Few people in the recruiting world were even aware that JUCO WR LaColtan Bester was visiting Oklahoma this weekend, that was at least until he started repeatedly tweeting about his commitment to the Sooners.
It makes sense for obvious reasons with Oklahoma's recent indefinite suspension of receivers Jaz Reynolds, Trey Franks, and Kameel Jackson. The Sooners were in desperate need of depth at wide receiver and having already signed the number one wide receiver class in 2012, Bester will be added to that class and will help to provide that depth OU clearly needs.
Bester was one of the best junior college wide receivers in the country this past season posting 1,042 yards and 17 touchdowns on 76 receptions for his team that won the JUCO national championship. Pretty impressive especially when you consider that this past season was the first he had ever spent at wide receiver after playing primarily quarterback in high school. In fact, according to a quote from Rivals JUCO recruiting guru, Brad Hoiseth, in a story from SoonerScoop on Bester's commtiment, he might have been one of the best wide receivers in the country.
Before a sophomore year that saw Bester collect 17 touchdowns and 1,042 yards on just 76 receptions he was already regarded by JCGridiron's Brad Hoiseth as the nation's No. 2 junior college wide receiver. Following the strong campaign, Hoiseth didn't back off his feelings about the former high school option quarterback.
"The kid Lacolton Bester is a freak. I saw him live at the NJCAA title game," Hoiseth said. "Best receiver I saw last season at any level."
Now what you're probably asking yourself is "If this guy is really this good, how was he still available this late in the process?"
The prevailing theory at this point is that his ability to qualify academically kept schools from seriously pursuing him prior to this weekend. However, it is believed he very recently resolved any academic issues and the Sooners wasted no time swooping in to land the talented prospect.
Many will question such a late addition, let alone one who evidently had such serious academic concerns that it scared off virtually every school despite Bester's considerable talents. Rest assured, if Oklahoma is offering this late in the 2012 recruiting process they've done their homework. There would be absolutely no point in taking his commitment this late if there was a chance of him not qualifying academically.
It almost seems a little too good to be true, right? A player of this caliber essentially falls into Oklahoma's lap at a position of significant need. Only time will tell of course if this signing proves to be the fairy tale it appears at the moment, but one thing is for sure with all the issues Oklahoma currently has at receiver Bester will have every opportunity to make an impact.
He had received interest from schools like Kentucky and Baylor and according to Rivals, held offers from Baylor, Louisiana Tech, and Middle Tennessee State. With respect to his remaining eligibility, Bester will have three years to play two. Meaning, he will still have a redshirt year available to him should he need it.
Better late than never, a belated welcome to Sooner Nation LaColtan!