So far - Five total commitments for class of 2011: The OU football team hosted its first junior day at Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on Saturday and received several commits for the class of 2011. Arlington wide receiver Kameel Jackson and Moore quarterback Kendal Thompson were among the high school juniors at the event. Both committed in the fall of 2009 to kick off the class with two highly touted verbal commitments. Jackson and Moore were soon joined by Euless-Trinity tight end Chris Barnett. The 6-6 245 pound athlete was the first of three to give a verbal on Saturday and has been on many programs’ watch lists after recording running the 40-yard dash in 4.52 seconds. The next two verbals came shortly after the day was over from two high school teammates. Stony Brook linebacker P.L. Lindley and defensive tackle Jordan Wade rounded out the day, leaving the Sooners with five total for the future Sooner class. (OUDaily.com)
Sooners lose Lake and gain Nelson: Jenks athlete Jarrett Lake orally committed to the Sooners in July and provided little evidence that his eligibility issues would prevent him from signing. Corey Nelson, one of the nation's top linebackers, reaffirmed his oral commitment to Texas A&M last week. But on signing day on Wednesday, it was Nelson who pledged a commitment to Oklahoma, while Lake looked elsewhere, landing at Arkansas. Tuesday evening, Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables received an oral commitment from Nelson. (The Oklahoman)
On Wednesday, Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops announced OU football's recruiting class of 2010. The class, which ranks among the nations best according to Scout.com and ESPN, signed five 5-star prospects according to Scout.com, including Blake Bell, Brennan Clay, Justin McCay, Corey Nelson and Kenny Stills.
Stoops felt confident on Wednesday, saying he believes the Sooners have addressed the needs on both sides of the ball with this year's class of signees.
"I felt first, we met every one of our needs by position the way we needed to with the number of guys, the number of signees at each of those positions, and addressed some (needs), just with graduation and guys departing through the year. I felt we really got great talent at all those positions," Stoops said.
5-star prospect picks Texas over OU: The defensive end prospect from West High School in Plano, Texas, and the son of former Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills defensive end Jim Jeffcoat, chose Texas over Oklahoma and Houston Friday during an announcement ceremony from his high school gymnasium. At the start of the ceremony, with his father seated to his left and his mother to his right, Jeffcoat put on a burnt orange Texas hat, then took questions from the press. "I felt most comfortable at Texas," he said. "But I definitely felt comfortable at Houston, and I definitely felt comfortable at Oklahoma." (Tulsa World)
5-star DE Jeffcoats considering OU, Texas and Houston: The nation's No. 2 prospect Jackson Jeffcoat (Plano, Texas/West) is down to three schools after dropping Arizona State from consideration. The 6-foot-4, 233-pound five-star defensive end will decide between Texas, Oklahoma and Houston in the coming days, but an announcement time has not been set as of Tuesday night.
Jeffcoat made his final official visit last weekend to Oklahoma, which was followed by an in-home visit by Sooners coaches Bob Stoops, Jackie Shipp, Brent Venables and Josh Heuple on Monday night. (ESPN.com)
Texas' prospect Eddrick Loften opts for Tennessee: Eddrick Loften, a safety from Irving, Texas, who was once orally committed to Oklahoma, pledged to the Volunteers over the weekend. "I like (new Tennessee coach Derek) Dooley a lot," Loften told the Chattanooga Times Free Press. "He's a cool guy … a real straightforward kind of guy. He wants to really change the program and turn it around, and he wants guys like me to help him do it. "I really liked what he was talking about." The 5-foot-10, 195-pound Loften committed to OU last February, but he decommitted in December as Loften and OU mutually parted ways. (The Oklahoman)
Grissom picks OU over KU: Geneo Grissom's cellular phone was active on Wednesday, which is hardly a revelation. Translation: His cell phone is his life - or, more appropriately, his lifeline. But one text message stood out above the dozens of others. It featured four simple words that made Grissom smile. "Is this the Sooner?" The author was Blake Bell, who rejoiced in Grissom's Tuesday-night decision to attend the University of Oklahoma because it means he'll never again find himself in the defensive end's crosshairs. Bell, Grissom and Bishop Miege receiver Justin McCay are considered the three best high school football players in the state of Kansas. On Wednesday, Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables flew into town to meet with Grissom and complete the Sooners' trifecta. (Hutchinson News)
4-Star recruit Geneo Grissom to choose between Oklahoma, Kansas: The highly sought after Hutchinson High senior defensive end has narrowed his choice to the University of Kansas or Oklahoma. Grissom, who gave a verbal commitment to the Jayhawks last June before re-evaluating his options in the wake of Mark Mangino's tumultuous resignation, will take an official visit to Lawrence this weekend, Hutchinson coach Randy Dreiling said Wednesday. Dreiling's football office at Hutch High has been a busy place. It has hosted numerous coaches from KU, OU and LSU in the recent weeks, including a pair of national championship-winning coaches in LSU's Les Miles and OU's Bob Stoops. (Hutchinson News)
Carl Albert's Porter receives scholarship offer from OU: Carl Albert's Tre Porter, a Texas Tech commit, recently received an offer from OU. The offer, though, is different from the others Porter holds. The Sooners want to bring Porter in as a wide receiver. His other offers are to play in the secondary. "That definitely makes it tempting," Porter said. (The Oklahoman)
Humphrey: Oklahoma just felt right: Parish Episcopal's Eric Humphrey had a busy month ahead of him. With scheduled recruiting visits to Arkansas, Baylor, Wake Forest and Southern California in January, the defensive tackle was on track to be courted and wooed like a superstar for the next four weeks. Change of plans though. Humphrey sat down with his parents on Wednesday, made a pro-con list of playing at Oklahoma and decided the Sooners were the best fit. So it's official -- Humphrey has committed to play football at Oklahoma. "Oklahoma just felt right," he said. "I felt at home." Humphrey insisted Oklahoma's coaches, including defensive line coach Jackie Shipp, didn’t pressure him to make a decision or change his upcoming plans. (Dallas Morning News)
