SoonerPr8r
1/28/2011, 11:18 AM
Thought this might spark some interest. It's amazing how many players left in 07.
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 1/28/2011 3:34 AM
Last Modified: 1/28/2011 6:56 AM
CLASS OF 2006
Total signed: 28
Rivals.com ranking: 9th nationally, 2nd in Big 12
Scout.com ranking: 7th nationally, 2nd in Big 12
Starters/key contributors: 19
Left program: 8
Overview: Arguably one of the most underrated classes Oklahoma has ever signed. This class produced nine All-Big 12 players, four consensus All-Americans, one All-Pac-10 and the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner - as well as three of the top four picks (and four first-rounders) in the 2010 NFL Draft. This class and the one before it also formed the core of a team that won three straight Big 12 crowns and returned to the BCS national championship game.
TOP RECRUITS
Jermaine Gresham, Ardmore: Arrived at OU having played mainly wide receiver in high school, but dedicated himself to gaining strength and improving his blocking. The result was a record-setting 2008, when he caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns and earned consensus All-America honors. He caught 111 passes for 1,629 yards and 26 TDs in his career, despite a preseason knee injury that wrecked his senior year. He was the 21st pick in the 2010 NFL draft.
Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma City: The Sooners' only consensus five-star recruit, McCoy arrived at OU as the USA Today national defensive player of the year - and, after redshirting, exceeded expectations. He was a two-time consensus All-American and set a school record for consecutive starts by a defensive tackle. Moreover, he embedded himself in the fabric of the community as a public speaker and two-time FCA president. Last year, he was the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft.
DeMarco Murray, Las Vegas: After redshirting 2006, Murray set himself in Sooner lore with a hurdling, 65-yard touchdown run against Texas in '07. Now he leaves as the most productive player in Oklahoma history, having broken Steve Owens' mark for career TDs (65) and Joe Washington's record for all-purpose yards (6,718), which both rank among the NCAA's all-time leaders. Murray ranks second in OU history in career rushing attempts (759) and became one of just seven Sooners with two 1,000-yard seasons.
Adron Tennell, Irving, Texas: Ranked by Rivals as the No. 3 wide receiver prospect in the country (behind Percy Harvin and Jeremy Maclin) Tennell never came close to his high school hype. He was a reserve in 2006 and '07, injured his knee at the end of '07 and struggled to return in '08. Dropped passes haunted him throughout his senior year and he was in and out of the lineup, finishing his career with 40 catches for 505 yards and 5 TDs (four in '09).
PLEASANT SURPRISES
Jeremy Beal, Carrollton, Texas: Beal, a two-star prospect by Scout.com, spent most of his redshirt season at linebacker. After switching to defensive end, he started the '07 Big 12 title game and was dominant. He became a starter in '08 and three times was named first-team All-Big 12. Was the Big 12 defensive player of the year in 2010.
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma City: When he arrived at OU as a Rivals three-star prospect, Bradford's high school productivity was average. Bradford blossomed into one of the most decorated players in school history, setting numerous NCAA records and winning the '08 Heisman Trophy. He threw an unheard-of 86 TDs in his first two seasons and led the NCAA in passer efficiency twice.
Adrian Taylor, Mansfield, Texas: Rated by Rivals and Scout as a three-star prospect, Taylor spent a painful year in redshirt rehabilitating a disc injury in his back. Became an inspirational leader this season trying to play after a severe broken/dislocated ankle, but after six starts went down with a torn Achilles' tendon.
Trent Williams, Longview, Texas: Williams, a Rivals and Scout three-star prospect, was thrust into the starting lineup midway through his freshman season and never left. He moved to left tackle as a senior, made first-team All-Big 12 in 2008 and '09, All-American in '09 and was the No. 4 pick in last year's NFL draft.
CURRENT GRADE: A+
CLASS OF 2007
Total signed: 21
Rivals.com ranking: 14th nationally, 3rd in Big 12
Scout.com ranking: 30th nationally, 5th in Big 12
Starters/key contributors: 9
Left program: 10
Overview: This class left some significant holes in the program. Just seven of the 21 signees played a key role and 10 left OU early. Five O-linemen signed, but only two - juco Phil Loadholt and Donald Stephenson - played. Sooner coaches missed repeatedly on either talent, desire or character, so the upcoming senior class is tiny. After Loadholt, LB Travis Lewis and WR Ryan Broyles, the best players so far are Stephenson and CB Jamell Fleming, who both gained a starting role just last season. Even the Stoops era-low recruiting rankings may have been too high for this class.
