State of the Program
Coming towards the College Football Playoff and primed for another New Year Six showdown, Oklahoma is at the top of the college football universe. Baker Mayfield won the Heisman, OU won their conference title game by an absurd 24 point margin over a top 15 TCU team, and the Sooners dominated the Big 12… except Iowa State (still have no clue how that happened). Regardless, it’s safe to say OU grabbed this season by the kahoonas (Thanks Jayhawks). Looking towards next year, expect Oklahoma to be in the mix once again. Texas A&M transfer Kyler Murray is poised to take the reins from Baker at QB. While there will be growing pains, Murray was the number one rated dual threat quarterback in the Class of 2015… the ceiling is the roof for him. Questions will loom at left tackle with Orlando Brown more than likely exiting the program to be a high round pick. Expect incoming four-star freshman Brey Walker or JUCO transfer Tramonda Moore to be in the mix for the starting job. Aside from that, the development of the defense will play a key role in 2018, as the Sooners will lose 4/6 of their top tacklers from this season. It becomes even more important when you consider Oklahoma ranked 52nd in FBS in points allowed per game. Anyway, let’s get to ‘cruitin.
Notable Current Commits
Brey Walker OT (4 Star), Moore, OK
Ron Tatum III DE (4 Star), Oklahoma City, OK
Ronnie Perkins DE (4 Star), St. Louis, MO
T.J. Pledger RB (4 Star), Bradenton, FL
Jaquayln Crawford ATH (4 Star), Rockdale, TX
Tanner Moredecai QB (4 Star), Waco, TX
Darrell Simpson OT (4 Star), Justin, TX
Tramonda Moore OT (4 Star) *JC, Oklahoma City, OK
KunDarrius Taylor WR (4 Star), Memphis, TN
Jordan Austin CB (4 Star), Lancaster, TX
Jalen Redmond DE (4 Star), Midwest City, OK
Miguel Edwards CB (4 Star), Deerfield Beach, FL
Treveon Johnson WR (4 Star), Brenham, TX
Shape of the class
So far, this is looking to be a very good recruiting class for the Sooners. They’re currently ranked 8th in the nation and second in the Big 12, trailing only Texas. With 13 (!!) four-star commits and more to potentially come, things are looking good for OU.
Brey Walker, who has been verbally committed since 2015, is a big get for the Sooners. He will be given all the tools to replace All-American Orlando Brown at tackle… assuming Brown leaves for the draft. Walker is currently listed as 6’7″ 330 lbs and is undoubtedly the best player in this class. Only time will tell if Walker will be able to live up to expectations, but don’t surprised to see the Oklahoma product on Kiper’s Big Board in a few years.
Tanner Moredecai is another name to keep your eye on. The three year varsity starter from Waco, TX has led his school to to the Texas State Championship game coming this weekend, so don’t expect Moredecai to be active during the early signing period. In my opinion, this is the most intriguing recruit in the Sooner class. So far this year, Moredecai has thrown 48 touchdowns opposed to 10 interceptions, and is averaging nearly 270 yards/game through the air. If that’s not enough, he’s also ran in 23 touchdowns and averages around 75 yards/game on the ground. His numbers and film scream Manziel. All that being said, it will be interesting to see how Moredecai could potentially fill in after Baker Mayfield and eventually Kyler Murray… time will tell.
Student Sports
Four star running back T.J. Pledger is yet another promising IMG product. While his stats do not jump off the page (likely due to injury and increased competition), Pledger has a ton of upside. What he lacks in size he makes up for in play making ability. His one-cut running style makes me think of him as a healthy mix between Darren Sproles and LaSean McCoy. Pledger will have his work cut out for him in Norman as this year’s backfield featured shared snaps between two sophomores and a freshman.
Who COULD sign
Micah Parsons DE (5 Star)
If you’re reading this, chances are the five star defensive end has already signed. It seems to have come down to OU, Georgia, and the favorites to land Parsons: Penn State. This is an interesting case because at one time it seemed as if Ohio State was going to land the prospect. Parsons, one of the top Defensive Ends in the class, was dropped by OSU after self reported recruiting violations that occurred during College Gameday’s visit to Columbus. That being said, I predict Parsons will end up at PSU due to the proximity to home, but OU has a good of chance as anyone to land Parsons.
(Editor’s Note: Parsons Signed With Penn State)
Nik Bonitto OLB (4 Star)
The seventh rated outside linebacker in the class has narrowed his choices down to three schools: Texas, Louisville, and OU. The Florida product obviously doesn’t mind being away from home, so no school should have any advantage there. Don’t expect Bonitto to sign in the next few days… he’s set to make his announcement during the Under Armour All American Bowl on January 4th. That being said, this tweet should excite some Sooner Fans:
If Bonitto does decide Oklahoma is the call, expect him to compete for a starting role right away. His best chance is likely at weak side backer, where he would compete with redshirt sophomore Bryan Mead for the spot.
Brendan Radley-Hiles CB (4 Star)
Yet another IMG athlete being coveted by every coach in America and ranked as the 16th best ATH by ESPN recruiting rankings, Radley-Hiles’s decision has come down to Oklahoma, UCLA, Nebraska, USC, Florida, and even dark horse Florida State. While many experts are projecting the 5’10” corner to go to Norman, he seems to have drawn quite a bit of interest from Florida and FSU. Don’t be surprised to see Radley-Hiles land in Gainesville or Tallahassee… Still, OU remains the favorite.
How this Class will shape up
This is a really good looking class for OU. With a plethora of four star recruits and big time prospects at key positions, the Sooners have it as good as anyone. With Brey Walker headlining the class and plenty of talent to follow him, Oklahoma shouldn’t be sweating it out during this early signing period. With plenty of underclassmen talent already on the roster, don’t be surprised if this class doesn’t stay totally intact… especially on the defensive side of the ball. That being said, the Sooners appear to be reloading for more success in the future and I wouldn’t expect them to go anywhere. Good luck Big 12.