Tag: oklahoma sooners

Lincoln Riley focusing on ‘guys that are here’

Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley will be focusing on his team moving forward

Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley will be focusing on his team moving forward.

With COVID-19 sweeping across the sports world, that might not include several players from his roster.

Despite being extremely transparent about the virus affecting his team, Riley wouldn’t disclose any information about players who have allegedly opted out of playing the 2020 season.

“I visited with our leadership group, several of our older players,” Riley told media Tuesday. “Their wish, and I totally agree with it, is that we’re going to keep the focus on our guys that are here. If a player chooses to opt out, obviously that’s their choice. If they want to make an announcement or something, that’s up to the individual.”

So far, only RB Kennedy Brooks has publicly opted out.

Oklahoma has suffered plenty of other setbacks in the form of injures and suspensions. One being Jadon Haselwood, who will more than likely miss the beginning of the season with an ACL injury.

“He’s still around the team,” Riley said. “He’s still out there every single day. He’s still preparing as if he’s going to play tomorrow. He’s in every single meeting, every single walk-through.”

Oklahoma reported 17 positive cases on Monday, but Riley said in his conference that around half of those are no longer active. 

The Sooners are set to kickoff on Sept. 12 versus nonconference opponent Missouri State.

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Sooner Summit could make big impact on Oklahoma recruiting

Sooner Summit could make big impact on Oklahoma recruiting

The Sooners Summit was traversed.

Last weekend, a group of Oklahoma football commits and targets took a visit to Norman to check out the campus.

Visitors included targets offensive linemen Tristan Leigh and Savion Byrd, running back Camar Wheaton and wide receiver Jalil Farooq.  The event was organized and headlined by top-ranked QB and Oklahoma commit Caleb Williams.

Rivals recruiting directors Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney think the Sooner Summit will have big implications on Oklahoma’s 2021 class.

“It was a major recruiting move orchestrated by Williams and it should pay off in a big way. First, because Oklahoma has a lot to offer and lots of top recruits are highly interested anyway and also because this was a one-of-a-kind special event with lots of top kids on campus.” Gorney said.

“And it will work,” Farrell wrote. “This is a big deal and, if Leigh, Farooq, Wheaton and others end up at Oklahoma, this could be a huge reason. This Summit might be a difference maker for the Sooners.”

Oklahoma currently hold the No. 14 class in the nation, just one spot behind Texas for the top-ranked class in the Big 12.

The Sooners are set to kick off their season with a matchup versus Missouri State on Sept. 12.

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Oklahoma adds guard Josh O’Garro for upcoming season

Oklahoma will be adding guard Josh O’Garro for upcoming season

Oklahoma basketball made it official on Monday, announcing that Josh O’Garro will be going the team.

The guard/small forward out of Canyon Country, Calif. was initially a 2021 prospect, but after a reclassification, will be joining the Sooners for the upcoming season.

“Josh is a terrific young man that’s excited to be here,” said Kruger. “He’s an explosive athlete who will come in with the expectation of redshirting, working hard to get bigger and stronger. We’re really looking forward to him joining our program.”

According to Rivals, O’Garro is a three star prospect. His commitment moves Oklahoma to two, joining Tulsa guard Trey Phipps. 

“They have a great culture, it’s a great college town, I know it’s a great team and they produce great players,” O’Garro said to 247Sports. “The coaches are great people and have my best interests in mind.”

In the 2019-20 season, O’Garro averaged 17.6 ppg game, and was First Team All-State for California’s Divison II.

Oklahoma kicks off their season against Florida on December 2.

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Entire Oklahoma football team registers to vote after demonstration on Friday

Some question what can be accomplished whenever athletes use their platform. Oklahoma answered one of those questions on Friday. 

Some question what can be accomplished whenever athletes use their platform. Oklahoma answered one of those questions on Friday.

The Sooners marched in a demonstration against racial and social injustices happening in the country. They started from Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium and marched onto campus to the Unity Garden at the South Oval.

Oklahoma took an entire day off of practice to do this. The Sooners then went to go sign up for their civil duty.

Instead of preparing for the 2020 football season. Instead of developing their talents more. Instead of doing what everyone thinks they should be doing, Oklahoma took a stand.

One of the main points the NBA was trying to convey during the strike on Thursday and Friday was everyone going to go vote. The trickle down effect of that hit the Sooners on Friday.

Oklahoma will begin the 2020 season on Sept. 12 against Missouri State at home.

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WATCH: Oklahoma football marches on OU’s campus for social, racial injustice

WATCH: Oklahoma football marches on OU’s campus for social, racial injustice”

Arm in arm, the Oklahoma football team walked down to the campus unity gardens on Friday.