TOP RECRUITS
Austin Box, Enid: After redshirting, Box has fought through several injuries, including a back ailment that knocked him out the first half of last season. His return, however, solidified and stabilized what had been OU's most porous defense and helped generate the Sooners' late-season surge and seventh Big 12 championship. Now, Box should be the starter at middle linebacker.
Phil Loadholt, Garden City (Kan.) College: Loadholt was an immediate starter at left tackle in Norman and started this year at right tackle for the Minnesota Vikings. Listed between 6-foot-8 and 6-9 and ranging from 320 to 360 pounds between his recruitment and his final game, "Big Phil" had a few problems with smaller, quicker D-ends, but was the right player at the right time for OU. He earned All-Big 12 accolades in '07 and All-America honors in '08.
Keith Nichol, Lowell, Mich.: Both Rivals and Scout ranked Nichol as a four-star prospect, and when he decommitted from Michigan State, he was quickly signed by the Sooners. His greatest contribution may have been simply pushing Sam Bradford in that '07 QB competition. Nichol rode the bench in '07 and transferred to Michigan State in '08, where he played receiver.
Mike Reed, Yuba (Calif.) College: The only player in this class with a five-star rating never took the field for OU. He showed in spring practice to be a hard hitter, but had family and financial issues and never gained a complete grasp of the defensive system. When his wife took ill, Reed dropped his class load (and became ineligible) to care for her and their two children.
PLEASANT SURPRISES
Frank Alexander, Baton Rouge, La.: Alexander was listed as a 6-3, 240-pound three-star prospect, but by the time he broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman, he was closer to 6-5, 260. Alexander entered the rotation midway through his redshirt freshman season. An ankle injury slowed him last year, but he returned late and helped with six sacks and career-high 36 tackles.
Ryan Broyles, Norman: One of OU's greatest signing day dramas (he switched four times between OU and OSU), Broyles soon became the OU's greatest pass catcher. In just three seasons, Broyles has rewritten every school record, including last year's single-season catches (131) and yards (1,622). He also ranks fifth at OU in career all-purpose yards (4,634).
Travis Lewis, San Antonio: Lewis was primarily a running back in high school and, after redshirting 2007, struggled personally and socially during the spring of 2008 and nearly quit. Instead, he earned a starting job late in two-a-days, broke Brian Bosworth's school record for tackles by a freshman (144) and led the team with four interceptions. He contributed 109 tackles in 2009 and 109 more in 2010. His 362 stops ranks eighth in OU history, and he's the career leader for INTs among linebackers.
Sam Proctor, Pearland, Texas: Recruiting analysts didn't think much of this former high school QB. But after redshirting '07, he had a breakout spring He got into the starting lineup at safety in '09 and earned a reputation as a punishing hitter. He played mostly special teams in 2010, but should be a starter again this fall.
CURRENT GRADE: C
CLASS OF 2008
Total signed: 22
Rivals.com ranking: 6th nationally, 1st in Big 12
Scout.com ranking: 13th nationally, 1st in Big 12
Starters/key contributors: 11
Left program: 5
Overview: After signing the top three recruits in Texas, became a sort of Class that Never Was. David Sims was a Juco All-American but never qualified academically (he became a star at Iowa State). Josh Jarboe was a high school star before his weapons arrest but spent just a few days on campus before Stoops kicked him off the team for his YouTube skills. Jameel Owens spent one nondescript season at OU before transferring to Tulsa. J.R. Bryant never panned out. Mike Balogun almost did before the NCAA determined he played too much semipro ball. Most tragic of all, this class originally included DB/LB Herman Mitchell, who was murdered in Houston before signing day. So far, this group has produced just two stars: QB Landry Jones and C Ben Habern.
TOP RECRUITS
R.J. Washington, Keller, Texas: Can't-miss pass-rusher from Fossil Ridge High School near Fort Worth, Washington's impact so far has been minimal. After redshirting, he's played in just 12 games, has seven tackles and half a sack. Without Jeremy Beal, the Sooners need somebody to step up, and this might be Washington's last chance.
Jermie Calhoun, Van, Texas: Arrived at OU as the nation's No. 1 running back and a consensus prep All-American, but his career still hasn't gotten started. After redshirting, Calhoun has played in just 16 games, all in mop-up duty or special teams. Has the body of a power back, but hasn't embraced that style of running on the college level. Calhoun has 242 career rushing yards and one TD.