Five-Star recruit picks Texas over OU: A five-star wide receiver recruit has chosen Texas over both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State. Darius White, ranked by many services as the top wide receiver recruit in the nation, announced his decision during today's Under Armour High School All-America Game. Also in the running for White's services were LSU and Florida. (KTUL)
Cam Newton expected to pick between Auburn or Mississippi State: The top junior college prospect in the nation--QB Cam Newton--is expected to announce his school decision on Thursday. As a December junior college graduate, he will also sign a letter of intent and will immediately enroll in classes at his chosen school, ESPN.com reported Monday. The Blinn College (Brenham, Texas) quarterback is expected to pick either Auburn or Mississippi State. (Sporting News)
Three Oklahoma commitments to play in all-star games: OU fans will get a glimpse of the future, as oral commitments Blake Bell, Tony Jefferson and Justin McCay will participate in all-star games in the coming weeks. Bell will quarterback the White in the Under Armour All-American Game, which will be played Jan. 2 at Tropicana Field in St Petersburg, Fla., and televised by ESPN. Jefferson, a safety, who made his commitment to OU over the weekend, will star for the West in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which will be held Jan. 9 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, and shown on NBC. McCay, a linebacker out of Shawnee, Kan., will also play for the West. (The Oklahoman)
Jefferson, Stills commits to OU: The University of Oklahoma has added two more elite high school football players from the region in La Costa Canyon wide receiver Kenny Stills Jr. and Eastlake safety Tony Jefferson. With Scripps Ranch running back Brennan Clay accepting a scholarship offer from the Sooners before the season started, the three players represent a stunning recruiting haul by the Big 12 Conference school. For a national program to nab three high-caliber athletes in one season from the San Diego area is virtually unheard of, especially a school like Oklahoma with no players from California on its current roster and only a handful west of Texas. "It's pretty weird the way it all worked out, and it doesn't happen very often," Jefferson said this week before he and Stills made an official announcement last night. "It's definitely going to be something that will go down in history. They don't really get guys from California. This is a huge step for them and for (San Diego football)." Stills said Oklahoma just felt right. "I came home and I was able to sit down and go through a few days without any stress," Stills said. "I was never really worried. I just let things come to me. Tony and I talked about it and thought it would be really cool to do this together." (San Deigo Union-Tribune)
Cam Newton visits OU: Quarterback Cam Newton, who was once the heir-apparent to Tim Tebow at Florida, visited Norman over the weekend. He is strongly considering OU after leading Blinn College (Texas) to the National Junior College Athletic Association championship. The 6-foot-6, 248-pound Newton is rated the No. 1 junior-college player in the country by Rivals. Coming out of high school in 2007, Newton was among the top quarterback prospects in the country. Early on, he was pegged as Tebow’s eventual replacement and won the backup job as a true freshman. (The Oklahoman)
Recruit Blake Bell not expected to enroll early at OU: Blake Bell will not enroll early at OU, according to Bell’s coach, Alan Schuckman, of Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita, Kan. Bell will enroll for the 2010 fall semester. Bell did not return messages left by The Oklahoman. (The Oklahoman)
QB Kendall Thompson and TE Austin Haywood commit to OU: Southmoore quarterback Kendal Thompson and tight end Austin Haywood have committed to Oklahoma. Thompson, a junior, is the son of former OU quarterback Charles Thompson. Through nine games, Thompson has thrown for 1,903 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He's also run for nine touchdowns. Haywood (6-4, 250), a senior, has scored on 10 of his 26 receptions and five of his 16 rushing carries. He also has 49 tackles, four sacks, two fumble recoveries, three forced fumbles and two interceptions. (The Oklahoman) Note: Thompson is the second commitment for the 2011 class.
Blake Bell is still committed to Oklahoma despite Landry Jones: Blake Bell, a Bishop Carroll Catholic standout in Wichita, Kan., turned down offers from Georgia, Miami, Nebraska, Notre Dame and several others to play for the Sooners. The recruiting site Rivals.com ranks Bell as the No. 4 quarterback in the country. Bell won't be bound to Oklahoma until he signs a letter of intent in February. And despite the Sooners sudden shift at quarterback, his commitment hasn't wavered. "I'm still excited," Bell said. "People ask me if I'm reconsidering or stuff like that, but not really. I'm still excited about coming into it. I can't wait to get on the field and show them what I've got." (The Oklahoman)
Rashod Favors verbally commits to Oklahoma: Oklahoma has reportedly received a verbal commitment from Rashod Favors, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound linebacker from Dunbar High School in Texas. According to Scout.com network Web site SoonersIllustrated.com, Favors said OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables is "looking at me as a hybrid safety. ... As a rover and maybe a linebacker, too." (Tulsa World) Favors is Oklahoma's 23rd verbal commitment of the 2010 class.
Four-star prospect Trey Millard commits to Oklahoma: The state of Oklahoma appears to be the place to be for Rock Bridge’s two blue-chip football recruits. Chase Rome verbally committed to Oklahoma State in March, and Monday night Bruins teammate Trey Millard gave Big 12 rival Oklahoma a pledge. Rivals.com reported the commitment, and Bruins Coach A.J. Ofodile confirmed it Tuesday morning. With school starting this week, Millard was unavailable for comment. (Columbia Tribune)
WR Justin McCay verbally commits to Oklahoma: Highly touted five-star recruit Justin McCay verbally committed to Oklahoma on Tuesday. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound prospect at WR/LB is ranked No. 34 on Rivals 100 and No. 3 on Scout.com's National 100. McCay chose Oklahoma over Florida, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Florida State to name a few. He is the 21st verbal commitment of the 2010 recruiting class.