In the wake of the recent shooting of Jacob Blake, racial injustice movements have swept across the nation. The NBA and MLB have seen boycotts, and players from all different sports have spoken out against injustices.

On Friday, the Oklahoma football team joined in the movements in a powerful way, linking arms and walking as one.

“We chose this place because it symbolizes unity, and unity is possible.” Riley said in a statement at the gardens. “And it is possible for people with different backgrounds because I’ve witnessed it, and continue to witness it with this group right here.”

 

Starting next week, Oklahoma will be launching required bias training for its students, the first step in fixing what has been a problem the school. The training will be mandatory for students, staff and faculty, and the training will focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley speaks out on social, racial injustices in America

Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley speaks out on social, racial injustices in America

In a powerful display of unification, Lincoln Riley and the Oklahoma football team marched arm in arm to the unity garden on OU’s campus.

“We chose this place because it symbolizes unity, and unity is possible.” Riley said. “And it is possible for people with different backgrounds because I’ve witnessed it, and continue to witness it with this group right here.”

In the wake of the recent shooting of Jacob Blake, racial injustice movements have swept across the nation. The NBA and MLB have seen boycotts, and players from all different sports have spoken out against injustices.

Lincoln Riley and the Sooners made a stand of their own on Friday with their march.

“We’ve had a lot of team gatherings, discussions, opportunities for every person in our organization to express how they’re feeling.” Riley said. “And like a lot of other college football teams across the country, our organization is made up of just about every different background that you can imagine. Females, males, people of all kinds of different skin colors, ethnicities, backgrounds, home lives, experiences, everything’s different. And those conversations have been tough.”

Starting next week, Oklahoma will be launching required bias training for its students, the first step in fixing what has been a problem at Oklahoma. The training will be mandatory for students, staff and faculty.

For now, Riley and his team are holding their own discussions.

“They’ve been raw and unfiltered, they’ve been eye opening, very emotional, very intense.” Riley said. “They’ve given every person there an opportunity to express themselves, but also, and maybe more importantly, an opportunity to listen.”

August recruiting update: Oklahoma homing in on 2021 WR targets

August recruiting update: Oklahoma spreading the wealth for WR targets

Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley hasn’t seen a shortage in wide receiver talent in his time with the Sooners, and he isn’t planning on it anytime soon.

The Sooners already have one of the two five-star recruits at WR, and they’re not stopping there.

With second-ranked WR Mario Williams and four-star Cody Jackson already committed, Riley is dedicated to getting a talented cast around top-ranked 2021 QB Caleb Williams.

Here are some of the top wide receiver targets for Oklahoma’s 2021 class:

EMEKA EGBUKA—FIVE-STAR-NO. 1 WR

Oklahoma already has 2021’s second-ranked receiver in Mario Williams, but are going for it all by seeking the top-ranked route-runner in Emeka Egbuka. Egbuka has 35 division I offers in total, but now Oklahoma will have to fight against Clemson, Ohio State and Washington for his talents. At 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, there’s not much that Egbuka can’t do as a receiver. Riley could use him in nearly any situation, and as a punt and kick returner. Egbuka was thought to be leaning towards Ohio State, but with Williams pushing for him hard, who knows what could happen?

BILLY BOWMAN—FOUR-STAR-NO. 1 ATH

Riley has recently started stoking the fire for No. 1 athlete in the country Billy Bowman. Bowman recently committed to Texas, and has not shown many signs of flipping. But at 5-foot-10, 170-pounds, Bowman is nearly a must-have in terms of speed for Riley’s future offense. Oklahoma recently reached out to offer, and if they could get Bowman to Norman for a visit, the rest could be history.

JALIL FAROOQ—FOUR-STAR-NO. 33 RB

Ranked the 33rd receiver in 2021, Jalil Farooq would look familiar in Riley’s offense, but still incredibly useful. At 6-foot-1, 200-pounds, Farooq could be a splitting image of a certain Cowboys first-round draft pick in 2020. The Sooners will have to fight all of the major schools for Farooq, but should they land him, will have one of the more talented and diverse WR classes.

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August recruiting update: Oklahoma aiming for top running backs in 2021

Oklahoma is aiming for the top running backs in 2021. Here is where the Sooners’ big board is at for running backs.

Oklahoma is swinging for the fences on 2021 running backs.

The Sooners look like they’re refusing to settle for less than a Top 3 back in the class, going hard after the elite RBs in the class.

With Oklahoma’s history of prolific running backs, nearly any target should give the Sooners a look.

Head coach Lincoln Riley has also proven that multiple backs can share the load, and could make a push for more than one star recruit.

