Oklahoma Sooners Football Recruiting: Tracking the Sooner State’s Best of 2018

The ink has barely dried after National Signing Day saw #SoonerSquad17 finish as the eight-ranked class nationally, the best Oklahoma class in the last seven years. But the guys here are already hot on the trail for the class of 2018, and after Graham brought you up to speed on the nation’s top targets OU has its eyes on, here’s a rundown of the state’s best and where the Sooners stand in bringing them to Norman. As Bob Stoops just landed the top five of Oklahoma in 2017 — a feat never before achieved through his outstanding tenure, the question begs, could he do it back to back?

OT Brey Walker, Moore, OK (Southmoore) - 5 Stars

The 13^th-ranked player overall and no. 3 at his position, the state’s top prospect has been a hard commit to the Sooners for more than 14 months. Towering at a goliath-like 6-7, 299 pounds, the junior holds offers from many of the nation’s elite, including Alabama and Michigan, but is currently holding steadfast to bringing his five-star talents to Norman. Walker has already picked up numerous awards through a decorated high school career including Junior of the Year honors from SoonerScoop.com (Rivals).

Though Walker's prodigious physical gifts were apparent to all from an early age it's been about far more than just being a talented football player. Walker's wrestling background, passed down from Walker's father to himself and his brother, provides an example of that work ethic, as well as his dedication to the school he has been at.

- Josh McCuiston (SoonerScoop.com)

S Josh Proctor, Owasso, OK (Owasso) - 4 Stars

Owasso safety Josh Proctor is a four-star prospect, who by the end of his high school career, could be in similar build to 2017’s Robert Barnes from Southlake Carroll. He is currently ranked in the top 10 at his position nationally across all four major recruiting services and is the 72^nd player overall in 247Sports Composite rankings. A quick-reacting, hard-hitting safety, Proctor holds countless offers including Michigan, Ohio State and Texas, and is also considering Oklahoma State and Arkansas. But the Sooners are safely in his top spot, for now.

WR CJ Moore, Tulsa, OK (Union) - 4 Stars

The 6-5, 175-pound Tulsa Union wide receiver CJ Moore doesn’t yet hold an offer from the Sooners but does from the likes of Alabama, Ole Miss, Auburn, Oklahoma State and Texas. But the junior has yet to take any official visits. As Oklahoma recently offered four Texas wide receiver prospects, Lincoln Riley may want to see more from Moore next season before turning attention away from those promising out of state recruits. Moore, a lanky, explosive big-play target, could be one who gets away.

QB Casey Thompson, Moore, OK (Southmoore) - 4 Stars

Southmoore quarterback and Sooner legacy Casey Thompson isn’t committed to OU like his teammate Brey Walker, but the nation’s fifth-ranked dual-threat signal caller has garnered much attention from programs across the nation such as OU, Texas, Miami, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Ohio State, Penn State and Oklahoma State. If fellow quarterback Cameron Rising’s commitment to Oklahoma holds strong, Thompson will end up looking elsewhere in the end.

DE Ron Tatum, Oklahoma City, OK (Putnam City) - 4 Stars

Defensive end Ron Tatum rounds out Oklahoma’s top five and is currently rated the seventh-best strong-side edge rusher and 179^th player overall nationally. While the talented 6-5, 260-pound junior still has many top programs in pursuit, playing time will open up on the Sooners’ defensive front as graduation looms for much of the unit following next season. Tatum has the talent to make an impact right away and also holds offers from Alabama and Texas.

DE/OLB Jalen Redmond, Oklahoma City, OK (Midwest City) - 4 Stars

The Sooners firmly hold the top spot in defensive end/outside linebacker Jalen Redmond’s clubhouse, with Arizona State, Kansas State and Arkansas also among his top five. At 6-4, 233 pounds, the junior pass rusher primarily lines up on the weak side but shows he can wreak havoc lining up all over the field. Redmond and Tatum would be quite the in-state, pass-rushing pair to land in 2018.

WR Sean Shaw, Jones, OK (Jones) - 3 Stars

The 6-5, 190-pound, Shaw is a possible three-star sleeper tucked away in Jones, America. Though he appears to lack the speed to enter the four-star range, his size, body control and jump-ball skills are very impressive. Check them out here.

CB Patrick Fields, Tulsa, OK (Union) - 3 Stars

Fields, a three-star cornerback from Union holds numerous offers and is considering Texas and TCU along with the Sooners. Though not quite as instinctive or skilled (yet) as fellow Redskins DB Tre Brown, Fields could move up the boards with a solid senior year at the Tulsa powerhouse. Check out his highlights here.

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