Jenks to forfeit wins and Lake ruled ineligible: Documents obtained by the Tulsa World on Thursday detail the findings of Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association regarding the eligibility of student-athlete Jarrett Lake. In the documents, released by Jenks Public Schools through the Open Records Act, the OSSAA found that Lake was ineligible because his aunt, identified as Claire Williams in OSSAA documents, maintained permanent residence in North Carolina while leasing property in Jenks. Lake was also ruled academically ineligible because he was ineligible at his previous school due to unpaid fees. Lake's name and other identifying information were redacted in the documents, but the World has learned from several sources that he is the player in question. Lake played football and ran track for the Trojans during the 2008-09 academic year, and he has committed to play football at the University of Oklahoma. The investigation was sparked by an anonymous e-mail sent April 10 by a person who claimed their son had been "screwed out of playing time" by Lake. The e-mail was sent from the address badad2011@aol.com. An e-mail sent to the address Thursday was returned with a message stating it was undeliverable. "I am now advising you for the last time before I sue each of you individually," the April 10 e-mail said. "...I dare each of you to ignore this e-mail. I have already retained an attorney who advised me to send you one last e-mail before we take action."(More at Tulsa World)
Oklahoma picks up verbal commitment from Franklin: Oklahoma reportedly has received its 20th verbal commitment of the 2010 recruiting class in Aaron Franklin, a linebacker from Marshall, Texas. The 6-foot-1, 206-pound Franklin told Rivals network Web site SoonerScoop.com Friday night that he chose OU over Texas, and phoned Longhorns defensive coordinator and head coach designate Will Muschamp to break the news. "He said it's all great and he is still happy for me and said I'm a good person and wished me good luck," Franklin told SoonerScoop. "He was cool about it." Rivals.com rates Franklin as a three-star prospect. (Tulsa World)
Report: Oklahoma commitment Jarrett Lake ruled ineligible for upcoming season: As first reported Monday on tulsaworld.com , the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association has ruled that Jarrett Lake, a highly regarded football recruit who has committed to the University of Oklahoma, is ineligible for the upcoming year. Lake, who will be a senior this season, participated in football games last season, and that could force Jenks to forfeit those games. Jenks finished 12-2 in 2008. Both of the Trojans' losses were to Union, including a 34-20 setback in the Class 6A state championship game. According to statistics from Jenks games, Lake participated in at least nine of the Trojans' wins. It's unclear if the school would have to forfeit some or all of those games. Jenks is expected to appeal the OSSAA's ruling at the association's monthly board meeting on Aug. 11. Neither the OSSAA nor Jenks High School would confirm the player was Lake, but multiple sources identified him as the player whose eligibility has been questioned. (More at Tulsa World)
DB Aaron Colvins verbally commits to Oklahoma: Owasso senior defensive back Aaron Colvin made his verbal commitment to the University of Oklahoma on Sunday evening. Colvin narrowed down his choices to the Sooners, Oklahoma State, Tulsa and Missouri before choosing OU live on the Oklahoma Sports Blitz. He is Oklahoma's 19th verbal commitment of the 2010 recruiting class and the fourth in-state recruit to say he will play football for the Sooners next season. (Newson6.com)
Orange, Texas teammates verbally commit to Oklahoma: Wednesday, the Sooners added a pair of verbal commitments in Orange (Texas) West Orange-Stark High School teammates Trey Franks and James Haynes, SoonerScoop.com and OUESPN.com both reported. OU now has 18 commitments, seven away from the maximum a school can sign. (The Oklahoman)
A Glance: James Haynes, ATH/DB (6'1", 181, 4.36)4-Star by Rivals.com Trey Franks, ATH (5'9", 170, 4.4) 3-Star by Rivals.com
TE Brian Volger set choose between Alabama and Oklahoma: Brian Vogler, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound rising senior at the Brookstone School in Columbus, has narrowed his choices down to Alabama and Oklahoma. The smart money should go down on the Crimson Tide. Lane Johnson, a 6-foot-6, 252-pound tight end from Groverton, Texas, committed to the Sooners Tuesday night. But Vogler's not saying. "Everybody says they want to go to a winning program," said Vogler, who Rivals.com ranks as the No. 6 tight end in the country. "Well between these two there is so much tradition. Both of them have multiple national championships. It's great just to have interest from both of these teams." Vogler said he began the recruiting process open to everyone. He then cut the field down to eight, then down to two.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution) UPDATE: Brian Vogler has just committed to The University of Alabama, doing so at a noon eastern press conference from his high school on Columbus, Georgia. (RollBamaRoll.com)
Lane Johnson transfers to Oklahoma: The Sooners have added a late summer signee in Lane Johnson, a 6-foot-7, 252-pound tight end out of Kilgore (Texas) College, the Tyler (Texas) radio station KTBB reported. Johnson, who actually played quarterback at Kilgore but will play tight end at OU, is expected to report to workouts in August and will have three years of eligibility remaining. "He's going to be a really good football player for Oklahoma and having three years left is even better, especially with some of their tight ends leaving after this season," Kilgore coach J.J. Eckert told KTBB. (The Oklahoman)
Jenks' Jarrett Lake commits to OU after visit: Jarrett Lake already had a scholarship offer from the University of Oklahoma. So on Monday, during a trip to Norman to watch former Jenks High School teammate Gabe Lynn's summer workouts, Lake decided to make it official and verbally commit to playing for the Sooners in 2010. "We went up to see Gabe practice and work out, kind of get a feel for how the summer workouts go," said Lynn's father, Tyrone Lynn. "He knew he wanted to go there anyway and that just really reinforced it." Gabe Lynn will be a freshman cornerback for the Sooners this season. Lake transferred to Jenks last year after moving in from Hargrave (Va.) Military Academy. Tyrone Lynn said Lake at first lived with an aunt, but has since moved in with the Lynn family. "She travels quite a bit, and he and Gabe became close friends," Tyrone Lynn said. "In between her travels, it just kind of worked out that he stayed here a lot. He's like another son. He's got a room and he's part of the family." (Tulsa World)
