Happy Tuesday, friends and fans!

The Oklahoma Sooners have received a verbal commitment from 2022 three-star OC Demetrius Hunter. The Orange, Texas product is currently rated as the No. 1 center in the class and has pledged to OU over offers from Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and others.

At 6’3, 290, Hunter is a straight up load as the keystone for West Orange-Stark High’s offensive line. His nickname ‘Pancake’ is fitting in more ways than one, considering he not only enjoys flattening D-linemen into the turf, he’s exceptional at it, too. Just check out his junior season highlight tape and see for yourself.

Demetrius Hunter Highlights

Hunter becomes the seventh commit in Oklahoma’s 2022 recruiting class. According to 247 Sports’ Composite team rankings, the Sooners currently boast the nation’s No. 5 class.

Now onto today’s Hot Links! Sooner Softball rises to the top, Sherri Coale’s hoops squad is streaking, Big Kat follows Gus to Orlando and more!

OU Links

• On Tuesday, Oklahoma Softball (12-0) checked in at No. 1 after receiving 27 of 32 first-place votes in this week’s USA Today/NFCA Coaches Poll. It’s the first time since May of 2019 that Patty Gasso’s Sooners have held the top spot. Congratulations, ladies! It’s well deserved. Boomer!

• With spring ball expected to kick-off later this month, which position groups could feature the greatest competition? Kennedy Brooks is back in the fold, so the battle for starting running back should be fascinating to watch. The Athletic’s Jason Kersey has more, and as a reminder, you must have a subscription to enjoy this article in its entirety.
• This week, former OU gymnasts Vitaliy Guimaraes, Genki Suzuki, Yul Moldauer and current Sooner Allan Bower qualified for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Congrats, fellas! SI Sooners’ John Hoover has more.
• How does WR Charleston Rambo fit in the Miami Hurricanes’ offense? State of the U recently took a closer look at the former Oklahoma wideout.
• On Monday, the OU women’s basketball team (11-10) defeated Texas Tech, 88-79 to extend its winning streak to three games and climb above .500 for the first time this season. Up next, the Sooners will host TCU on Thursday, Mar. 4.

• 2022 four-star athlete Ish Harris out of Pilot Point, Texas recently announced his top six, and Oklahoma made the cut alongside Baylor, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M and Utah.

Around the Sports World

• At long last, ‘Big Kat’ Bryant has made his transfer decision. The former Auburn Tigers DE will continue his collegiate career with the UCF Knights. Interestingly enough, he will also continue to play for head coach Gus Malzahn, who was recently fired from Auburn before being hired as Josh Heupel’s replacement at Central Florida.

• The Brooklyn Nets’ James Harden made NBA history during Monday’s 124-113 win over the San Antonio Spurs. ‘The Beard’ became the first player to record 30 points, 15 assists, 14 rebounds in a single game — all without turning the ball over once. Sometimes it’s just your night.

• The Atlanta Hawks have fired head coach Lloyd Pierce after two and a half seasons. During his time there, Pierce’s teams posted a combined record of 63-120. Assistant Nate McMillan has been appointed the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2020-21 season.
• The Pac-12 Conference has officially announced its 2021 football schedule for all members. At a glance, that slate for the Stanford Cardinal looks great from an opportunity standpoint, considering it features 12 Power Five teams (well, 11 plus Notre Dame).

• The Alabama Crimson Tide are currently planning on lifting stadium attendance restrictions and returning to full capacity when the 2021 football season kicks off this September.

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