Here are some of the top running back targets for Oklahoma’s 2021 class:

CAMAR WHEATON—FIVE-STAR-NO. 1 RB

Oklahoma’s most obvious target at RB, Camar Wheaton fits Lincoln Riley’s mold perfectly. At 5-foot-11, 190 lbs, Wheaton is the prototypical running back, with a perfect mix of size and athleticism. The top-ranked RB in 2021 has shown significant interest in OU, and joined Caleb William’s Sooner Summit campaign as a late addition.

DONOVAN EDWARDS—FIVE-STAR-NO. 2 RB

The second-ranked RB in the 2021 class, Donovan Edwards is a major target for Oklahoma. While the home run-hitting running back seemed to be leaning heavily towards Michigan, COVID-19 cancellations have already affected several recruits decisions. The Sooners will have to contend with nearly every major school for Edwards talents, but Oklahoma is never counted out of a running back race.

TREVEYON HENDERSON—FOUR-STAR-NO. 3 RB

TreVeyon Henderson will be a major factor wherever he lands. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound product is currently committed to Ohio State, but with the Big Ten cancelling football, the Buckeyes have already suffered recruiting woes in the form of recommitments. Should Henderson decide to look elsewhere, Lincoln Riley and the Sooners would surely get a look. Henderson has legitimate speed, and could become a factor earlier in his career. 

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Two Oklahoma commits become Rivals top-250 recruits

Two Oklahoma commits become Rivals top-250 recruits

Two Oklahoma commits have now emerged into the Rivals 250.

Damond Harmon and Nathan Rawlins-Kibonge have both shot up the rankings, giving Lincoln Riley a boost to his 2021 class.

Harmon, the cornerback who committed to the Sooners on Aug. 1, went from being unranked to now being ranked No. 191 nationally. Harmon also moved from a three-star to a four in the latest rankings.

Rawlins-Kibonge also saw a boost, entering the top 250 players at No. 209. The 6-foo-t-7, 240-pound defensive end committed to Oklahoma on June 17. He was previously a basketball target, but increased his potential as a two-sport athlete. Outside linebacker and defensive ends coach Jamar Cain was a huge factor in getting Rawlins-Kibonge to commit to the Sooners.

Oklahoma now sits at No. 14 in the Rivals 2021 team rankings, trailing only Texas for the top Big 12 class. The Sooners have 14 commitments to Texas’ 17. 

The Sooners’ 2020 slate begins on Sept. 12 versus nonconference opponent Missouri State.

Notre Dame vs Texas rematch: CBS projects iconic schools meet in bowl season

According to bowl projections from CBS Sports, the Texas Longhorns and Notre Dame are on a collision course for a NY6 bowl.

The Texas Longhorns. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish. These two football programs are among the most prestigious in college football history. Texas and Notre Dame rank fourth and fifth respectively in all-time wins. The two have 1,824 wins combined. A bowl game between the two schools brings back some memories of their battles at the Cotton Bowl.

January 1, 1970 at the Cotton Bowl immediately comes to mind. Trailing 17-14 with 6:52 left in the fourth quarter, James Street led the comeback. Texas was trailing after Joe Theismann led the Irish 80 yards to take the lead. Street found Cotton Speyrer to get the ball to the two-yard line. A run by Billy Dale gave Texas the win. They were named the Coaches Poll National Champions. It wasn’t until the 2016 thriller that the Longhorns would beat Notre Dame again.

It took overtime in 2016 to decide a winner between these two teams. Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes sealed the deal when he dove into the endzone to cap off a 50-47 victory.

Could we see this matchup again for the 13th time in their history? CBS Sports thinks so in their latest bowl projections. The Longhorns and Fighting Irish would meet in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. These two schools have met in the historic bowl game three times. Texas won the first matchup and fell in the next two.

A trip to North Texas likely means the Longhorns finished second in the conference to Oklahoma to earn a NY6 bowl berth. It would be a welcomed sight but we know the Longhorns are aiming to knock Oklahoma down a peg. Oklahoma is projected to battle Alabama in the Rose Bowl. We know how well that went last time.

Big 12 Projections:

  • Rose Bowl- Oklahoma vs Alabama
  • Cotton Bowl- Texas vs Notre Dame
  • Alamo Bowl- Iowa State vs SMU
  • Liberty Bowl- TCU vs Mississippi State
  • Sun Bowl- Kansas State vs Pittsburgh
  • First Responder Bowl- Texas Tech vs Rice
  • Cheez It Bowl- Baylor vs Louisville
  • Cactus Bowl- West Virginia vs Texas State
  • Texas Bowl- Oklahoma State vs Missouri
  • Frisco Bowl- Kansas vs Arkansas

Looks like everyone is going bowling this year.