Crimson And Cream Machine - 2016 Oklahoma Sooners National Signing Day Open ThreadA Site For Sooner Fans By Sooner Fanshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48625/crimsonandcream_fave.png2016-02-03T21:27:43-06:00http://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/rss/stream/106669852016-02-03T21:27:43-06:002016-02-03T21:27:43-06:0016 Thoughts on the Sooners Class of 2016
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TtXxEuTxFxy5X51jB-erf0maANA=/0x0:4106x2737/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48726983/usa-today-9028633.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here are just some random musings on what was and wasn't in the Sooners class of 2016.</p>
<p><b><br></b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>1. Amani Bledsoe is much better than even his ranking indicates. </b>Players that are his size 6-5/270, shouldn't be able to move like that. He should develop into an absolute nightmare for opposing offensive lines. The best comparison that I have for him is Richard Seymour. If Bledsoe had grown up in Florida, I have very little doubt that he would be a 5-star recruit.</p>
<p><b>2. The Sooners might not be able to "Bully Recruit" schools much longer. </b>What do I mean by "Bully Recruit?" Basically come in with a Sooner offer late and expect a prospect to jump on board and flip to the Sooners. It worked with Zach Farrar, but 5-10 years ago it would have worked against TCU and Baylor. It will be interesting to watch in the next few years.</p>
<p><b>3. The Sooners had some definite misses today.</b> I believe they went all in on several prospects and chased several national guys for far too long [Mique Juarez (UCLA), Jack Jones (USC) , Aaron Hansford (A&M)] which left them kinda scrambling at the end. I don't believe the are upset about not completely filling out the class (because of the possibilities of 2017), but I believe the Sooners could have had JUCO LB Tyree Horton (TCU), WR Adewale Omotosho (UCLA), and LB Marvin Terry (Mizzou) had the spent a bit more time on focusing on them.</p>
<p><b>4. The Josh Jacobs story is baffling. </b>I have no idea how he went unnoticed. I also don't understand why he showed ZERO interest in Oklahoma. I think his talent is immense, but I wonder if he chose a school (Bama) that doesn't quite fit his skill set. Jacobs would seemingly excel in a spread offense, where his ability to make people miss, and get the ball in space could make him beyond dangerous. Bama's running backs are usually a one-cut and go type back. That being said, I hope that Jacobs finds nothing but success.</p>
<p><b>5. Velus Jones was beyond crazy.</b> I really think that he had several people around him pushing him to USC. He is one of 6 wide receivers that signed with USC today, which inevitably means a player will either quit or transfer.</p>
<p><b>6. The Texas close wasn't unexpected</b>, but again signing all those defensive tackles all but guarantees a player will either quit or transfer. As far as Chris Daniels and the Longhorns, I don't really have any nice things to say, other than I believe fully that he bought into a coach who I don't believe is coaching next year. I won't go into specific pitches that Strong used to reel in these recruits, but it reeks of desperation. but I guess it worked. Tom Herman has to be thrilled with this Longhorn class.</p>
<p><b>7. The more film I watch on WR Adrian Hardy, I really like him.</b></p>
<p><b>8. Mark Jackson has the potential to be the best player in this class.</b> He is a perfect fit for outside linebacker in the Sooners 3-4.</p>
<p><u><b>9. Please Stop tweeting recruits.</b></u> Actually read a tweet where a Texas fan promised a recruit that if he signed with Texas he would help him dump his ugly girlfriend to find a hot one at Texas. Yeesh.</p>
<p><b>10. I think the Sooners are again at least one difference maker short at linebacker in this class. </b>Stoops keeps talking about the ideal number being 11 scholarship players for linebacker and said that the ideal number is 12 scholarship lineman for defensive line. At best those numbers should be reversed as in a 3-4 defense you play 3 lineman and 4 linebackers. I believe the ideal number for a 3-4 defense is 13-14 (go look at the number of scholarship linebackers for Bama and Stanford).</p>
<p><b>11. I believe that both the JUCO linebackers are under rated</b>, but they will probably be the most scrutinized part of this class.</p>
<p><b>12. Mykel jones literally fell into the Sooners lap. </b>That rarely happens and is pretty amazing when it does.</p>
<p><b>13. Abdul Adams fits this Sooner offense perfectly.</b></p>
<p><b>14. I've never seen a group of fans who just watched their team go 5-7 be so cocky and arrogant. </b>It's as if they forgot that Charlie Strong is still the head coach of their team.</p>
