classes. One of the late 2023 offers went out to California defensive lineman Ashton Sanders. Sanders, a three-star defensive tackle who was once committed to California. He backed off that commitment in August and re-opened his recruitment.

He received his offer on Halloween and, in short order, received a prediction from Sooner Scoop’s Josh McCuistion.

If that wasn’t curious, more recruiting insiders have also logged predictions for Oklahoma to land the disruptive interior defender. Memphis Publisher’s Bryan Moss and Badger Blitz’s Jon McNamara have each flipped their predictions from Cal-Berkeley to Oklahoma in the last two days.

Oklahoma has seemingly positioned itself in a great spot for Ashton Sanders’ commitment. Todd Bates has locked in on another player as they continue to makeover the defensive line.

He looks more like a straightforward nose tackle in a four-man front akin to current Sooner Jeffery Johnson. In that scenario, he’d line up right over the center and try to collapse the interior from there. He’s got the size and strength to play in multiple defensive schemes.

With Early Signing Day in December, Oklahoma could have an answer soon on Sanders. Sanders told 247Sports’ Greg Biggins he plans to sign at Early Signing Day and graduate high school early.

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Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today. You can also follow Bryant on Twitter @thatmanbryant.