Stephen Good, Paris, Texas: Good has been the best of the Texas Trio, but has yet to live up to his high school accolades, when he was an Army All-American. Played in seven games as a freshman and all 13 as a sophomore, including seven starts. A preseason All-Big 12 pick, he started the first two games of 2010 at guard before settling into a three-man rotation. Needs to step up and become a dominant player in his senior season.
Justin Johnson, Gilmer, Texas: The Sooners' other five-star prospect (rated the No. 2 back in the nation by Scout.com) was projected by many as a linebacker, but he was firm in his resolve to play running back. Johnson's career never took off, though. After two seasons of mop-up duty, he transferred to Abilene Christian, where he was a backup in 2009. He's now out of football.
PLEASANT SURPRISES
Landry Jones, Artesia, N.M.: Jones was a four-star prospect after leading his team to back-to-back state titles. As a redshirt freshman, he replaced an injured Sam Bradford and led OU to an 8-5 mark, including 418 yards and 3 TDs in the Sun Bowl. This year, he guided the Sooners to a 12-2 record and Big 12 title, including 429 and 3 TDs in the Fiesta Bowl. He set school records for career and single-season attempts and completions, owns the mark of six TD passes in a game and this season tied Bradford's single-game yardage mark (468) and nearly broke Bradford's single-season record (4,720; Jones threw for 4,718).
Tress Way, Union: Both Rivals and Scout pegged Way as a two-star prospect, but, after redshirting, all Way has done is average 45.6 yards per kick in two seasons as punter. That includes a school-record 41 punts of 50 yards or more and a school-record 45.7-yard average in '09. As a freshman, he averaged 58.8 yards against Oklahoma State, hit nine punts at least 60 yards, and last year he banged an 85-yarder. He also works at kickoffs, though he gave up placekicking duties after going 1-of-6 his freshman season.
James Hanna, Flower Mound, Texas: With OU always on the lookout for the next Jermaine Gresham, the slender Hanna never came close to fitting that bill until his junior season. The three-star prospect went into 2010 with just seven catches for 47 yards, but last season made 18 grabs for 292 yards and seven TDs. His heroics included a game-saving 76-yard TD to beat Oklahoma State.
CURRENT GRADE: C+
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer
Published: 1/28/2011 3:34 AM
Last Modified: 1/28/2011 6:56 AM
CLASS OF 2006
Total signed: 28
Rivals.com ranking: 9th nationally, 2nd in Big 12
Scout.com ranking: 7th nationally, 2nd in Big 12
Starters/key contributors: 19
Left program: 8
Overview: Arguably one of the most underrated classes Oklahoma has ever signed. This class produced nine All-Big 12 players, four consensus All-Americans, one All-Pac-10 and the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner - as well as three of the top four picks (and four first-rounders) in the 2010 NFL Draft. This class and the one before it also formed the core of a team that won three straight Big 12 crowns and returned to the BCS national championship game.
TOP RECRUITS
Jermaine Gresham, Ardmore: Arrived at OU having played mainly wide receiver in high school, but dedicated himself to gaining strength and improving his blocking. The result was a record-setting 2008, when he caught 66 passes for 950 yards and 14 touchdowns and earned consensus All-America honors. He caught 111 passes for 1,629 yards and 26 TDs in his career, despite a preseason knee injury that wrecked his senior year. He was the 21st pick in the 2010 NFL draft.
Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma City: The Sooners' only consensus five-star recruit, McCoy arrived at OU as the USA Today national defensive player of the year - and, after redshirting, exceeded expectations. He was a two-time consensus All-American and set a school record for consecutive starts by a defensive tackle. Moreover, he embedded himself in the fabric of the community as a public speaker and two-time FCA president. Last year, he was the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft.
DeMarco Murray, Las Vegas: After redshirting 2006, Murray set himself in Sooner lore with a hurdling, 65-yard touchdown run against Texas in '07. Now he leaves as the most productive player in Oklahoma history, having broken Steve Owens' mark for career TDs (65) and Joe Washington's record for all-purpose yards (6,718), which both rank among the NCAA's all-time leaders. Murray ranks second in OU history in career rushing attempts (759) and became one of just seven Sooners with two 1,000-yard seasons.
Adron Tennell, Irving, Texas: Ranked by Rivals as the No. 3 wide receiver prospect in the country (behind Percy Harvin and Jeremy Maclin) Tennell never came close to his high school hype. He was a reserve in 2006 and '07, injured his knee at the end of '07 and struggled to return in '08. Dropped passes haunted him throughout his senior year and he was in and out of the lineup, finishing his career with 40 catches for 505 yards and 5 TDs (four in '09).
