Happy Friday, friends and fans!

So NBC Sports Radio guy Michael Jenkins is (apparently) a Texas Longhorns alum and fan, etc. He, like many people, caught wind of Baker Mayfield’s recent comments on Sam Ehlinger, and it was enough to trigger this hilarious — yet sad — defensive take. Just see for yourself.

The best part is when he started comparing their heights and weights. First of all, he actually gave Mayfield an inch or two, which is cool, whatever, but that argument alone is as elementary as it gets. He’s like that kid on the playground who gets mad when he strikes out in kickball and says “My dad can beat up your dad” before storming off amid an uproar of children laughing at him.

Look, Mayfield was asked a question on local radio, and he answered. He’s never been the type to shy away from the truth, and that’s what makes him so refreshing in a lot of ways. I’d say a blowhard like Colin Cowherd isn’t even this bad when it comes to steaming hot trash rants, only because I see it usually as a means for clicks. This Jenkins character just comes across as struggling with a lot of pent up frustration because Baker is winning at everything in life right now and everybody knows it. Next.

Now onto this week’s Friday edition of Hot Links! Another defensive verbal commitment is announced for the class of 2020, Grant Calcaterra and others spend time with veterans, Albert Pujols does an awesome thing for a fan and more!

OU Links

• Lincoln Riley dropped another pair of eyes Thursday night followed by a cryptic “Here we go” tweet. Then on Friday at noon, three-star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper announced his verbal commitment to the Oklahoma Sooners. Boom!

• Speaking of recruiting, Eric Bailey of the Tulsa World caught up with Sooner Scoop’s Josh McCuistion to talk about how significant Vandagriff’s commitment was for the program. To put it in perspective, McCuistion feels as if this was the biggest recruiting win since Adrian Peterson chose OU during the 2004 recruiting cycle.
• That summer time grind is real, and you better believe this Oklahoma team is hungry for a fifth straight Big 12 Championship. I am also excited (and tired after watching this clip).

• Junior TE Grant Calcaterra and other student athletes took some time to pay a visit to military vets at the Veteran’s Center in Norman. It’s been a lot of fun watching Grant grow into a leader on and off the field over the course of his career.

• Cody Ford also spent some time in his community, hanging out with local firefighters and police officers in the city of Buffalo. I’m a little surprised Ford can even fit in that squad car. You know, because he’s so massive.

• If you were ever wondering about how popular Baker Mayfield is in the city of Cleveland, all you need to do is check out this man’s custom whip. Fully loaded with the ‘Mayfield’ rear window decal and a ‘Feelin’ Dangerous’ one for good measure. Epic.

Around the Sports World

• As expected, Zion Williamson is now a New Orleans Pelican via the No. 1 overall pick, and after he was drafted, he became emotional while recounting the sacrifices his mother made to help him reach this night. He’s a phenomenal talent, but also a great kid.

• The 2019 NBA Draft saw a number of teams come away feeling like winners, but which teams should feel successful after draft night, and which teams are probably kicking themselves?
• Washington QB Alex Smith says he wants to return to the football field if possible after enduring a devastating leg injury in 2018 that nearly led to an amputation.
• Every team in the NFL has some level of expectation going into any given season. Out of all 32 franchises, which ones will likely exceed their expected win totals, and which could realistically fail to meet those expectations?
• Albert Pujols just made this young fan’s year when he signed and offered him his game worn jersey. He didn’t have to do it, but how awesome is it that he did? Best sports moment of the week if you ask me.

Stick to Sports!

• Happy Summer Solstice! Today marks the first official day of the summer season, which means this is the longest day of the year with also the shortest period of night. What exactly does that mean if all days are technically 24 hours long? There's a lot that goes into it, and I assure you it’s worth discovering for yourself.

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