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The Sooners have been on a pretty solid recruiting role as of late, adding four commitments (Chanse Sylvie, Bryce Youngquist, Parrish Cobb, and Pernell Jefferson) since the end of July. While the Sooner nation is feeling revived and optimistic about the class of 2016, the Sooners still need to add some major firepower in the class of 2016 to take this class to the next level. Here are five defensive players that would truly make this class one of the best in Stoops tenure in Norman.
1. 5* LB Caleb Kelly 6-3/214 from Fresno, CA.
The class of 2016 seemingly begins and ends with Kelly. In Kelly, the Sooners would land not only a consensus 5 star recruit but a player who would keep offensive coordinators up at night with his playmaking ability. Kelly would be a matchup nightmare and could easily be the most talented linebacker to play under Stoops should he reach his potential (and yes I understand what saying this means). Kelly is that good. Watch out for Michigan, but I would be disappointed if Kelly was not a part of the class of the Sooners class of 2016.
2. 4* DL Chris Daniels 6-3/300 from Euless, TX.
Should Diron Reynolds land Daniels, the Sooners would continue to amass some really elite DL talent. While the Sooners have some quality young talent along the defensive line, adding a player like Daniels who has 1st day NFL draft potential would take this class to the next level. The Sooners will have to win a slugfest with schools like TCU, Texas A&M, and Baylor for Daniels.
3. 4* DL Amani Bledsoe 6-5/270 from Lawrence, KS.
How about adding a player in a class that has the size 6-5/270 to play on the interior of a defensive line, yet the athleticism to be a difference maker at defensive end? That player is Bledsoe, and his offer list backs this up. Bledsoe recently visited the Sooners and appeared to have a great visit. This is a case where we are all glad the Jayhawks and Sooners aren't competing for a player from Lawrence, KS on the basketball court.
4-star DE Amani Bledsoe with #Sooners head coach Bob Stoops today on his unofficial visit to #Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/tLOborojP3
— Randy Withers (@RandyWithersKC) August 10, 2015
4. 4* DE Brandon Bowen 6-5/230 from Trophy Club, TX.
Few players possess the athletic ability of Bowen. In fact on his highlight video below, Bowen is excelling at WR. Bowen has rocketed up recruiting rankings this spring and the Sooners arerecruiting him hard. Bowen doesn't say much, so its tough to get a read on him, but a victory over Baylor this season could go a long way to locking up a player that should be a pass rushing nightmare at the next level.
5. 4* DL Ed Oliver 6-2/270 from Houston, TX.
Yes he is a Houston commit, but that hasn't stopped the Sooners from staying in contact. In fact if you look at his most recent followers, you will notice basically the entire Sooner coaching staff has recently followed him on twitter. Further the Sooners were his first offer back when he was just a freshman. While this would still be considered a longshot, should the Sooners get Oliver on campus you never know.
If you've got a few minutes you should check out this highlight tape of Oliver in action. You wont be disappointed.
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Honorable mentions (and this is not a slight as these players are elite in their own right).
4* LB Marvin Terry 6-2/230 from Dallas, TX.
I actually think Terry could be committed to the Sooners before the Sooners take the field against Akron.
3* LB/S Calvin Bundage 6-3/200 from Edmond, OK.
Bundage is a great player, but if he wants a spot in the Sooners class of 2016, he better decide quickly or could be left at the altar.
3* DL Marcel Southall 6-3/270 from Duncanville, TX.
Southall has been on several of my commitment prediction lists and has quietly amassed quite an offer list (Bama, Ark, Florida, Baylor, Tennessee, Texas, and the Sooners to name a few).