Oklahoma Sooners Football Recruiting: OU fills a future need with 2022 OL commit Demetrius Hunter

This commitment of Demetrius “Pancake” Hunter was somewhat of a surprise, as he hasn’t been a name that’s constantly been talked about in regards to Oklahoma recruiting. However, it’s one that the Sooners need as Bill Bedenbaugh continues to fortify the interior of his offensive line.

Hunter hails from Orange, Texas and is playing for West Orange Stark HS, which is a school that is familiar for the Sooners. Hunter’s offer sheet isn’t incredibly long, but this seems like a situation where his recruitment is just beginning. He felt great about committing to an elite offensive line coach and the Sooners over other institutions such as Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Houston.

Hunter is in a position of need for the Sooners, as Oklahoma did not take anyone who projects as a center in its ‘21 class. With that in mind, he would seem to be the heir apparent to the position behind 2020 signee Andrew Raym, who will vie for the gig in 2021. Of course, it’s not necessary to be recruited as a center in order to be successful when one considers how often Bedenbaugh shifts players around to heighten success.

Hunter is already 6’3 and 290lbs with a wide frame and long arms that finishes plays regularly with him plowing a lineman into the ground.

Hunter is now the Sooners’ seventh commit for the 2022 recruiting cycle and is tabbed as a three star player while being rated as the No. 1 overall center in the country. While centers aren’t usually particularly high in national recruiting ranks, one would expect the top guy at the position to eventually slide into four-star status.

Hunter is a great get for Bedenbaugh, but do not be surprised if he starts receiving several offers down the road. He’s the first offensive lineman in the class, it’s obviously fair to expect Oklahoma to take many more OL in the 2022 cycle — particularly with OU being light in that department in its 2021 class.