Julian Wilson verbally commits to Oklahoma: Southmoore defensive back Julian Wilson committed to Oklahoma on Tuesday. The 6-2, 180-pounder chose the Sooners over Florida, Nebraska, Arkansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Colorado and others. "Coach (Bobby Jack) Wright was real excited when I told him," Wilson said. "I talked to Coach Stoops on the phone and he was real fired up about it." Wilson, who plays both receiver and defensive back for Southmoore, will play either cornerback or safety at OU. (The Oklahoman)
Texas prospect Austin Woods commits to OU: Oklahoma added an offensive lineman Wednesday with the verbal commitment of Austin Woods from Texas' Rockwall-Heath High School. "I've taken a lot of visits and I've talked to a lot of coaches," the 6-5, 290-pound center told Rivals.com, "and it just came down to where I felt the most comfortable and the tradition they have at OU." Oklahoma State, Arkansas, Texas Tech and Baylor were reportedly among Woods' other college suitors. (Tulsa World)
RB Finch commitments to Oklahoma: Oklahoma won another recruiting battle this weekend in reeling in a verbal commitment from 4-star running back Roy Finch, OUESPN.com reported Friday night.Finch, a 5-foot-8, 170-pound back out of Niceville, Fla., had offers from Tennessee, Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, Ole Miss and North Carolina, among others. As a junior, Finch rushed for almost 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Earlier this month, the Sooners got a verbal commitment from 4-star running back Brennan Clay, of San Diego. (The Oklahoman)
Torrea Peterson verbally commits to Oklahoma: OU won a hotly contested recruiting battle Thursday night by landing a verbal commitment from defensive tackle Torrea Peterson, Rivals.com reported. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Peterson, who hails from San Antonio East Central High School, held offers from USC, Texas, Auburn, LSU and Nebraska, among a host of other schools. (The Oklahoman) Note: Rivals.com ranks Peterson as a three-star recruit.
Oklahoma commitment Terry Franklin fails to qualify: Oklahoma's 2009 recruiting class will be one short. Sooner coach Bob Stoops confirmed Friday that defensive end Terry Franklin did not qualify and will attend a Texas junior college instead. Stoops said the coaching staff had been aware of Franklin's situation since late May. (Norman Transcript)
While I was away on vacation a couple news items occurred and worthy to take note.
Chaisson joined the Sooners officially: Justin Chaisson last month had multiple felony charges -- including coercion with a deadly weapon and assault with a deadly weapon -- pleaded down to gross misdemeanors. On Thursday, OU released a statement that read, in part, "all allegations of the use of any weapon have been dismissed and are not the basis of any charge against or plea by him." Chaisson was on the team's official roster as of Thursday. (Tulsa World)
University of Oklahoma press release regarding Justin Chaisson joining the Sooners:
"We have thoroughly reviewed the facts and disposition of any and all allegations against Justin as determined by the independent assessment of the district attorney's office and the court system.
"Based on their investigation of the facts, all allegations of the use of any weapon have been dismissed and are not the basis of any charge against or plea by him. Our decision is appropriately based on the independent determination and action of the district attorney's office and the court system.
"We take these matters of conduct very seriously. Justin fully understands our expectations and his responsibilities of exemplary behavior and professional counseling. He knows the consequences if he does not meet those requirements."
Justin Johnson transfers to Texas JUCO: Justin Johnson was supposed to be part of a five-man rotation at running back this season after playing sparingly as a freshman in 2008. Johnson, a native of Gilmer, Texas, who is the younger cousin of former OU wide receiver Manny Johnson, was rated the No. 2 running back in the country coming out of high school by one recruiting Web site. Thursday, Johnson told the Tyler, Texas, radio station KTBB that he plans to transfer to Abilene (Texas) Christian, a Division II university in the Lone Star Conference. "Right now, we anticipate him transferring, which is fine," Stoops said. "We'll give him a full release and wish him the best. "Certain guys seek certain things, and he feels that's best for him. We want it for him as well." (The Oklahoman)
Milwood's Trayvon Henry commits to Oklahoma: Oklahoma didn't go too far to pick up its latest football commitment Thursday night, when Soonerscoop.com reported Oklahoma City Millwood linebacker Trayvon Henry had pledged. Henry, rated by Rivals.com among the top 15 insider linebackers in the nation and the top 20 Oklahoma prospects overall, is the 12th player to commit to OU in the current recruiting class. (Tulsa World)
Ndulue commits to Oklahoma: Defensive end Chuka Ndulue of Dallas verbally committed to Oklahoma on Friday, Rivals.com reported. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Ndulue of Jesuit High School had offers from Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Utah and UTEP. Ndulue is a native of Nigeria, having moved to Dallas when he was in the seventh grade. (The Oklahoman)
Shaw picks up scholarship offer from OU: Oklahoma Sooners offered Joshua Shaw (Palmdale, CA.) a scholarship, becoming the fourth player from California to receive an offer from OU. Shaw considered a three-star prospect at 6-foot-1, 185-pounds, 4.45-40, who can play both sides of the ball, says OU provides an opportunity to compete early on defense.
"Oklahoma just offered me," Shaw said. "That's a huge one, Oklahoma is a national program that is competing for a national title every year. They have a great defense and I have a ton of interest in them right now.
"Coach Bobby Wright is the one recruiting me and he told me they lose both starting corners after this season. With an opportunity to compete for early playing time and all the other great things about the school, I'm giving them a lot of heavy consideration right now."
As a 2008 junior at Palmdale High, Shaw had 443 yards receiving, 118 yards rushing, 40 tackles, six breakups and four INTs. Thus far, he has received offers from Oregon, Boise State, Washington among others.
