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After narrowing down his list to just three schools via Twitter, the top all-purpose runningback had a decision to make. Previously, Joe Mixon had announced he would make his decision at the Army All-American Bowl. Finally, with the last decision of the day, Mixon chose the Oklahoma Sooners over Wisconsin and UCLA.
The decision did not come without a bit of drama though. Leading up to today, Mixon had shot down all rumors of Cal having an outside shot. Lo and behold, a Golden Bears hat was spotted on the table.
Mixon setup. A Cal hat is on the table... pic.twitter.com/CrmAGniSDI
— Joey Helmer (@joeyhelmer10) January 4, 2014
Mixon is a consensus 5-star recruit, this kid had interested from nearly every school across the country. At 6-2 195, he possesses a skill set that makes him desirable to many. SBNation Recruiting took the time to highlight his strengths in a scouting report. Here is a snippet...
A player who is more fast than quick, Mixon doesn't use a vast assortment of moves, but shows the ability the make tacklers miss with subtle changes of direction when operating in space. Primarily, he is the type of runner you'd like to see use one cut and get going downhill, making use of his acceleration.
In the pass game Mixon appears to have good hands but his most impressive attribute might be his route running ability. On tape he runs a nice assortment of patterns, but what really stands out is his ability to sell his routes and create separation from linebackers after inducing them to lose leverage.
Ultimately, Mixon is a national recruit at the running back position with his frame and long speed. He eventually projects to top out at around 215 pounds with the ability to retain his big play ability. Getting on the field early should be no problem and will likely operate in a rotation or as a complimentary back during the early stages of his career, with the upside to be an All-Conference type of feature back in either his second or third year on campus. - Avinash Kunnath
Oklahoma now has a pair of backs in the class ready to pick up where a crop of seniors leave off. Joe Mixon as well as Samaje Perine compliment each other well and should be in the mix for the starting job along with Keith Ford and Alex Ross.
Welcome to Sooner Nation Joe!
