OU Football Recruiting - How Recent Suspensions Could Change The Sooners 2013 Strategy

With last night's news from head coach Bob Stoops that the Sooners had indefinitely suspended wide receivers Kameel Jackson, Trey Franks, and Jaz Reynolds it's become clear this has been far from your typical offseason. The Sooners had already experienced the loss of twelve players to transfer during/after this past season and it's impossible to know at this point what Bob Stoops has in mind with respect to "indefinite" and how long these three receivers will be unavailable.

Not only does this kind of news affect the current team and players, but it also plays a role in the Sooners recruiting approach for this 2013 class. Where as before word of these suspensions broke, OU was believed to be in exceptional shape at wide receiver. The Sooners were returning multiple players who had seen the field last season and were bringing in the top rated group of wide receivers in their 2012 recruiting class. Now however, things have changed somewhat drastically when you consider, from the coaches perspective, they (the coaches) have to plan/recruit as if these players will not be available.

So what exactly does that mean for Oklahoma's 2013 recruiting class?

After taking five receivers in 2012, it was likely the Sooners were only looking to take two wide receivers in this 2013 class. That number may or may not have been affected when Oklahoma recently secured an incoming transfer in the form of former Fresno State receiver Jalen Saunders. However, with the potential loss of three wide receivers who were all expected to contribute this coming season the Sooners will now have to alter their original plan.

If two, possibly one if you consider Saunders, was the number prior to this you have to believe that now becomes three at a minimum. The following are some of the most likely recruits you can expect the Sooners to target in the coming months.

Laquon Treadwell - 6'3" 183, Crete (IL)

Treadwell was one of the Sooners top targets prior to these suspensions and the attention he was receiving from Oklahoma will only increase now. Treadwell was supposed to visit Norman for OU's spring game, but was forced to cancel his trip with the threat of severe weather in the area that weekend.

Treadwell is long, lanky receiver who uses his significant wingspan and large hands to attack the ball. He's exceptional at the jump ball and adept at catching the ball at its highest point. Doesn't have elite speed, but positions his body well to create separation.

Treadwell holds offers from an impressive list of schools including Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, USC, and Oklahoma. The talk surrounding him at the moment is that Michigan could be a heavy favorite.

Sebastian Larue - 5'11" 185, Santa Monica (CA)

Larue is the #21 overall wide receiver according to Rivals and one of the top players in the state of California, a state the Sooners have had considerable success in these past couple years. Larue is also pretty good friends with OU 2012 signee Derrick Woods and the latter has been working that friendship to sell the Sooners to his buddy.

Larue is a true 'burner' with elite level top end speed with an excellent burst off the the line of scrimmage. Has excellent body control and is described as one of those guys in the open field who can "make guys miss in a phone booth." Can play outside, with his speed, or in the slot, with his size.

Torii Hunter Jr. - 6'1" 175, Prosper (TX)

Yes, there is a relation. Hunters is the son of major leaguer Torii Hunter and a very talented athlete in his own right. The Sooners have been in on Hunter for awhile and Jay Norvell has developed a good relationship with the Prosper standout. Hunter has good hands, excellent leaping ability, and a shiftiness to his game when he's in the open field.

He currently holds offers from Arizona, Arkansas, Notre Dame, Oklahoma State, Utah, and West Virginia among others.

Marcell Ateman 6'4" 189, Wylie (TX)/Quan Jones 6'4" 201, Wylie (TX)

The two teammates were a target of Oklahoma before committing to Oklahoma State and Baylor respectively. It remains to be seen whether or not the Sooners could sway either, but given the fact OU is already familiar with both you can expect them to at least put out some feelers to see if there might be a chance.