Sooners gain pair of Texans: Oklahoma got a pair of verbal commitments from the state of Texas on Tuesday in 4-star offensive guard Adam Shead of Cedar Hill and 3-star wideout Sheldon McClain of Cibolo, Rivals.com reported. They are OU's eighth and ninth verbal commitments for the 2010 recruiting class. (The Oklahoman)
Prospects and others in Sporting News' top 100 recruits: Checkout Sporting News' Brian McLaughlin top 100 recruits in 2010, he's ranked a few prospects that are of particular interest to Sooner fans. Two of which have already committed to Oklahoma, while five others have been offered scholarships.
51. Bronson Irwin - Committed to Oklahoma early Commitment: Oklahoma OL, 6-5/315 Mustang (Okla.)
76. Jake Matthews - Considering Oklahoma, Oklahoma St. (Offered) Commitment: None OL, 6-5/270 Elkins (Missouri City, Texas)
79. DeAndrew White - Interested in Oklahoma (Offered) Commitment: None WR, 6-0/165 North Shore (Houston)
Former Sooner Keith Jackson speaking in Tulsa: Former OU football great and NFL star Keith Jackson will be the guest speaker Tuesday at a scholar-athlete banquet hosted by the Oklahoma Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. The 7 p.m. banquet will be at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center in Tulsa. Tickets are available by calling (405) 236-5179. (The Oklahoman)
OU recruit Justin Chaisson placed on three years probation: Former Bishop Gorman standout football player Justin Chaisson, 18, pleaded no contest Wednesday morning to four gross misdemeanors stemming from a March attack on his ex-girlfriend of four years. The charges include two counts of false imprisonment, one count of conspiracy to commit coercion and one count of malicious destruction of property. District Judge Stefany Miley of Department 23 accepted the terms of Chaisson's plea agreement, sentencing him to a maximum of three years probation, 120 hours of community service and a restitution fee of a later determined amount. The agreement also restricts any contact between Chaisson and the victim and one witness of the crime, both of whom are female classmates of his. According to Chaisson's lawyer, Michael Cristalli, the ruling will not have an effect on Chaisson's athletic scholarship from Oklahoma University which he had accepted before the incident. "He's still going to Oklahoma," Cristalli said. "We were working in conjunction with Oklahoma with these negotiations to make sure they would be comfortable with him going to the university and participating in the program." (More at Las Vegas Sun)
Sooners offers RB Brennan Clay scholarship: Oklahoma Sooners offered highly touted running back Brennan Clay from Scripps Ranch HS (San Deigo, CA) a scholarship, the 6-foot, 185-pound back ranks among the best in the nation. He was ranked at No. 112 overall previously on Rivals 100 but is now the No. 41 player in the nation and the No. 2 all-purpose back.
"I was hyped to get the offer from Oklahoma," Clay said. "That's a big-time school and I'm definitely planning to take an official visit there in the fall. Right now, I know where four of my visits will be and I have one date set.
"I'm going to Michigan (Sept. 18) when they play Eastern Michigan. I'm also going to visit Oregon, Georgia and Oklahoma and I'm keeping that fifth visit open right now. I'm also going to take unofficial visits in June to Stanford and Cal and all of those schools have offered me."
Texas DB Hayes verbally commits to Oklahoma: SoonersIllustrated.com is reporting Quentin Hayes, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back from Lancaster High in Texas made a commitment to Oklahoma this afternoon after receiving word that he was indeed being offered by the Sooners. "Yeah, I committed," Hayes confirmed. Hayes was on of the more than 28,000 people on hand for the annual Red-White Spring Game on Saturday. "It was really nice," Hayes said of the visit. "I liked it a whole lot." (SoonersIllustrated.com)
Sooners wear wristbands in support of Corey Wilson: Several Sooners wore new rubber wristbands during the scrimmage. The bands are red and blue, and on the front is the yellow Superman logo. The wristbands were a gift handed out by Sooner Corey Wilson, who watched from a wheelchair on the sideline. Wilson was paralyzed in a February car accident and has begun full rehab with hopes of walking someday. "It's tough, man," linebacker Travis Lewis said. "We have to keep his spirits up. We have to be strong for him." (Tulsa World)
Updated Depth Chart:The Oklahoman has updated their projected fall OU Depth Chart.
Prospective recruits attend Red/White game: Dozens of high-profile recruits were in attendance, including at least three five-star prospects and more than a dozen four-star prospects, as rated by Rivals.com. Among the most coveted recruits in the stands was defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat of Plano, Texas (he was there with his father, former Dallas defensive end Jim Jeffcoat), wide receiver Darius White and quarterback Blake Bell -- already an OU verbal commitment. Tulsa Central running back DeMarco Cobbs, rated as the top overall player in Oklahoma, also was in Norman. (Tulsa World)
Bell No. 2 QB on Scout.com verbally commits to OU: Blake Bell, out of Bishop Carroll High School in Wichita, Kan., committed to the Sooners, according to multiple Internet reports. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound Bell was in Norman on Thursday to watch practice and visit with the coaches. He is the No. 25-ranked overall recruit in the nation, according to Rivals.com, and the No. 2 quarterback in the country, according to Scout.com. (The Oklahoman)
DE prospect picks OSU over OU, Florida: Chase Rome a junior defensive lineman [3-star prospect] at Rock Bridge High School in Columbia, Mo., had been offered a scholarship not only by the Gators, but by Oklahoma, Nebraska, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Kansas State. He says his high school is "within walking distance" of Mizzou's Faurot Field. But on Monday, when the 6-foot-3, 280-pound Rome announced his commitment, he pledged to sign with Oklahoma State. Rome plans to graduate in December and enroll at OSU for the 2010 spring semester. (Tulsa World)
OU offers scholarship to D.C. area prospect: Old Mill (Millersville, MD) junior RB/LB Josh Furman [4-star prospect] received a scholarship offer from Oklahoma today. The Sooners join a list that's sure to keep expanding, but currently includes Duke, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Pitt, Virginia, Virginia Tech and West Virginia. (Washington Post)
