Tag: Roy Manning

Roy Manning bids farewell after two years at USC under Lincoln Riley

Lincoln Riley continues to turn over his defensive staff with an emphasis on coaching better technique.

The coaching staff for Lincoln Riley and the USC Trojans football program keeps on changing. On Thursday, edge rushing coach Roy Manning essentially said goodbye to USC after two years with the program. He posted a lengthy post on X:

“I’d like to thank Coach Riley and the entire coaching & support staff that I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from for the past 5 years. I hope that my energy and presence made a positive impact each and every day both in the office and on the field.”

This is yet another coaching staff move after the Trojans hired D’Anton Lynn as defensive coordinator, brought in former North Dakota State head coach Matt Entz as linebackers coach, and Houston defensive coordinator Doug Belk as secondary coach.

The Trojans moved on from Alex Grinch after another horrid defensive performance, and now they are making more moves to the staff as they make the transition to the Big Ten Conference.

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Sooners cornerback Latrell McCutchin enters transfer portal after one season

Oklahoma Sooners cornerback Latrell McCutchin has entered the transfer portal.

It’s probably been said a million times in the last month and a half but it bears repeating once more: The portal giveth and the portal taketh away.

That’s the phrase of this offseason more than years past as the Sooners lose yet another player to the transfer portal. This time it comes from a somewhat unexpected place in the form of cornerback Latrell McCutchin.

 

While there is no confirmed reason as to why McCutchin entered the portal, based on his post he highlights recent staff changes as one of the reasons he decided to enter.

Roy Manning has been off the staff for a while now and it was pretty well known via social media that most of the players weren’t the biggest fans of his. A possible other explanantion would be that McCutchin and his family may not mesh well with incoming Sooners cornerbacks coach in Jay Valai.

Valai was on the staff at Texas when McCutchin was being recruited out of high school in Austin, Texas. He bypassed Texas and Alabama as well to come to Norman. It’s not for sure but considering how anti-Texas McCutchin was during his recruitment it may be the hint that Valai and McCutchin never mixed thus prompting McCutchin to head for the portal before giving Valai another shot.

In his single season, McCutchin posted some really good PFF coverage grades but also had his fair share of rough moments, which were to be expected of a true freshmen cornerback. McCutchin becomes one of the highes rated corners in the transfer portal and opens the door even wider for the Sooners to look to the portal for defensive backs.

The Sooners currently have D.J. Graham, Woodi Washingon, Joshua Eaton, Billy Bowman, Kendall Dennis, and swiss army knife Key Lawrence as possible cornerback options right now.

On the recruiting trail, Gentry Williams and Jayden Rowe are their lone cornerback commits in the 2022 recruiting class and McCutchin’s departure opens the door for them to get on the field early in their Sooners’ careers.

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Going shopping once again: Three defensive backs the Sooners could target via the transfer portal

Three defensive backs the Sooners should pursue via the transfer portal. Names like Trey Morrison, Eric Reed, and Darion Green-Warren in play

While much has been made about the Oklahoma Sooners’ offensive pursuits through the portal with receivers and quarterbacks, should the Oklahoma Sooners also be looking at defensive backs?

The defensive backs weren’t horrible when largely healthy but the Sooners lost their two most trusted players on the back end to the NFL Draft (Delarrin Turner-Yell) and Stanford (Pat Fields). While reports of Jay Valai being the next Sooners defensive backs coach are out there, the Sooners may see defensive backs hit the portal before and after his hiring as guys look for a fresh start. They could also feel as if a new coach may not afford them the same chances they may have thought they would get with Roy manning or Alex Grinch still in the fold.

The Sooners still need game-ready bodies back in the secondary. While they have some talented incoming freshman set to join the squad, the Oklahoma Sooners shouldn’t go into 2022 relying on true freshman on the back end.

Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a few names that may fit just what the Sooners could be looking for.

Eric Reed, CB

The first name that stands out as part of the current potential portal possibilities is Eric Reed. Reed is a cornerback out of Louisiana who left the state to go play for the Auburn Tigers.

Out of high school, many weren’t sure where his best fit was but he can play high-level football at a multitude of positions in the secondary. He’s not played much in college but why not get a fresh start and give him the chance to earn his stripes under a new coach with no preconceived notions about him at all?

Trey Morrison, DB

Trey Morrison is probably the opposite of Reed in the sense that Morrison has played a lot of snaps at the college level. Morrison appeared in 11 games as a true freshman for the North Carolina Tar Heels, starting 10, at nickelback in 2019. That season, he totaled 46 tackles, two sacks, 5.5 TFL, and four pass breakups.

