Oklahoma looking to close strong on final weekend for official visits before Signing Day
This coming weekend will be the final opportunity for schools to host recruits before National Signing Day on February 1st, so most schools are putting an emphasis on getting their remaining targets on campus while they still can. Oklahoma is no exception as they are scheduled to host four recruits this weekend and could receive multiple commitments based on some of the talk out there.
The Sooners will be hosting two of the Top 12 (per Rivals) JUCO prospects in the country as well as two high school targets they are very high on. It's going to be a big recruiting weekend for the Sooners and we're here to give you a glimpse into who will be in Norman.
WR Courtney Gardner - 6'3" 215, Sierra C.C.
Garner is currently a soft commit to Arkansas, but has kept his options open and continued to take visits. He had cancelled his last two scheduled visits (to Florida & Florida State), so there was some concern that he might do the same this weekend with the Sooners. However he put that fear to rest in the last couple days and stated he still has ever intention of making the trip to Norman this weekend.
Gardner is #12 overall JUCO prospect for this class and an immediate impact type wide receiver looking for an opportunity to play early and often. Most JUCO prospects, with usually two years of eligibility, are frequently looking for opportunities that give them the best chance to get on the field early and Oklahoma is selling him on the fact he'd have that chance next year.
Gardner is a four star prospect (per Rivals) and currently holds offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Cal, Florida, Florida State, Pitt, Utah, and Washington among others.
OT Will Latu - 6'5" 315, College of the Canyons
Simply put, Latu is a freaking monster. He's is an absolute mauler on the o-line, but don't take that to mean he just relies on strength to dominate his opponents. The film above is brief, but you can tell for a guy his size he's got above average footwork. Latu is the #7 overall JUCO prospect and would fill a big need for the Sooners who could very much use a tackle capable of coming in and starting from day one.
Obviously in his film he's at left tackle for his team, but the prevailing thought were he to commit to Oklahoma is he'd likely play at right tackle. His style would be an absolute perfect fit for this Sooners offensive line, which has been missing that kind of nasty, plays with a mean streak type of player who excels in the run game.
Latu has been extremely complimentary of Oklahoma in interviews leading up to this visit and there has already been some talk of a possible commitment this weekend. He's make a perfect bookend for Oklahoma who could slide Daryl Williams over to left tackle and move Latu in on the right side.
Latu is a four star prospect (per Rivals) and currently holds offers from Arizona State, Arkansas State, Auburn, Florida State, Utah, and West Virginia among others.
DE Michael Onuoha - 6'5" 225, Edmond Santa Fe H.S.
We introduced you to Onuoha a couple weeks ago when the news first broke that he had scheduled an official visit to Oklahoma. He wound up rescheduling that visit for this coming weekend so that he could get a better feel for the campus (his previous visit was scheduled during a time most students were away from campus).
Onuoha is very similar to a player the Sooners took a couple years ago in Chuka Ndulue. Very raw as a prospect, but incredibly athletic and a player the coaches believe they can mold into a dynamic defensive end. Ndulue used a redshirt year and actually played his way into the rotation late in games as a second year freshman and it's fair to assume the goals would be something similar for the Santa Fe product. Onuoha is probably more athletic than Ndulue with a higher ceiling as well, so it's pretty easy to see why Oklahoma would be after the talented DE.
Onuoha visited his presumed "favorite" last weekend in Missouri, but there has been some talk that his family may like the idea of him staying closer to home which would obviously give the Sooners an advantage. His family is reportedly joining him on the trip to Norman this weekend, so expect the coaches to be selling the family on OU as much as the player.
Onuoha is a three star prospect and the #34 overall DE (both per Rivals) who holds offers from both Missouri and Oklahoma.
DB Zack Sanchez, 6'0' 175, Keller Central H.S.
You can check out some film on Sanchez here. Sanchez is a soft Baylor commit and is a guy the Sooners only got in on after Mike Stoops returned to the Oklahom staff. And despite their late arrival, the Sooners have made a big impact on the young corner backs mind who was recently quoted as saying that he had "Oklahoma as a 60-40 favorite" before even setting foot on campus. Obviously there needs to be some caution in putting substantial weight on one quote from an 18-year old, but when you're the reported "favorite" before he even makes a visit and you've only been recruiting him a few weeks, well I'll just say it probably bodes in your favor.
Sachez is very much in the mold of what many believe Mike Stoops is looking for in his defensive backs. He's excels at attacking the ball, both in the air as well as coming up in run support. At 175 pounds, he'll clearly need to add some bulk, but the Sooners are pretty much set at CB for 2012 so that would allow Sanchez to redshirt and add that good weight to be ready to go in 2013.
As we mentioned, Sanchez is currently a soft commit to Baylor but also hold offers from Boise State, Houston, Kansas, and Kansas State among others.
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Any commits who might suprise us with a commitment on or before NSD? Long of like Corey Nelson? I’m hoping for a few more defensive commits that might suprise us.