<p><b>15. This class could have been far greater had several things not happened that the Sooners had ZERO control over. </b>Jean Delance de-commits after the SAE ridiculousness, they couldn't go to class to make sure Tramonda Moore or Ryan Parker put in the work necessary to qualify, and certainly caught an awful break with Bryce Youngquist (we pray everything works out for him). You add those 4 players and this class looks FAR FAR different.</p>
<p><b>16. I would have hated to interact with Sooner fans on social media and on CCM had Caleb Kelly not signed with the Sooners.</b></p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2016/2/3/10911384/national-signing-day-2016-16-thoughts-on-the-oklahoma-sooners-classDHazlewood2016-02-03T19:33:01-06:002016-02-03T19:33:01-06:00Caleb Kelly Commits to OU
<figure>
<img alt="Caleb Kelly " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bitJdJ-qCLVnWwUS48vXHsIfC8o=/0x129:1728x1281/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48717773/14226705054_2dc5fbb1f9_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Caleb Kelly | <a href='http://www.studentsports.com/'>Student Sports</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/866668/highlights/322431386" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Hometown:</b> Fresno CA</p>
<p><b>Position:</b> Linebacker</p>
<p><b>HT/WT:</b> 6-3/215</p>
<p><b>Rivals Ranking:</b> 5 Star <b>Scout Ranking:</b> 5 Star <b>247Sports:</b> 5 Star</p>
<p><b>Other Offers</b> Bama, Arizona, ASU, Cal, UF, FSU, UGA, LSU, Miami, Mizzou, Michigan, Nebraska, Oregon St., Penn St., TCU, UCLA, Washington, Wisconsin, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oregon, Stanford, Texas, USC</p>
<p>Recruited By: Mike Stoops</p>
<p>Caleb Kelly simply does everything well. He is not a liability in pass coverage, can rush the passer, has great instincts, and has the potential to be the greatest linebacker in Bob Stoops tenure in Norman.</p>
<p>The Sooners were his first offer, and they have recruited him harder than anyone. That hard work paid off and now Kelly will have the opportunity to make his mark in Norman. The value of his commitment to the Sooners simply cannot be understated.</p>
<p>Kelly will need to adjust to the college game and add some weight, but there is a reason he wore number 19 in high school.</p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2016/2/3/10903284/national-signing-day-2016-oklahoma-sooners-profile-lb-caleb-kellyDHazlewood2016-02-03T15:37:19-06:002016-02-03T15:37:19-06:00Sooners Signing Day Press Conference
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sMpH-uX3pXPPG7nhLu7Czqbibok=/0x127:2376x1711/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48724191/usa-today-9028631.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Here are the highlights of Oklahoma Sooners Signing Day Press Conference. These are not direct quotes, but a summary of what was said.</p>
<h4>BOB STOOPS</h4>
<p>-Sooners only had 11 seniors last season, which meant a smaller class for 2016</p>
<p>-Zach Farrar, Adrian Hardy, Mykel Jones filled need at WR</p>
<p>-Stoops all but said Caleb Kelly's name a thousand times (coaches can't comment on players till they have received their Letter of Intent)</p>
<p>-Biggest Need in Class was at LB</p>
<p>-Dalton Wood back with the team and looking good, potential at fullback/HBack</p>
<p>-OL Dominique Hearne No Longer with Team</p>
<p>-Jon-Michael Terry the most underrated player in the class</p>
<p>-Huge getting Austin Kendall on campus as an early enrollee</p>
<p>-Making the playoff helped, especially with 2017 class</p>
<p>-Kyle Murray and Geno Lewis have been put on scholarship</p>
<p>-OU has a national brand</p>
<p>-Bob Stoops uses emojis</p>
<p>-We are about Youngquist. We want him to be healthy</p>
<p>-Once renovations are in place, it will make a difference</p>
<p>-Recruiting in Texas has been challenging</p>
<p>-Dwayne Orso Officially Moved to OT</p>
<p>-We targeted Josh Jacobs as a slot WR. He is an excellent player</p>
<p>-Adding a 2nd QB was talked about, but it didn't present itself</p>
<p>-Doucet will get a first look at inside linebacker</p>
<h4>MIKE STOOPS</h4>
<p>-It's about developing players and putting them in the league...OU doing it the best</p>
<p>-We would like to get more players out of there (Texas), but A&M going to SEC has changes things</p>
<p>-Mark Jackson will be used in a stand up linebacker (OLB position)</p>
<p>-Could have used another big body at DL (Chris Daniels), but its time for Gallimore and Lampkin to step up</p>
<h4>LINCOLN RILEY</h4>
<p>-RB Abdul Adams was key in helping recruit/finish off class of 2016</p>