In 2020, he started all 12 games at defensive back and was All-ACC Honorable Mention which included 39 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, three PBU, and one INT. While physically he’s not the biggest player, he’s productive and he’s very experienced.

Over four seasons, Morrison has played in 44 games in college. He gives the Sooners a veteran presence and more position versatility as they ook to retool and rest their secondary going into the 2022 season.

Darion Green-Warren, CB

If you’ve followed the Sooners on the recruiting trail, this name will probably ring a bell. Darion Green-Warren was at one time a hard Sooners recruit. He was recruited most heavily by Kerry Cooks who is no longer with the program.

Green-Warren decommited following the hiring of Alex Grinch in 2019 after being committed to the Sooners for almost an entire year. He would eventually end up at Michigan in 2020 and put his name in the transfer portal recently.

Can Brent Venables lead the charge to get him to finally land at Oklahoma? For the Sooners, it may be worth revisiting. After all, none of the defensive coaches involved with that recruit are on the staff anymore.

While none of these names have reportedly received an Oklahoma offer, the Sooners are in the business of reshaping the roster in the image of Brent Venables. No name is off the table and quite frankly it shouldn’t be as they continue to retool heading into the 2022 season.

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Red River Showdown: 5 recruits Oklahoma and Texas vying for

A look at five recruits Oklahoma and Texas are both competing for and an update on their recruitments.

On or off the field, the battle between Oklahoma and Texas for supremacy never ends. When these teams line up for this year’s battle, there will be quite a bit of familiarity between the players. Oklahoma has 48 players from the state of Texas on their roster.  The number is significantly less for Oklahoma players on Texas’ roster but nonetheless, these teams cross paths in recruiting so frequently it’s become normal.

Guys like Billy Bowman and Ja’Tavion Sanders were high school teammates in Texas but ended up going to Oklahoma and Texas respectively. Both schools were the finalists for both. They aren’t the first and they sure won’t last recruits these teams will fight over.

Luckily, we compiled a list of a few notable names from the 2022 recruiting class and the 2023 recruiting class that both Oklahoma and Texas are duking it out over.

*In order to qualify, we selected names that are seriously considering both schools or we feel as if both schools will be right there at the end for said prospect’s commitment.*

Sooners’ DB coach says Justin Harrington “practicing exclusively” at cornerback

Sooners’ DB coach Roy Manning says Justin Harrington is “practicing exclusively” at cornerback.

Last fall, the Oklahoma Sooners entered camp with defensive backs Tre Brown and Tre Norwood penciled in as starters in the defensive backfield.

This fall, Brown is a Seattle Seahawk, and Norwood is a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their departure leaves a pile of snaps and new opportunities for returning Sooners in Alex Grinch’s defense.

While converted receiver D.J. Graham is one name to watch, redshirt junior Justin Harrington could be another. The Bakersfield Community College transfer makes his return to the practice fields after rehabbing a knee injury that ended his 2020 season before it began.

Because Harrington’s injury occurred just one week into training camp, there has been little clarity on his role within the secondary.

Defensive backs coach Roy Manning shed some light on Harrington’s place in the Sooners’ defense, informing Bob Pryzbylo that the junior has been practicing “exclusively” at corner.

At 6-2, 212 pounds, Harrington is the largest defensive back on the Sooners roster. He could become a real problem for opposing offenses if he possesses the hip flexibility and multi-directional quickness needed to play cornerback. In addition, his large frame allows him to battle receivers at the football’s highest point.

The second-year Sooner also brings physicality to the corner position. His hard-hitting ability on the sideline, coupled with Delarrin Turner-Yell’s physical presence from the safety spot, could give Oklahoma a physical identity from the defensive front through the secondary.

Whether he gets to start or rotates with D.J. Graham and Woodi Washington on the outside, his presence could help bolster the Sooners’ defense on its quest for its eighth national title.

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D.J. Graham missing wide receiver, but completely bought in at cornerback

Oklahoma Sooners cornerback D.J. Graham talks about his transition from wide receiver to cornerback and why he’s completely bought in.

Under Lincoln Riley and Alex Grinch, the Oklahoma Sooners have made it a habit to recruit two-way athletes for their team and help them find their best spot once they get to Norman. In particular, players who have experience at both wide receiver and cornerback seem a high priority for Oklahoma’s staff.

