Oklahoma Football Recruiting: Michael Boganowski Jr. Commits to Sooners

Brent Venables and his staff have notched another significant victory on the recruiting trail, securing a commitment from the highly-rated 2024 four-star safety, Michael Boganowski Jr., hailing from Junction City, Kansas. Standing at 6’2” and weighing 205 lbs, this defensive back is the cream of the crop in his state, ranking as the top overall prospect. Boganowski’s decision to join the Oklahoma Sooners came after deliberating offers from finalists Kansas, Kansas State and Florida State amongst many others.

This commitment continues the Venables tradition of landing defensive gems from Kansas. This lineage boasts prominent names like Geneo Grissom, Jordan Phillips, Xavier Kelly, Isaiah Simmons, and the most recent standout, Jaren Kanak.

Yet, it’s important to recognize that Boganowski’s recruitment to the Sooners wasn’t easy. For lead recruiter Brandon Hall, it resembled a marathon more than a sprint. Over the summer, Kansas State, fresh off a Big 12 championship win, seemed to be in the driver’s seat for Kansas’ top-rated prospect. Additionally the Wildcats benefitted from a family connection, as Boganowski’s father, Michael Boganowski Sr., had played under the guidance of K-State’s linebackers coach, Steve Stanard, during his time at New Mexico State. However, Oklahoma managed to edge out the competition, bolstered by their recruiting approach and now their on-field success.

Boganowski’s commitment propels Oklahoma’s 2024 recruiting class, which now boasts 26 pledges and ranks seventh in the nation according to the 247composite rankings.

Scouting Report:

Much like the Kansas prep standout, Jaren Kanak, Boganowski is a versatile athlete from Junction City HS, showcasing his skills at safety, linebacker, receiver, and even in the wildcat formation throughout his junior film. Depending on the recruiting service you subscribe to, Boganowski may be categorized as either a linebacker or a safety, but what’s evident is his suitability for the CHEETAH position in Oklahoma’s defensive scheme.

Standing at 6’2” and weighing 205 lbs, Boganowski possesses a frame akin to Justin Harrington’s. In terms of athleticism, he displays fluidity and impressive straight-line speed, which allows him to make impactful plays from the safety position. His decisiveness and the ability to maintain focus is impressive on film; he seldom gets caught flat-footed, watches the play develop, or falls for “eye candy” movements. Like many players favored by Venables, Boganowski excels at the point of attack, utilizing his length to disengage from blockers and approach ball carriers with force.

What truly sets Boganowski apart is his exceptional play recognition and football IQ. He has a natural feel for the game and ability to diagnose plays. Add that he is a high-motor, big-bodied athlete, which makes him an ideal candidate to be next in line at the CHEETAH position as Oklahoma moves into the SEC.