Joe Powell reportedly commits to Oklahoma: Joe Powell, a wide receiver from Skyline High School in Dallas, has given a verbal pledge to play at Oklahoma, according to the Rivals Network Web site SoonerScoop.com. Powell is the Sooners' fourth verbal commitment of the 2010 class. Verbal commitments are nonbinding. Prospects can't sign binding letters of intent until Feb. 3, 2010. Powell reportedly had offers from Kansas and Houston, but committed to Oklahoma soon after the offer came. "Me and Jay Norvell, we have a real good vibe and we've been real close and I just feel like that decision was the decision for me," he told the Web site. (Tulsa World)
Thompson verbally commits to Oklahoma: ESPNU 150 Watch List lineman Tyrus Thompson has committed to sign a Class of 2010 scholarship offer with the Sooners, affiliate Web site OUInsider.com reports. Thompson previously told OUInsider.com that he would announce soon for either Oklahoma or Baylor. "They both have great academic programs and they both have great coaching staffs. It basically came down to who can get to the championship game and I want a shot at that ring so I just picked Oklahoma," Thompson said. (ESPN.com)
Wood verbally commits to Texas: Houston Second Baptist quarterback Connor Wood, the top quarterback prospect from the Lone Star State, has decided to orally commit to Texas over OU, according to Rivals. Earlier this month, Wood's high school coach told The Oklahoman that it was looking like Wood's decision was going to come down to the Red River rivals. Wood attended the junior days at both OU and Texas, though he also had offers from numerous other schools, including Alabama, LSU and Notre Dame. (The Oklahoman)
OU plans to use Mossis Madu at slot: Oklahoma football coach Bob Stoops said last week he anticipates using third-string running back Mossis Madu in the slot next season. "It'll be one of those cases where we'll have him ready to be," Stoops said. "To some degree, you could put him in the slot and move Ryan (Broyles) outside." But while Madu could play more in the slot, he won't be changing positions, even though he'll have to share carries behind DeMarco Murray and Chris Brown. (The Oklahoman)
Sooners looking to recruit touted QB Connor Wood: With quarterback Sam Bradford's future beyond 2009 an unknown and neither redshirt freshman Landry Jones or newcomer Drew Allen having any game experience, Bob Stoops said recruiting a quarterback in the 2010 class is a priority. "It's always a priority," he said. The Sooners currently appear to be in good with Connor Wood of Houston Second Baptist. According to Rivals.com, Wood lists Georgia, Missouri, LSU, Texas and Texas A&M among his favorites, along with OU, Stanford and TCU — the last three of which, the Web site reports, have offered scholarships. (Tulsa World)
LB (****) Tom Wort (New Braunfels HS) New Braunfels, TX
UPDATED
Coach Bob Stoops on OU's Signing Day
"Exciting day and a good day for us here on signing day. We are announcing 22 new signees and one more just pending paperwork. It is just a formality, one other guy just finishing up and making sure things are the right way. We don't expect anything to go wrong in that area. So 22 right now and one pending with a little bit of paperwork yet to be completed.
"Speaking of those guys I really like the class and really feel like, as usual, we have a very diverse class where we have recruited all positions. We really filled some needs where we have had graduation, whether it be this year or we have some graduation that we are realizing this coming season. I really feel like our staff really worked hard and did an excellent job. Throughout the year, more and more players are making their decisions early. We had a good number of commitments early, even before the fall season began. Then we worked it through the fall and here through the winter months to really sign an excellent class.
"Again more than anything this is a class that addressed the needs for our football team and we are at the right number at this point with 23 signees. Sometimes people are signing 27-28 players to their class. We were able to hit the numbers right where we wanted to.
"In this class we have probably the biggest need graduating, five offensive linemen. We signed four, with two of them being junior college guys. Really all four guys are big talented guys that are the body types we are used to working with. We really feel they are going to help us and they are the style of players we are used to getting.
"Outside of that on offense, the 10 offensive players we signed include a quarterback in Drew Allen that again is our style of quarterback. We are really excited about Drew, who is here on campus already and again really fits our profile at quarterback. He is an excellent thrower, excellent athlete, a good size guy. We are excited to have him on campus.
"Then in the backfield with him we have Jonathan Miller, a running back. An exciting guy, really explosive, fast and has good speed. Another guy Marshall Musil, who is similar to Matt Clapp in that he is an excellent athlete and a rangy big guy that is a fullback slash H-back. So a very similar body to a Matt Clapp or a Brody Eldridge. A very versatile guy and again love the size, toughness and athletic ability of Marshall. He is a good running back and tough guy that could play linebacker, but we anticipate using him somewhere on the offensive side.
"Again we love guys like Matt Clapp and Brody Eldridge that we can use and move all over, whether they block, pass receive or are great special teams players. Marshall fits that profile. Another guy that is similar to that is Gabe Ikard. He is a tight end from Oklahoma City. Gabe is also an excellent athlete, an all-around athlete at his school that does a great job in everything that he participates in. He was a great leader on his team at tight-end.
"Then a couple of receivers, Jaz Reynolds and Cameron Kenney. A couple of guys with excellent speed, explosiveness, great hands and really good athletes. Again we really feel like they will help us at receiver.
"That is the ten offensive guys to address. The 12 defensive players currently, pending one. Again I felt that we met the needs. Our biggest needs initially were at linebacker, where we signed four guys, Ronnell Lewis, Tom Wort, Gus Jones and Jayden Bird. Three of them are here already and that is exciting because they get to go through the entire winter and go through spring. Not only did we go through the season thin at linebacker, we have four graduating seniors coming up this following year. So even though we signed four, for those recruits out there listening for next year, we are still going to be thin next year. That is with four leaving. All these guys are athletic players, they all have range and size. All of them have played really well at the schools they have been in.
