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Desperate for some positive news from the recruiting trail, Oklahoma received just that Wednesday afternoon when Alief Taylor (TX) defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (VIDEO) verbally committed to the Sooners. Okoronkwo had previously been committed to the Sooners in-state rival, Oklahoma State, but had been open about growing up as an OU fan. Once Oklahoma offered the three star defensive end, many believed it was simply a matter of time before the switched his commitment.
At 6'3" and just 220 pounds, he obviously has some work to do in putting on weight to be able to hold up at the next level. Again, he's pretty lean for a defensive end but he uses that and his athleticism to his advantage, often times lining up inside at tackle to exploit gaps in the offensive line. Plays with the prototypical "high motor" and displays a pretty good initial burst off the ball in his pass rush. Somewhat similar to Class of 2012 members, Charles Tapper and Michael Onuoha, he's a bit raw as a prospect but has a nice upside assuming the coaches can develop it.
With Okoronkwo's commitment, he becomes Oklahoma's third defensive end commit in this 2013 class which all but assures the Sooners are now done at the position. In addition to OU and OSU, Okoronkwo also held offers from Kansas, Purdue, San Diego State, Texas Tech, Utah, and West Virginia among others.
Welcome to Sooner Nation, Ogbonnia!