8timechamps
2/6/2013, 11:51 PM
Not the best class Stoops has brought in, but far from the worst. Of course there's no way to know what this class really is for at least a couple of years, but overall, I think it's a pretty solid group.
There are a couple of negatives with this class. First and foremost is the lack of linebackers. Although OU got two commits at LB, neither are prototypical backers, and neither is projected as an immediate starter. The other negative in this class had to be the guys OU didn't sign. It happens every year, but for some reason, this year has been scrutinized like no other. Missing on a "sure thing" recruit, Justin Mannning, really put that topic in the spotlight. Hopefully, not signing Manning won't come back and bite the Sooners.
Now, on to the positives...
Quarterback
Cody Thompson is a stud. There's not much else to say. Although most recruiting services ranked him in the mid-teens, he's going to end up being a very good player. Thomas has always focused on football and baseball, and plans to do the same at OU. If Thomas can find a way to put the time and effort into being the QB at OU, and maintain his baseball skill, he could be a legitimate threat to challenge the QB spot in the next couple of years. 8time's Grade: A
Running Back
When was the last time the #1 RB in the country de-committed from a team, and that team still ended up with a phenomenal RB? That's what happened this year. After Greg Bryant de-committed from OU, nobody was too worried, because Keith Ford is arguably as good as Bryant. Given the current group of RBs in the backfield, I expect Ford to redshirt, but once he sees time on the field, he's going to be a big time contributor. 8time's Grade: A
Wide Recievers
Another solid group of receivers for Norvell. Dannon Cavil tops the list, and breaks the family tradition of playing for the Horns. Cannon is a big bodied kid, that could end up at TE. Add Smallwood, Young and probably Austin Bennett and once again OU has a stable of skill players coming to campus. I fully expect a couple of these guys to end up being break-out players, and play at the next level. No urgent needs at WR, which means some of these guys may redshirt. Overall, a talented group of players with high potential. One or two will see game time early next season. 8time's Grade: A-
Offensive Line
Not the best year for landing O-line talent. Late pushes for tackles resulted in some immediate help, and some unknowns. JUCO transfer Josiah St. John will contribute immediately and add much needed depth to the O-line, while Christian Daimler will most likely redshirt and build on his college-ready frame. Late addition Dionte Savage, like St. John, will help add depth at guard and can make an immediate impact. While OU landed some players that can jump in and help now, there's no question OU could have used more. 8time's Grade: B-
Defensive Line
Four players will come to Norman looking to make a name at DT. That's never a bad thing. JUCO transfer Quincy Russell should enter the DT rotation immediately, but there very well could be one or two of the others that see time at that position. While OU missed on the big name DTs, the four kids that did commit look very promising. At DE, it's another embarrassment of riches for BJW. Jumping in early was the key to landing Matt Dimon and getting Ogbonnia Okoronkwo to flip his commitment. Dimon could see action in 2013, but I think Oko will need a redshirt year before contributing. Then there's D.J. Ward, the hometown kid. Ward missed his senior year, but was able to spend more time around the program. He'll be ready to start for the first game, so there will be some very interesting competitions along the D-Line next summer. All in all, a group of defensive linemen that any program in the FBS would love to have signed. 8time's Grade: A-
Linebacker
A very thin year for the position. Dominique Alexander, the unofficial leader of this year's class, could become a fan favorite. Not a huge player, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed and football IQ. May see action in 2013. Jordan Evans is an OU legacy, so you have to think the fire burns hot for him. Evans played both OLB and DE in high school, and it is unclear where he'll play on Stoops' defense. He's a little bit of an unknown, that could become very known if the coaches are right. 8time's Grade: C
Defensive Back
Without question, this is the strength of this year's class. This is a Mike Stoops DB class from top to bottom. Hatari Bryd is coming to Norman with the drive to start the first game of his Sooner carrier, and I'm not betting against him. He's built in the Roy Williams mold, and those are big shoes to fill...I think he plans to leave a legacy after his time in Norman, so that future recruits will be compared to Hatari Bryd. Fresno East High School decided to give OU a package deal, and the last commit to sign today, L.J. Moore is part two of that package. Welcome the new Cali Duo: Bryd/Moore. Oklahoma's own Stanvon Taylor wants to see the field as soon as possible, and I wouldn't bet against him. Add another very good safety in Ahmad Thomas, and one other CB in Dakota Austin, and you have a very talented group of playmakers that come to Norman looking to win championships. 8time's Grade: A+
Kicker
JUCO Punter Jed Barnett will make Tress Way's departure much, much easier. Barnett has a big leg, and great head on his shoulders. I almost never follow kicker/punter recruits, but I know enough to know this was a position that could have turned out pretty bad if not addressed, and fortunately, OU did more than just address it, they got a very good punter. 8time's Grade: B
Overall, I'd give this year's class a solid A. Positions of need were filled with quality players, some that can contribute immediately, and some that will need to take their redshirt year and get their minds and bodies ready to play at this level. Lost a couple of recruits that were considered "locks", but gained some kids that will be all conference in the years to come. Not Stoops' best class, but far from his worst.
