Oklahoma Sooners Football Recruiting: 4-star DE Ronnie Perkins signs LOI with OU

The Oklahoma Sooners have landed one of the nation’s best defenders of 2018 in Saint Louis Lutheran North product Ronnie Perkins, who has signed a letter of intent on Wednesday. The four-star weakside defensive end, named an U.S. Army All-American, is ranked sixth in the nation at his position and No. 96 overall in the 247Sports Composite rankings. He has been committed to OU over chief rival Texas since being blown away during his official visit in October and plans to enroll early in the spring.

Securing the signing of Perkins is a huge win for Mike Stoops and defensive ends coach Calvin Thibodeaux. OU hasn’t been able to land many of the nation’s elite defensive line prospects in recent years, and the edge rushing phenom from Missouri has the size and talent to step in and contribute right away.

How he fits in

Perkins is likely best deployed as an edge rusher in OU’s 4-3 scheme, as he possesses the speed to blow by offensive linemen and the strength to secure the edge against the run. He is easily one of the top prospects the Sooners have brought in at his position in quite some time. I expect Perkins to be in the mix for playing time as a freshman next fall with his unique blend of size, athleticism, instinct and special playmaking ability.

Perkins held among his 32 offers a host of the nation’s top programs from every Power 5 conference, including Texas, Georgia, USC, Florida, Miami, Notre Dame and Michigan. As a senior, the versatile Missouri product racked up 73 tackles and 15 sacks, while also lining up on offense as a tight end and finishing with seven receptions for 182 yards and four touchdowns.