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Oklahoma Sooners Football Recruiting | Where Things Stand with the Defensive Line in the Class of 2017

By DHazlewood
Marvin Wilson
Marvin Wilson
Student Sports

Calvin Thibodeaux has a difficult task following both Jerry Montgomery and Diron Reynolds. In recruiting building relationships with high school coaches and recruits is a multi year task. Thibodeaux had to immediately hit the ground running and recruit arguably the most important position in the class of 2017 (some might say running back). While the Sooners have some solid talent in Romar, Gallimore, Overton, and Lampkin just to name a few, there is a definite need to land some premier talent that can continue to build depth and upgrade the talent along the defensive line.

Here is a quick update on where things stand with multiple prospects. I won't mention 3-Star Isaiah Thomas 6-5/230 as I consider him a solid commitment that will make up the class of 2017. This post will address the additional prospects the Sooners are looking to add.

2016 Brandon Bowen 6-5/230

I would be remiss if I didn't mention one of the best players in the class of 2016 in Bowen. After a late visit to OU before National Signing Day, Bowen eventually shut his recruitment down before signing with Baylor in the class of 2016. With the Art Briles and entire Baylor University mess things have changed with Bowen and Baylor. He has requested to be released from his letter on intent and should in the next week or so be granted that request. Bowen has definite interest in the Sooners, but we might have to wait a while to find out where he lands. Bowen has the frame to add the weight necessary to play DE in the Sooners 3-4, but he might just as easily wind up at outside linebacker. Regardless, he is a guy that you get on campus and figure out his position later.

2017 4-Star DE Deonte Johnson 6-5/240 from Sacramento, CA

The interest in the Sooners from Johnson is legitimate, but at some point they will need to get him on campus. Johnson is an immense talent and California has been good to the Sooners.

2017 3-Star DE Ondario Robinson 6-5/240 from Hutto, TX

Robinson tweeted out his intent to visit the Sooners soon.

This is a guy I believe the Sooners can make a real run at. He fits a huge need and the Sooners are recruiting him hard.

2017 3-Star DE Dayo Odeyingbo 6-5/250 from Carrolton, TX

Days is again another guy the Sooners can really make a run at. They will have competition from A&M and Michigan for him however.

2017 5-Star DT Marvin Wilson 6-4/320 from Houston, TX

I believe the Sooners are definitely right in the mix, maybe even inching towards the top. It will help the Sooners immensely if they land 4-Star OLB K'Lavon Chaisson (which they currently lead for), as both Chaisson and Wilson have discussed playing together in college.

2017 4-Star DT Greg Rogers 6-4/305 from Las Vegas, NV

I think you will like this pic.

Rogers definitely has the Sooners at or near the top of his list. If they can hold off USC and get him on campus, I think they can land Rogers.

2017 3-Star DT Deiontae Watts 6-3/300 from Plano, TX

Watts has been admittedly quiet lately, but he grew up in Oklahoma and admittedly is an OU fan. We will see where this one goes.

So what is my prediction. I believe the Sooners will sign the following players on National Signing Day from the above list. By the way look for this Sooners class of 2017 to swell to 25 to 27 total players.

4-Star Greg Rogers

4-Star Deonte Johnson

3-Star Dayo Odeyingbo

3-Star Deiontae Watts

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