<p>-Adams also one of the most dynamic backs in the country</p>
<p>-WR Adrian Hardy one of the most athletic players in class</p>
<p>-Mad/Upset at the number of decommitments and schools pulling offers</p>
<h4>CALE GUNDY</h4>
<p>-Having Baker Mayfield helping with recruiting is huge.</p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2016/2/3/10908456/oklahoma-sooners-signing-day-press-conference-class-of-2016-dominiqueDHazlewood2016-02-03T14:17:34-06:002016-02-03T14:17:34-06:00Velus Jones Sticks with USC
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ijmpc8dPvaaTZzydrRsikA8dKLM=/193x0:4656x2975/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48722303/usa-today-8811783.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The drama/saga of 2016 4-Star WR Velus Jones can now be officially put to bed as he is now a Trojan. Here is the tweet confirming it.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">According to <a href="https://twitter.com/gmartlive">@gmartlive</a> WR Velos Jones signed his NLI for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USC?src=hash">#USC</a> <a href="https://t.co/zAJ2Hh98Aq">https://t.co/zAJ2Hh98Aq</a> <a href="https://t.co/kw25hxqqdo">pic.twitter.com/kw25hxqqdo</a></p>
— Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) <a href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy/status/694967873232474112">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p><br>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Velus will likely be one of six wide receivers in USC's 2016 class. Velus will forever be known as the player who was an Oklahoma Sooner for less than 24 hours, flipping from USC to OU and back to USC again. He appeared genuinely torn between OU and USC over the last couple days, even posing for pictures with Sterling Shepard while in attendance at the Senior Bowl. He even wore number 3.</p>
<p>Looks like the only left for today is to await the announcement of 5-star linebacker Caleb Kelly. He announces at 7:30 pm central time.</p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2016/2/3/10907080/national-signing-day-2016-wr-velus-jones-sticks-with-uscDHazlewood2016-02-03T13:23:03-06:002016-02-03T13:23:03-06:00DE/OLB Maxs Tupai Will Not Sign Today
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XGHPhPsSg2hzxPDUrS7KJDzsWG4=/0x125:3876x2709/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48722011/usa-today-8851071.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It looks like the Sooners might have to wait a bit longer to find out their fate for 4-Star DE/OLB Maxs Tupai 6-1/245 as it appears he will not be signing today. The issue for not signing is not a qualification issue, but rather the fact that Tupai is planning on taking a visit to UCLA. National Signing Day is the first day when a prospect can sign their letter intent, not the last day.</p>
<p>Here is the info breaking down what is next for Tupai</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Maxs Tupai has a visit scheduled at <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLAFootball">@UCLAFootball</a> this weekend<a href="https://t.co/VjDnSXf0ll">https://t.co/VjDnSXf0ll</a></p>
— Deseret News Sports (@desnewssports) <a href="https://twitter.com/desnewssports/status/694589345777324033">February 2, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p><br>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also it appears that USC is out for Tupai. So this is a UCLA, Utah, OU battle for his services. While the norm is that if a prospect extends his recruitment past National Signing Day to visit a specific school, that the school with that receives the visit usually ends up with the prospect, I wouldn't say that UCLA is a given in Tupai's situation.</p>
<p>We will keep you updated.</p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2016/2/3/10906558/national-signing-day-2016-de-olb-maxs-tupai-will-not-sign-todayDHazlewood2016-02-03T10:20:10-06:002016-02-03T10:20:10-06:00Ryan Parker Flips to TCU...Kinda...Sorta...Maybe
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NrYFIqR43QS0ZuEVbyijS4UFd_k=/0x0:4659x3106/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48720345/usa-today-8075593.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Let me preface this before we discuss what happened, there are some VERY serious concerns about Ryan Parker's ability to qualify. Very serious concerns. So much so that the Sooners didn't really see him as a viable option in the class of 2016.</p>
<p>With that being said, Ryan Parker signed his letter of intent with TCU earlier today.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="et">TCU & UAB <a href="https://twitter.com/HereComesRyan">@HereComesRyan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/1showtimeGOAT">@1showtimeGOAT</a> <a href="https://t.co/HP5HHFdxND">pic.twitter.com/HP5HHFdxND</a></p>