Love the crimson and cream
by ohiosoonerbaby on Jan 27, 2012 8:56 AM CST via mobile reply actions
I think
Sanchez and Gary Simon (who visited last week) will both be Sooners.
Colin Blake is a former A&M commit that OU had been in on that could have surprised, but talk as of late is that OU has backed off and he’ll probably wind up at TCU.
Zach Banner isn’t defense, but he could surprise when he announces Monday if he picks OU and not USC (which is not likely unfortunately).
That’s about it though I think.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
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I might crap myself if OU gets that kind of a surprise
As it stands, I’m pretty much prepared for all surprises to be negative.
Wow, big guy
I have to wonder though…do the coaches plan to field an entire team of WRs?
I’m not one to turn away talent or big WRs, but c’mon guys.
I know
It seems pretty ridiculous, but when you look at our scholarship distribution chart and the fact that we have no less than three on the field like 75% (at least) of the time it’s not quite as ridiculous.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
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I get that, honestly I do
But when you look at the roster, we are already loaded with WRs and we have another huge class already. So, when I see more WRs, no matter how talented they might be, I just shake my head a little. Unless some of these cats are honestly open to position changes (like I PRAY Devonte Neal is cause he’d be an AMAZING CB), the coaches are setting themselves up for failure and another tough row to hoe next off-season.
Define loaded?
Franks – Is he someone you feel comfortable relying on?
Stills – check
Reynolds – future still somewhat in question
Jackson – check
And that’s it for contributors based on the current roster available online. I don’t know? To me that looks pretty bleak. Based on that, I’d say we need every WR we can get right now.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
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by Jordan Esco on Jan 27, 2012 12:59 PM CST up reply actions
Add that to the class coming in
and that is a LOT of bodies. I meant loaded as in the numbers. After those guys there are what, four or five more on the roster?
I honestly don’t believe we have any returners (Stills included at this point) that are potentially great. I should’ve clarified; Loaded = numbers, not talent.
In accordance with the prophecy
I guess
I could be wrong, but I think it’s pretty common to have 8-9 WRs (depending on the offensive system) on campus at any given time.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
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In terms of total bodies
Yes. But not in terms of guys that would actually play.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
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Put Latu and Shead on the right side of the line, motion Millard as the h-back behind them and pull Ikard…
I invite a defensive line in the Big 12 to stop that…
Oh my
I just got giddy thinking about that prospect. Absolutely brilliant idea!!!
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
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by Jordan Esco on Jan 27, 2012 12:59 PM CST up reply actions
I've been thinking for awhile
That we should do some sort of play where the QB or RB pitches it back toward the sideline… where Lane Johnson is waiting for it and throws the ball downfield to Kameel Jackson. (Johnson was a high school QB.)
by ClarkusKentus on Jan 27, 2012 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
OU have any ties to any Rutgers recruits?
Now would be a great time to make a play, if they do!
In accordance with the prophecy
We were in on LB Quanzell Lambert
But backed off. He’s a bigger LB and would seemingly be a good fit for M.Stoops’ system, but it’s probably too late IMO.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
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Likely right
Wouldn’t hurt to make a run now, though. Was he committed to Rutgers?
In accordance with the prophecy
Yep
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
Unless the plan is move some of the WR's to DB
all I can think is that the OU offense will continue to be pass happy and neglect the run game, and that is NOT what I want to see happen.
Team FIRST, Effort SECOND, Talent THIRD, Selfish NEVER
And I agree with you omsooner. We need to go back to power football and instill some toughness in this team on both sides of the ball, and I think going to a power run game will do that.
Love the crimson and cream
by ohiosoonerbaby on Jan 27, 2012 11:13 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
BS talks about a power running game but it is pure BS
it will be hard to have a power running game when they coach finesse to the line. Get the Latu kid, put him on the same side of as Shead and start planting some opposing Defensive players!
The one thing being a lot older has going for it, most of us older have seen more CFB than most younger people have seen web pages.
I think one of the major problems hasn't necessarily been that they coach finesse
but also that they recruited finesse, and the linemen they’ve been relying on are converted tight ends. I just don’t think a converted tight end will be able to come in and blow opposing players off of the line. I don’t know all of the bench press/squat numbers that the linemen put up, but I can’t imagine that a converted tight end has the power a guy who’s always been on the offensive line does.
at times I think Stoops and crew are trying to re-invent football
read on of the latest articles and you can see where they are recruiting a 5’9" 170lb player that could end up playing LB. The sad part is the the young man probably is 5’7" and 155lbs due to stat inflation.
To me it seems that they recruit rather strangely at OU and the staff has a much different concept of what certain position recruits should look like and play like physically.
The one thing being a lot older has going for it, most of us older have seen more CFB than most younger people have seen web pages.