Speaking to the media yesterday, D.J. Graham shared his thoughts on making cornerback a permanent home after coming to Norman hoping to play wide receiver.

Graham had a breakout season in 2020, though it took until Week 6 against Texas to begin seeing the field. Even then, it was just three snaps in the Red River Shootout. But as the season wore on, Graham’s play forced him onto the field more and more. With an increased snap count, Graham rewarded the defensive coaches with outstanding coverage and game-changing plays.

Over the final six games of the season, Graham was targeted 22 times per Pro Football Focus. He allowed 10 receptions on those targets and a passer rating (NFL) of 37.3 per PFF. That passer rating allowed was 12th among players with at least 112 coverage snaps in 2020.

Safe to say he’s taken to cornerback quite well.

Armed with a more typical offseason to continue to hone his craft, Graham has a chance to be one of the primary outside cornerbacks in Alex Grinch’s defense. As Grinch and cornerbacks coach Roy Manning explained, Graham’s experience at wide receiver should enhance his ability at cornerback.

When the ball is in the air, Graham has a natural ability to attack it. He’ll be competitive at the catch point and, as we saw in 2020, make plays on the football in the air. His understanding of route running and what an offense is trying to do against coverage will help him play faster and think less as he works in his coverage responsibility. Overall, he’ll have a great feel for what the wide receiver lined up across from him is trying to do.

Though he may not carry the same profile as Nik Bonitto or Isaiah Thomas, Graham is one of the reasons for optimism the Oklahoma Sooners defense can take another step forward in 2021.

With Woodi Washington and Graham on the outside, Alex Grinch has two corners with size that will battle for the ball in the air and make life difficult on opposing wide receivers.

Graham is a playmaker in every sense of the word. As a former wide receiver, he believes every ball is his ball and will go get it.

Though he may not have planned to play cornerback in college for the Oklahoma Sooners, he’s found a home there and will continue to thrive in 2021.

Oklahoma offers 2023 WR Micah Tease out of Tulsa, OK

Oklahoma officially offered local 2023 wide receiver Micah Tease (Tulsa, OK) on Wednesday.

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It is a busy time in Oklahoma football recruiting this June as offers continue to get sent out to players getting the chance to visit Norman officially after the NCAA’s recruiting dead period finally ended earlier this month.

Wednesday saw the Sooners send out an official offer to another local product in class of 2023 wide receiver Micah Tease out of Booker T. Washington High School in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

With two years of high school football still left, Tease is not yet rated or ranked by the major recruiting services but is certainly considered a legitimate prospect that will get that recognition in due time. In addition to Oklahoma, he holds offers from Florida, Iowa State, Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Texas Tech and Tulsa.

At 6-0 and 170 pounds, Tease provides good speed and hands that allows him to get open often and make plays with the football once he hauls it in. A look at his highlight reel certainly provides some excitement for what he could grow into in the future:

Sooners Wire will continue to provide updates to Tease’s recruitment as they become available over time.

Oklahoma Sooners’ assistant coaches receive extensions

Multiple Oklahoma assistant coaches receive contract extentions at Board of Regents meeting.

As each college football season comes to a close and another one dawns, it is not just the roster that is evaluated. Coaches are as well for the optimization of talent. The Oklahoma Sooners made a statement about their assistant coaches, granting many a contract extension at the Board of Regents meeting per Sooner Scoop staff writer Bob Przybylo.

Offensive line coach/co-offensive coordinator Bill Bedenbaugh, inside receivers coach/co-offensive coordinator Cale Gundy, cornerbacks coach Roy Manning, running backs coach DeMarco Murray, inside linebackers coach Brian Odom, defensive line coach Calvin Thibodeaux, outside linebackers/defensive ends Jamar Cain and director of sports performance Bennie Wylie all received extensions through 2023.

Defensive coordinator/safeties coach Alex Grinch and assistant head coach/passing game coordinator/outside receivers coach Dennis Simmons both received contract extensions through 2024.

In addition, Gundy was given a $20,000 raise and Simmons a $90,000 raise.

Locking up Alex Grinch for several years is key for the program’s success. Grinch significantly improved the defense over the past couple of years in Norman. The unit went from being the laughingstock in the Big 12 to one of the best in college football. A testament to the energetic man with the headset. Grinch took over as defensive coordinator/safeties coach in 2019 and revamped the group. The defense improved from a total defense ranking of 114th in 2018, 38th in 2019, to 29th in the nation in 2020. That is telling. The squad also drastically improved in rush defense (2018-59th, 2019-32nd, 2020-9th), interceptions (2018-112th, 2019-100th, 2020-3rd), and sacks-per-game (2018-74th, 2019-34th, 2020-7th).