— DestinyJanae (@Queen_dezzi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Queen_dezzi/status/694911465279520772">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p><br>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Also just to be clear, there is a huge difference in signing a letter of intent and actually being a full qualifier. There is no doubt that Ryan Parker has immense talent and can be a difference maker, but it remains to be seen whether that becomes a reality. We hope that for Parker's sake things can be resolved, as we never want to see a player fail to live up to all of his expectations</p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2016/2/3/10905194/national-signing-day-2016-wr-ryan-parker-flips-from-ou-to-tcu-sortaDHazlewood2016-02-03T09:55:00-06:002016-02-03T09:55:00-06:00Jared Mayden Commits to Alabama Over Oklahoma
<figure>
<img alt="Jared Mayden" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uFTYsncQimeEB1JOjejbcSizltc=/0x162:1728x1314/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48719969/13703170245_76cf408e2a_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jared Mayden | <a href='http://www.studentsports.com/'>Student Sports</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There was definitely some hope that this one would break the Sooners way, but in the end (in spite of some drama with Mayden's announcement being broken before he committed) defensive back Jared Mayden has committed to Alabama.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I served in Alabama like Roll Tide .. <a href="https://t.co/BXGObtiQQ0">pic.twitter.com/BXGObtiQQ0</a></p>
— Jared Mayden II (@MaydenII) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaydenII/status/694911025552822273">February 3, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<p><br>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Mayden was a Sooner legacy, as his dad played basketball for the Sooners. Mayden was seemingly off the Sooners radar just over a month ago as he was an Oregon commitment. Mayden's de-commitment opened the door for the Sooners and there was definitely some momentum building in the Sooners direction.</p>
<p>The hope for Mayden was further peaked as Mayden repeatedly tweeted out hints that the Sooners were in the running, even tweeting out a picture of his dad's basketball jersey.</p>
<p>This announcement will definitely sting a little as Mayden is another recruit that the Sooners had a chance to close with, but ultimately they fell short</p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2016/2/3/10904668/national-signing-day-2016-jared-mayden-commits-to-alabama-overDHazlewood2016-02-03T09:34:30-06:002016-02-03T09:34:30-06:00NSD Profile: DB Jordan Parker
<figure>
<img alt="Jordan Parker" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9onPh1iRRblrUNDPRvBATScEeQM=/0x380:3072x2428/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48717597/13091602525_2aca23ea37_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jordan Parker | <a href='http://www.studentsports.com/'>Student Sports</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Committed ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoomerSooner?src=hash">#BoomerSooner</a> thank you to all the coaches that recruited me, I'm blessed <a href="http://t.co/Vw3HvmgKxT">pic.twitter.com/Vw3HvmgKxT</a></p>
— Jordan Parker (@_OfficialJay1) <a href="https://twitter.com/_OfficialJay1/status/650473818754953216">October 4, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p><br>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/athlete/2058083/highlights/171537375" frameborder="0" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p><b>Hometown:</b> Pittsburg, Ca</p>
<p><b>Position:</b> Cornerback</p>
<p><b>HT/WT: </b>5-11/185</p>
<p><b>Rivals Ranking:</b> 4 Star <b>Scout Ranking:</b> 4 Star <b>247Sports Ranking:</b> 4 Star</p>
<p><b>Other Offers:</b> ASU, Cal, Oregon State, Tennessee, USC, UCLA, Utah, Washington, Wazzu</p>
<p><b>Recruited By:</b> Kerry Cooks</p>
<p>Jordan Parker is an incredible shut down corner with star potential. He committed to OU the weekend they played West Virginia and hasn't looked back sense. In the pass happy Big 12, players like Parker are necessities. In Kerry Cooks first year as secondary coach, pulling Jordan Parker out of California away from both USC and UCLA is a big deal.</p>
<p>Honestly, I had assumed that the Sooners would have to fight to keep Parker, committed but that hasn't even been close to the case.</p>
https://www.crimsonandcreammachine.com/2016/2/3/10903146/national-signing-day-2016-oklahoma-sooners-profile-db-jordan-parkerDHazlewood