PLEASANT SURPRISES
Jeremy Beal, Carrollton, Texas: Beal, a two-star prospect by Scout.com, spent most of his redshirt season at linebacker. After switching to defensive end, he started the '07 Big 12 title game and was dominant. He became a starter in '08 and three times was named first-team All-Big 12. Was the Big 12 defensive player of the year in 2010.
Sam Bradford, Oklahoma City: When he arrived at OU as a Rivals three-star prospect, Bradford's high school productivity was average. Bradford blossomed into one of the most decorated players in school history, setting numerous NCAA records and winning the '08 Heisman Trophy. He threw an unheard-of 86 TDs in his first two seasons and led the NCAA in passer efficiency twice.
Adrian Taylor, Mansfield, Texas: Rated by Rivals and Scout as a three-star prospect, Taylor spent a painful year in redshirt rehabilitating a disc injury in his back. Became an inspirational leader this season trying to play after a severe broken/dislocated ankle, but after six starts went down with a torn Achilles' tendon.
Trent Williams, Longview, Texas: Williams, a Rivals and Scout three-star prospect, was thrust into the starting lineup midway through his freshman season and never left. He moved to left tackle as a senior, made first-team All-Big 12 in 2008 and '09, All-American in '09 and was the No. 4 pick in last year's NFL draft.
CURRENT GRADE: A+
CLASS OF 2007
Total signed: 21
Rivals.com ranking: 14th nationally, 3rd in Big 12
Scout.com ranking: 30th nationally, 5th in Big 12
Starters/key contributors: 9
Left program: 10
Overview: This class left some significant holes in the program. Just seven of the 21 signees played a key role and 10 left OU early. Five O-linemen signed, but only two - juco Phil Loadholt and Donald Stephenson - played. Sooner coaches missed repeatedly on either talent, desire or character, so the upcoming senior class is tiny. After Loadholt, LB Travis Lewis and WR Ryan Broyles, the best players so far are Stephenson and CB Jamell Fleming, who both gained a starting role just last season. Even the Stoops era-low recruiting rankings may have been too high for this class.
TOP RECRUITS
Austin Box, Enid: After redshirting, Box has fought through several injuries, including a back ailment that knocked him out the first half of last season. His return, however, solidified and stabilized what had been OU's most porous defense and helped generate the Sooners' late-season surge and seventh Big 12 championship. Now, Box should be the starter at middle linebacker.
Phil Loadholt, Garden City (Kan.) College: Loadholt was an immediate starter at left tackle in Norman and started this year at right tackle for the Minnesota Vikings. Listed between 6-foot-8 and 6-9 and ranging from 320 to 360 pounds between his recruitment and his final game, "Big Phil" had a few problems with smaller, quicker D-ends, but was the right player at the right time for OU. He earned All-Big 12 accolades in '07 and All-America honors in '08.
Keith Nichol, Lowell, Mich.: Both Rivals and Scout ranked Nichol as a four-star prospect, and when he decommitted from Michigan State, he was quickly signed by the Sooners. His greatest contribution may have been simply pushing Sam Bradford in that '07 QB competition. Nichol rode the bench in '07 and transferred to Michigan State in '08, where he played receiver.
Mike Reed, Yuba (Calif.) College: The only player in this class with a five-star rating never took the field for OU. He showed in spring practice to be a hard hitter, but had family and financial issues and never gained a complete grasp of the defensive system. When his wife took ill, Reed dropped his class load (and became ineligible) to care for her and their two children.
PLEASANT SURPRISES
Frank Alexander, Baton Rouge, La.: Alexander was listed as a 6-3, 240-pound three-star prospect, but by the time he broke into the starting lineup as a redshirt freshman, he was closer to 6-5, 260. Alexander entered the rotation midway through his redshirt freshman season. An ankle injury slowed him last year, but he returned late and helped with six sacks and career-high 36 tackles.
Ryan Broyles, Norman: One of OU's greatest signing day dramas (he switched four times between OU and OSU), Broyles soon became the OU's greatest pass catcher. In just three seasons, Broyles has rewritten every school record, including last year's single-season catches (131) and yards (1,622). He also ranks fifth at OU in career all-purpose yards (4,634).