His “Speed D” is built on playing aggressive, downhill, high-effort football to generate turnovers. In his hybrid 3-4/4-2-5 system, the defensive line operates in a one-gap, quickly penetrating and attacking style at the line of scrimmage. The dominance from the front frees things up for the linebackers and nickel backs. On the back end, Grinch prioritizes stopping the run, moving guys around in the box to disrupt tempo. His developed unit has poised Oklahoma for their next national title.

On the opposite side of the ball, Bill Bedenbaugh has created the protective wall surrounding Oklahoma’s high-profile quarterbacks. He continuously produces elite offensive lineman entering the NFL draft and primes them for success at the next level. Whether it be the team’s bread and butter- the counter pull, pass protection, or run blocking, the guys in the trenches perform at a high level under Bedenbaugh’s tutelage. His O-Line has paved the way for two Heisman Trophy winners and one runner up. Without the big guys up front doing their jobs, Oklahoma’s explosive offensive attack would be nonexistent.

He led the 2018 Oklahoma offensive line that was recognized as the nation’s best with the reception of the Joe Moore Award. The Sooners led the country in total offense (570.3 yards-per-game), scoring offense (48.4 points-per-game), rushing yards-per-carry (6.6) and yards-per-play (FBS-record 8.6). Bedenbaugh was a finalist in 2017 and semifinalist in 2018 for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach. He has established himself as one of the best talent producers in the country and Oklahoma took notice with a well-deserved contract extension.

Sooners make top list for 2022 Arizona cornerback

2022 cornerback from Arizona Benjamin Morrison released his list of top schools this week.

The Oklahoma Sooners are setting their sights on the state of Arizona for another top prospect. Brophy College Prep (Phoenix) cornerback Benjamin Morrison released his top 10 schools. The only Big 12 team to make the list was the Sooners. His list was heavy in the midwest with Notre Dame and a handful of Big Ten schools making the cut as well. Oregon, UCLA, and Washington made up his list from the west coast.

Morrison is the No. 3 player in the state of Arizona and a top 30 cornerback in the country according to Rivals.

“They win and play in big time games. Coach (Roy) Manning and I communicate a lot and I like their entire defensive staff.” – Morrison on the Oklahoma offer 

No timetable has been set for his commitment date or trimming down the list at the time of publication.

Rating

Stars Overall State Position
247 4 – 3 32
Rivals 4 249 3 27
ESPN – – – –
247 Composite 4 299 4 31

Vitals

Hometown Phoenix, Arizona
Projected Position Cornerback
Height 6-0
Weight 172

Recruitment

  • Offered on Jan. 21, 2021
  • No official visits during NCAA’s dead period

Offers

  • Oklahoma
  • Florida State
  • Michigan
  • Michigan State
  • Nebraska
  • Northwestern
  • Notre Dame
  • Oregon
  • UCLA
  • Washington

Crystal Ball

Film

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Oklahoma makes top 10 for another Denton Ryan product

Denton Ryan’s Austin Jordan of the 2022 recruiting cycle has released his top 10 schools. The Oklahoma Sooners are among three Big 12 teams.

The Oklahoma Sooners had some luck in getting 2021 athlete Billy Bowman out of Denton Ryan to flip. They did miss out on Bear Alexander, but another 2022 defender might be getting closer to coming to Norman. Austin Jordan recently released his top 10 schools. Joining Oklahoma from the Big 12 Conference is the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma State Cowboys. As usual, Texas A&M will also be in the running for a top defender from the Lone Star State.

According to 247Sports composite rankings, Jordan is a top 20 player at his position, top 30 in the state, and No. 167 overall. While they did make the list for his top 10, no official commitment date has been set for the talented cornerback that played alongside Bowman as they won the 5A state championship in the 2020 season.

Rating

Stars Overall State Position
247 4 85 16 12
Rivals 3 – 40 34
ESPN 4 137 23 14
247 Composite 4 167 26 19

Vitals

Hometown Denton, Texas
Projected Position Cornerback
Height 5-11
Weight 185

Recruitment

  • Offered on Jan. 25, 2020
  • no visits during NCAA’s dead period

Offers

Crystal Ball

No crystal ball projections

Film

Twitter

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