The Oklahoma Sooners will be hosting the nation's top 2013 quarterback recruit this weekend as Sammamish (Wa.) signal caller Max Browne will be making the trek east to Norman. Browne initially had plans to visit in February, but both he and the coaches decided to reschedule so that he could have a chance to watch the team in action as they started spring practices Monday.
Obviously any time you can get the top rated quarterback in the country on campus it's a positive for your program. Browne is ranked as a Top 10 player and the top overall quarterback by both Rivals and 24/7. Then you take into account how highly Browne has spoken of the relationship he and Sooners offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel have developed and as a fan you can't help but get excited.
Browne is expected to arrive Thursday night and then spend both Friday and Saturday on campus, with the coaches, around the team, and take in what Norman has to offer. It's an excellent opportunity for him and his family to spend quality time with both the players and coaches to help compare Oklahoma to some of the other schools they are considering. If we've learned anything about Stoops and his staff, expect a laid back approach where they let OU and all that it has to offer sell itself. Which for a player like Browne, who could go just about anywhere he wanted, will likely go over well as there is really no need put pressure on him to make a decision this weekend.
Now would an early commitment from the top ranked quarterback be nice? Of course it would, but that will not be the primary focus of the OU coaching staff on this visit. I'd expect them to encourage Browne and his family to take their time, go home and talk about their trip, and only then make a decision if they feel OU is the right fit for them.
(Sorry, that qualifier might not have been necessary but I just wanted everyone's expectations to be realistic before heading into this weekend. So don't freak out if there isn't news on Sunday about a commitment.)
We first told you about Browne (see link above) last month and as you can tell from his highlight package, he'd be a perfect fit for what the Sooners do on offense. A big (6'5") quarterback who has no trouble seeing over the line and finding passing lanes, who can get rid of the ball quickly and on target. We said it back in February and we'll reiterate it again now, don't sleep on this kid's ability to move around both in and outside the pocket. He's not just a statue out there. He has exceptional footwork for a high school junior and working under the tutelage of a coach like Heupel could only improve the already impressive technical foundation he has built into his game.
Browne is certainly one of the top 2013 targets on the Sooners board, so this visit will go a long way towards making their case. Browne has stated that he'd like to make a decision before the end of his junior year so that he can focus on and enjoy his final year of high school. So for all intents and purposes, this will be the Sooners "official" visit and it goes without saying they will need to make a strong impression.
Expect Browne and his family to get the red carpet treatment and hopefully following the weekend we'll able to bring you some positive reports after the visit.