"We also addressed strong needs at defensive back. We felt like we have been short in our numbers there and I really believe this group of players have some size. Guys like Kevin Brent and Javon Harris, who is already here working with us. Bigger and stronger guys and anticipate them to be in some safety positions. Then Demontre Hurst and Gabe Lynn, that are not here, but are very athletic and fast players. They are explosive, have good hands and are good athletes.
"Outside of that, up front we've got Jamarkus McFarland. A well talked about recruit, but again a guy that we are really excited about. I truly always believe that defense starts inside, with your players inside. Jamarkus comes in here with a similar style of play. He is very physical, has excellent feet and just a very tough and hard playing guy that is along the same molds as a Gerald McCoy, Tommie Harris and those type of guys that really anchor our defense from inside out. Jamarkus is a really talented player, a highly recruited player that we are awfully excited about.
"Along with him we have three guys that are very athletic. Jarrett Brown, Justin Chassion and Terry Franklin are all defensive ends that have excellent range, are very athletic and have good speed. They are good rushers on the outside. We feel that with those four guys up front we addressed our needs.
"Where everybody is from, we have five from Oklahoma, 11 from Texas, two from Kansas and then we have everything in there. We have Missouri, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada and three junior college players. It's a strong class and more than anything I feel like we really addressed our needs and am excited to get ready to work with these guys. I really believe they will continue to keep our future here at Oklahoma bright and on the championship path." (More at SoonerSports.com)
Jarrett Brown verbally commits to OU: OU got a verbal commitment for 2009 from defensive end Jarrett Brown on Sunday, a 6-foot-4, 242-pound senior from Bowie HS in Arlington, Texas. Rivals.com reported later Sunday that linebacker Brandon Mahoney of Fossil Ridge HS in Keller, Texas, has decommitted from OU and verbally committed to Texas Tech. (Tulsa World)
Randle considering Oklahoma: Coach Bob Stoops was in Bastrop, La., on Thursday night, for an in-home visit to Rueben Randle, the nation's No. 1 high school wide receiver -- and Rivals.com's No. 2 overall player -- in a late attempt to convince Randle to play next season with Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford instead of LSU. Stoops spent Wednesday in Las Vegas, presumably visiting Chaisson as well as future prospects. (Tulsa World)
Kenney verbally commits to Oklahoma: Four-star junior-college wideout Cameron Kenney committed to Oklahoma over Georgia on Sunday night, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Monday. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Kenney, who grew up in the Atlanta suburbs but attends Garden City (Kan.) Community College, made his decision shortly after visiting Georgia over the weekend. "The official visit to (UGA) went great, it was better than I could ever imagine," Kenney told the Journal-Constitution. "However, I just couldn't pass on the opportunity to play with the Heisman Trophy winner and, more importantly, for the team many pick to win the national championship next year. (The Oklahoman)
Darius Jones switches commitment from OU to Baylor: Three-star athlete Darius Jones of Marshall, Texas, told the recruiting Web site Rivals.com Tuesday that he has switched his commitment from OU to Baylor and intends to sign with the Bears. "My heart was never into Oklahoma," Jones said. "I've been down to Baylor a lot of times this past summer, and every time I went down there it got better and better." (The Oklahoman)
Bradford knew he was coming back: Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford was never close to leaving college. "He wanted to come back to OU for at least one more year all along," said Sam’s father, Kent Bradford. Sam Bradford’s decision caught some by surprise. He was being touted as one of the top two quarterback prospects, along with Georgia's Matthew Stafford, and depending on his draft position would have signed a contract with a set-for-life guarantee. Father and son had lunch together just before the end of the regular season to discuss options, and that's when Sam said he would go through the NFL evaluation process, but "felt he still had plenty of room to improve his game and get bigger and stronger before he made the jump," Kent Bradford said. (KC Star)
Ward switches commitment from OU to Texas Tech: Wichita Falls Rider senior wide receiver Eric Ward has switched allegiance within the Big 12 South, opting to play football next year at Texas Tech instead. "I felt like I could do better at Tech," said Ward, who was named the Times Record News' Large School Red River 22 MVP in 2008. "I just wanted what was best for me. I'm happy with my decision, and I hope people will support me with my decision." Ward caught a team-high 46 passes for 737 yards and five touchdowns, and was Rider's second-leading rusher with 356 yards. He also earned the District 5-4A MVP for the district-winning Raiders. (Times Record News)
Sam Bradford Day in Oklahoma City: Mayor Mick Cornett will declare Jan. 13 "Sam Bradford Day" in Oklahoma City at the city council chambers at 8:30 a.m. today. The proclamation is to recognize the Oklahoma quarterback's winning of the Heisman Trophy. Bradford is a 2006 graduate of Putnam City North High School. (The Oklahoman)
Jenks' Gabe Lynn verbally commits to OU:Gabe Lynn, the No. 1 player on the most recent Oklahoman Super 30 list, announced his decision to commit to Oklahoma during a ceremony Thursday afternoon at Jenks High School. Lynn (6-foot, 185 pounds) chose the Sooners over Oklahoma State and North Carolina. Lynn's numbers weren't overwhelming but that's largely due to teams avoiding going Lynn's way. (The Oklahoman)
OT Jeff Vison commits to Oklahoma: Lackawanna Community College offensive tackle Jeff Vinson has committed to play football at Oklahoma in 2009 according to Rivals.com. "That was the best fit for me," Vinson told Rivals. "The program speaks for itself, the tradition of a wonderful, wonderful offensive line. I'm trying to be a part of that."The Sooners will be losing four starters off this year's offensive line, including award-winners Jon Cooper, Phil Loadholt and Duke Robinson. Vinson will give the OU an experienced option next season."I've got to come up there with a head of steam because we still want to keep the tradition going," Vinson said. (The Oklahoman)