Alternatively
The guys who are on the line as converted tight ends are there because we had no depth on the line due to injuries, and too much depth at tight end.
by ClarkusKentus on Jan 28, 2012 9:47 AM CST up reply actions
so Superman, what is the so called strength and conditioning doing for us
they should probably rename that part of the program to the Strength with Air Conditioning, health insurance included.
The one thing being a lot older has going for it, most of us older have seen more CFB than most younger people have seen web pages.
I know why they converted them
I just feel that having those converted tight ends hurt the power running game more than the way that the players were coached.
What I mean is
That’s not a planned recruiting strategy, it’s improvisation based on what we’ve had available. I’d agree that relying on converted tight ends hasn’t helped the power running game.
by ClarkusKentus on Jan 28, 2012 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
I’m a little concerned too with the lack of offers to dts. I think Phillips and Wade will be great players but I’m worried about the depth after that.
Love the crimson and cream
by ohiosoonerbaby on Jan 27, 2012 11:10 AM CST via mobile reply actions
How could we not be worried about the DT position
even though the coaches obviously aren’t. I’m just hoping they have a plan there. I can’t understand the rationale behind offering JC wide receivers this late but not even making any attempts to sign a good DT.
Maybe they plan on making the 3 man D line permanent. Joking. I hope.
by BoomerWolverine on Jan 27, 2012 11:32 AM CST up reply actions
that's what i've been thinking
we spent all year running the 50 set with 4-3 personnel… if they’re wedded to the idea of having more of a 3-4, that could be a possible explanation. but i don’t see a huge influx of stand-up linemen or any giant nose tackles, either.
in short, anyone’s guess. score-more-points is our defense?
by evenyoudorn on Jan 27, 2012 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
Honestly, if there was a position
I’m stunned we don’t have more commits from it would be LB. They haven’t even really targeted all that many, which is somewhat surprising.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
I'd bet in the 2013 class
They take at least two, if not three. If the two guys who were originally believed to be transfers earn their way back, we’d actually be pretty good (at least in terms of bodies) at DT. And Wade & Phillips are potential studs, so while I see where you’re coming from ohiosoonerbaby I don’t think we’re as bad off as it might appear.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
Ok so Peterson and aladenoye are expected to be back let on the team? I head they were but I haven’t heard anything else so I didn’t know.
Love the crimson and cream
by ohiosoonerbaby on Jan 27, 2012 1:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
As of the latest reports, yes
But much like Haywood, the chances of them not making it are much greater than them making it.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
maybe i missed it
but don’t forget about anderson… arguably the most upside of the bunch.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/oklahoma/football/recruiting/player-Marquis-Anderson-90852
“reminds us of… tommie harris”
Anderson is quality
But for my money, Jordan Phillips has the highest ceiling. He is an absolute freak of an athlete. He’s gonna have to put in the work though.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
Coaches are gonna have to beat the lazy out of him though
Developed a lot of bad habits being by far the biggest guy on the field during HS.
In accordance with the prophecy
Yeah, technique will be an issue
But even though he arrived late, he’ll have been on campus for over a year by spring/summer practices.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
And #1a
In accordance with the prophecy
by SCKSChief on Jan 28, 2012 10:48 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Wow...phone fail!
#12’s been here 3 years too…not exactly banking on a lot of player development.
In accordance with the prophecy
by SCKSChief on Jan 28, 2012 10:50 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
I think Landry is more the exception than the rule
Plus it’s not like he hasn’t gotten better at anything. Jackie Shipp has just as good a track record with DTs as Heupel does with QBs, so I think you might be underselling his ability to get Phillips ready to play.
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
by Jordan Esco on Jan 28, 2012 10:53 AM CST up reply actions
Just down on the coaching staff right now
I need to see a LOT from this team for them to get my trust back…from Bob to Schmitty.
In accordance with the prophecy
by SCKSChief on Jan 28, 2012 10:05 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
or, put another way
we took the nation’s (rivals) #4, #12 and #15 DTs just last year… so we’re not bare, at least in terms of bodies and talent. never know how they pan out, of course.
Definitely agree w/ this
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
Don't forget about Damien Williams
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/player-Damien-Williams-126077
It looks like we are in really good shape with him and he could be a HUGE part of the offense the next 2 years.
good call
"The less I know about other people’s affairs, the happier I am. I’m not interested in caring about people. I once worked with a guy for three years and never learned his name. Best friend I ever had. We still never talk sometimes." - Ron Swanson
Crimson and Cream Machine - There's only one Oklahoma!
Listen to Sooner Nation, the #1 podcast for OU fans
Yea but he’s not a senior and it Stoops clique so don’t expect to see any young guys or jucos very much. Especially if we are loaded at that position.
Love the crimson and cream
by ohiosoonerbaby on Jan 27, 2012 8:03 PM CST via mobile reply actions
Espn
Was just reding an article about how Trevor knight started a facebook/ twitter for Ou class of 2012 recruits and how they r all getting closer as a result…thought it was cool…y’all check it out.

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