/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68523153/1076914112.jpg.0.jpg)
Christmas appears to be starting early this year for Lincoln Riley, Bill Bedenbaugh and the Oklahoma Sooners with the most recent signing of Duncanville, Texas product Savion Byrd. The talented OT was on Oklahoma’s radar early, but things quickly heated up between the two after Byrd had been regarded as an SMU lean. For quite some time, OU appeared to be in the driver’s seat, but the Mustangs made a very real push in the late stages due to Byrd’s connection to SMU WR coach Ra’Shaad Samples. In fact, rumors were swirling that things were looking bad for the Sooners as recently as Wednesday morning.
However, OU continues to don the title of O-Line University, and Bedenbaugh continues to build his wall around Norman with the most recent commitment.
Savion, welcome home - https://t.co/1vLDMGlMkA@byrd_savion | #LincUpXXI pic.twitter.com/ktx3CvqH5z
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) December 16, 2020
Standing at a towering 6’5 and weighing in at 295, Byrd will easily fit into Bedenbaugh’s group once he bulks up to over 300, just like his future teammates. Byrd is a high-calibur OT prospect because of length, but also his functional athleticism — think Bobby Evans for the latter. For such a large man, he is a quick-twitch athlete and it for sure flashes that he can eventually play on Sundays. Under the tutelage of Bedenbaugh, you’re looking at another uber-talented, long, mean-streaked offensive lineman.
Savion Byrd is now the 16th signee of the 2021 recruiting cycle. Currently, Byrd is rated as the overall No. 9 OT, the No. 11 player in Texas, and the No. 62 player nationally — obviously an incredibly get for Riley’s enforcers on offense. Bedenbaugh has been able to stockpile quite a bit of talent on the front lines of Oklahoma’s offense. Although Byrd is a high-caliber athlete and player, he may have to wait his turn before becoming another bludgeoner in Coach B’s star-studded group.