REPORT: Prospect Williams to de-commit from Sooners: Under Armour All-American cornerback Steve Williams has decommitted from the Sooners and could join California's Class of 2009, ESPN affiliate Web site OUInsider.com reports. When asked if he was a solid pledge, Williams responded, "I don't want to lie to you guys, but I don't think so. I think I am going to go to California and I am going to decommit from Oklahoma." He continued, "It is not really about Oklahoma it is just that I like California better. I just don't see myself as an Oklahoma Sooner as far as the system of playing cornerback."(More at ESPN.com)
Venables a candidate for K-State job? OU defensive coordinator Brent Venables, a former K-State player and assistant, had already been a message-board candidate to replace (Ron) Prince. Asked if he expected the Wildcats to call about any of his staff, Stoops said: "If they do, they do. I have always encouraged my guys ... put my guys in front of anybody, not just there. You're starting a story when there isn't one now. I'm not going there. "My guys are open to everybody in the country. That's pretty obvious. I've had quite a few go on. I've got no problem with it if they do." (Tulsa World)
Four-star prospect looking at OU: Jheranie Boyd, a four-star wide receiver out of Gastonia, N.C., is expected to announce his commitment today. Many believe Boyd is deciding between Oklahoma and Missouri, though he also said he is considering Illinois, North Carolina and North Carolina State. Boyd is the No. 32-ranked player in the nation, according to the recruiting Web site Rivals.com. (The Oklahoman)
Report: Four-star safety Kevin Brent verbally commits: SI (Sooners Illustrated) has been able to confirm via a text message that Kevin Brent, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound safety from South Oak Cliff High in Dallas, Texas did indeed make a commitment to the Sooners. Brent is a top 100 prospect and currently rated as the fourth best safety in the country and a four-star prospect by Scout.com. "He is super big, strong, and fast," Scout.com's Baron Flenory informed. "He is a five-star type of player just because of his physical attributes." (Sooners Illustrated)
OU picks up McGuinness commitment: Gabe Ikard's recruitment went all the way to the top. A Saturday morning meeting between Ikard, his family and University of Oklahoma president David Boren might've been the deciding factor in the McGuinness tight end orally committing to the Sooners on Sunday. "They should have every recruit they want go talk to him," Ikard said. "He was really, really good about explaining to me how doors would be open for me if I came to OU." Ikard, a 6-foot-3, 240-pounder, grew up a Sooners fan but wanted to go through the recruiting process and consider all of his options before deciding. (More at The Oklahoman)
Nation's No. 4 receiver Jheranie Boyd visits Norman: WR Jheranie Boyd (6-3 185) of Gastonia, NC made an official visit to Oklahoma last weekend, and the experience pushed the Sooners up the top of his list and to co-favorite status along with Clemson, North Carolina, Florida, NC State, Missouri and Illinois. "It was a real good visit," Boyd said. "I connected with the coaches real quick. I liked the players and the campus. Everything is right there." Boyd will take an official visit to NC State this coming weekend. He then has visits starting October 11th on three consecutive weekends with Illinois, Florida and Missouri. Boyd was not sure of their order. (Spartanburg Herald-Journal)
Bradford and McCoy among Oklahoma team captains: Sam Bradford, Jon Cooper, Brody Eldridge, Nic Harris and Gerald McCoy have been named Oklahoma's team captains for the upcoming football season. The players were selected in a vote taken by the team. Bradford, a quarterback, Cooper, a center, and Eldridge, a tight end/fullback are the offensive captains. Harris, a safety, and McCoy, a defensive tackle, are the defensive captains. Cooper and Harris are seniors. Eldridge a junior and Bradford and McCoy redshirt sophomores. (SoonerSports.com)
Louisiana prep star considering OU: According to Louisiana prep running back Eddie Lacy, some coaches have told him his running style reminds of Adrian Peterson. Interestingly, OU is among a list of elite schools who have offered the Giesmar, La., prospect, along with Alabama, Auburn, Miami, Tennessee, Nebraska, Florida State and others. Lacy, who ran for 1,800 yards and 26 touchdowns as a junior, appears in no hurry to commit. He told Sporting News Today that he'll watch the teams he's considering this season, then make a decision. (The Oklahoman)
Oklahoma receives verbal commitment from QB Drew Allen: Drew Allen, a three-star prospect from San Antonio's Alamo Heights High School, committed to the Sooners Sunday.Allen is the first quarterback in the Sooners' 2009 class, giving OU a third scholarship quarterback for 2009 to go with Sam Bradford and Landry Jones.A 6-foot-5, 209-pound prospect, Allen passed for 2,589 yards and 28 touchdowns a year ago, adding 254 yards and five touchdowns rushing.Allen chose OU over Oklahoma State, Colorado, Kansas State, Mississippi, Vanderbilt, Purdue and Wake Forest. (The Oklahoman)
DeMarco Murray returns to practice: Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray has returned to practice at full speed this week. He was hobbled by an ankle sprain throughout the first week. "I did some of the practice stuff, but I haven't really been able to go all out until this week," Murray said following Tuesday's practice. "It's good to get back out there." OU coach Bob Stoops said Murray isn't showing any lingering effects. "He looked fine today," Stoops said. "That (ankle injury) was a minor deal." (Norman Transcript)
Jaz Reynolds verbally commits to OU: Monday night, Oklahoma got a commitment from Jaz Reynolds, a three-star receiver out of Aldine (Texas) Eisenhower High School. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Reynolds chose the Sooners over a host of schools, including Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska and Virginia. "I had been up to OU a couple of times, saw them play A&M, went to their junior day," Reynolds said. "When they offered, I just wanted to be a Sooner." Reynolds was recruited by first-year OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell. (The Oklahoman)
Mensik back after hamstring injury: Assistant coach Kevin Wilson said he hasn't identified the third player to go with Jermaine Gresham and Brody Eldridge in his three-tight end set just yet. It likely will be Eric Mensik, but he's been out with a sore hamstring. Mensik returned to practice this week. "It's kind of a weird deal," Wilson said. "It's not a pull. It's kind of like where it attaches to the bone. They keep looking at it. It's a pain tolerance deal." (Tulsa World)