Travis Lewis, San Antonio: Lewis was primarily a running back in high school and, after redshirting 2007, struggled personally and socially during the spring of 2008 and nearly quit. Instead, he earned a starting job late in two-a-days, broke Brian Bosworth's school record for tackles by a freshman (144) and led the team with four interceptions. He contributed 109 tackles in 2009 and 109 more in 2010. His 362 stops ranks eighth in OU history, and he's the career leader for INTs among linebackers.
Sam Proctor, Pearland, Texas: Recruiting analysts didn't think much of this former high school QB. But after redshirting '07, he had a breakout spring He got into the starting lineup at safety in '09 and earned a reputation as a punishing hitter. He played mostly special teams in 2010, but should be a starter again this fall.
CURRENT GRADE: C
CLASS OF 2008
Total signed: 22
Rivals.com ranking: 6th nationally, 1st in Big 12
Scout.com ranking: 13th nationally, 1st in Big 12
Starters/key contributors: 11
Left program: 5
Overview: After signing the top three recruits in Texas, became a sort of Class that Never Was. David Sims was a Juco All-American but never qualified academically (he became a star at Iowa State). Josh Jarboe was a high school star before his weapons arrest but spent just a few days on campus before Stoops kicked him off the team for his YouTube skills. Jameel Owens spent one nondescript season at OU before transferring to Tulsa. J.R. Bryant never panned out. Mike Balogun almost did before the NCAA determined he played too much semipro ball. Most tragic of all, this class originally included DB/LB Herman Mitchell, who was murdered in Houston before signing day. So far, this group has produced just two stars: QB Landry Jones and C Ben Habern.
TOP RECRUITS
R.J. Washington, Keller, Texas: Can't-miss pass-rusher from Fossil Ridge High School near Fort Worth, Washington's impact so far has been minimal. After redshirting, he's played in just 12 games, has seven tackles and half a sack. Without Jeremy Beal, the Sooners need somebody to step up, and this might be Washington's last chance.
Jermie Calhoun, Van, Texas: Arrived at OU as the nation's No. 1 running back and a consensus prep All-American, but his career still hasn't gotten started. After redshirting, Calhoun has played in just 16 games, all in mop-up duty or special teams. Has the body of a power back, but hasn't embraced that style of running on the college level. Calhoun has 242 career rushing yards and one TD.
Stephen Good, Paris, Texas: Good has been the best of the Texas Trio, but has yet to live up to his high school accolades, when he was an Army All-American. Played in seven games as a freshman and all 13 as a sophomore, including seven starts. A preseason All-Big 12 pick, he started the first two games of 2010 at guard before settling into a three-man rotation. Needs to step up and become a dominant player in his senior season.
Justin Johnson, Gilmer, Texas: The Sooners' other five-star prospect (rated the No. 2 back in the nation by Scout.com) was projected by many as a linebacker, but he was firm in his resolve to play running back. Johnson's career never took off, though. After two seasons of mop-up duty, he transferred to Abilene Christian, where he was a backup in 2009. He's now out of football.
PLEASANT SURPRISES
Landry Jones, Artesia, N.M.: Jones was a four-star prospect after leading his team to back-to-back state titles. As a redshirt freshman, he replaced an injured Sam Bradford and led OU to an 8-5 mark, including 418 yards and 3 TDs in the Sun Bowl. This year, he guided the Sooners to a 12-2 record and Big 12 title, including 429 and 3 TDs in the Fiesta Bowl. He set school records for career and single-season attempts and completions, owns the mark of six TD passes in a game and this season tied Bradford's single-game yardage mark (468) and nearly broke Bradford's single-season record (4,720; Jones threw for 4,718).
Tress Way, Union: Both Rivals and Scout pegged Way as a two-star prospect, but, after redshirting, all Way has done is average 45.6 yards per kick in two seasons as punter. That includes a school-record 41 punts of 50 yards or more and a school-record 45.7-yard average in '09. As a freshman, he averaged 58.8 yards against Oklahoma State, hit nine punts at least 60 yards, and last year he banged an 85-yarder. He also works at kickoffs, though he gave up placekicking duties after going 1-of-6 his freshman season.
James Hanna, Flower Mound, Texas: With OU always on the lookout for the next Jermaine Gresham, the slender Hanna never came close to fitting that bill until his junior season. The three-star prospect went into 2010 with just seven catches for 47 yards, but last season made 18 grabs for 292 yards and seven TDs. His heroics included a game-saving 76-yard TD to beat Oklahoma State.
CURRENT GRADE: C+
By JOHN E. HOOVER World Sports Writer