There are a couple of negatives with this class. First and foremost is the lack of linebackers. Although OU got two commits at LB, neither are prototypical backers, and neither is projected as an immediate starter. The other negative in this class had to be the guys OU didn't sign. It happens every year, but for some reason, this year has been scrutinized like no other. Missing on a "sure thing" recruit, Justin Mannning, really put that topic in the spotlight. Hopefully, not signing Manning won't come back and bite the Sooners.
Now, on to the positives...
Quarterback
Cody Thompson is a stud. There's not much else to say. Although most recruiting services ranked him in the mid-teens, he's going to end up being a very good player. Thomas has always focused on football and baseball, and plans to do the same at OU. If Thomas can find a way to put the time and effort into being the QB at OU, and maintain his baseball skill, he could be a legitimate threat to challenge the QB spot in the next couple of years. 8time's Grade: A
Running Back
When was the last time the #1 RB in the country de-committed from a team, and that team still ended up with a phenomenal RB? That's what happened this year. After Greg Bryant de-committed from OU, nobody was too worried, because Keith Ford is arguably as good as Bryant. Given the current group of RBs in the backfield, I expect Ford to redshirt, but once he sees time on the field, he's going to be a big time contributor. 8time's Grade: A
Wide Recievers
Another solid group of receivers for Norvell. Dannon Cavil tops the list, and breaks the family tradition of playing for the Horns. Cannon is a big bodied kid, that could end up at TE. Add Smallwood, Young and probably Austin Bennett and once again OU has a stable of skill players coming to campus. I fully expect a couple of these guys to end up being break-out players, and play at the next level. No urgent needs at WR, which means some of these guys may redshirt. Overall, a talented group of players with high potential. One or two will see game time early next season. 8time's Grade: A-
Offensive Line
Not the best year for landing O-line talent. Late pushes for tackles resulted in some immediate help, and some unknowns. JUCO transfer Josiah St. John will contribute immediately and add much needed depth to the O-line, while Christian Daimler will most likely redshirt and build on his college-ready frame. Late addition Dionte Savage, like St. John, will help add depth at guard and can make an immediate impact. While OU landed some players that can jump in and help now, there's no question OU could have used more. 8time's Grade: B-
Defensive Line
Four players will come to Norman looking to make a name at DT. That's never a bad thing. JUCO transfer Quincy Russell should enter the DT rotation immediately, but there very well could be one or two of the others that see time at that position. While OU missed on the big name DTs, the four kids that did commit look very promising. At DE, it's another embarrassment of riches for BJW. Jumping in early was the key to landing Matt Dimon and getting Ogbonnia Okoronkwo to flip his commitment. Dimon could see action in 2013, but I think Oko will need a redshirt year before contributing. Then there's D.J. Ward, the hometown kid. Ward missed his senior year, but was able to spend more time around the program. He'll be ready to start for the first game, so there will be some very interesting competitions along the D-Line next summer. All in all, a group of defensive linemen that any program in the FBS would love to have signed. 8time's Grade: A-
Linebacker
A very thin year for the position. Dominique Alexander, the unofficial leader of this year's class, could become a fan favorite. Not a huge player, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed and football IQ. May see action in 2013. Jordan Evans is an OU legacy, so you have to think the fire burns hot for him. Evans played both OLB and DE in high school, and it is unclear where he'll play on Stoops' defense. He's a little bit of an unknown, that could become very known if the coaches are right. 8time's Grade: C
Defensive Back
Without question, this is the strength of this year's class. This is a Mike Stoops DB class from top to bottom. Hatari Bryd is coming to Norman with the drive to start the first game of his Sooner carrier, and I'm not betting against him. He's built in the Roy Williams mold, and those are big shoes to fill...I think he plans to leave a legacy after his time in Norman, so that future recruits will be compared to Hatari Bryd. Fresno East High School decided to give OU a package deal, and the last commit to sign today, L.J. Moore is part two of that package. Welcome the new Cali Duo: Bryd/Moore. Oklahoma's own Stanvon Taylor wants to see the field as soon as possible, and I wouldn't bet against him. Add another very good safety in Ahmad Thomas, and one other CB in Dakota Austin, and you have a very talented group of playmakers that come to Norman looking to win championships. 8time's Grade: A+
Kicker
JUCO Punter Jed Barnett will make Tress Way's departure much, much easier. Barnett has a big leg, and great head on his shoulders. I almost never follow kicker/punter recruits, but I know enough to know this was a position that could have turned out pretty bad if not addressed, and fortunately, OU did more than just address it, they got a very good punter. 8time's Grade: B
Overall, I'd give this year's class a solid A. Positions of need were filled with quality players, some that can contribute immediately, and some that will need to take their redshirt year and get their minds and bodies ready to play at this level. Lost a couple of recruits that were considered "locks", but gained some kids that will be all conference in the years to come. Not Stoops' best class, but far from his worst.