As usual, if there's any problem with me posting this, I'll take it down. Not like there's more than 5 of us that check out this sub-forum anyways.
Incoming Recruits Looking Good . . . As Weekend Wrap Up resumes, before we focus on next year's class, let's check up on what we already have.
Bob Stoops was ecstatic on the first Wednesday in February and offered his assessment of the newest OU recruiting class.
"It's really a great group of players. As a staff we're really excited about this group for a number of reasons. It's a typical class for us in that we have really good balance throughout. We've never just recruited any one side of the ball or any particular position. It's always about getting quality at all positions."
After a few months it looks like Stoops was correct. We also told you in February that several of the incoming recruits were outstanding, nationally ranked athletes. Adding proof to Bob Stoops' assessment and this statement is the fact that the nation's top Long Jump in outdoor track this spring (25-7¾), belonged to Adron Tennell, of Irving, Texas - who obviously will be playing wide receiver for the Sooners this fall. Another jump making the national elite list, at 24-3½, belonged to yet another OU signee, DB Malcolm Williams, of South Grand Prairie, Texas. Williams did not stop there as he also had the second best Triple Jump in the Lone Star State this year with a total distance of 50-1¼.
The national best triple jump this year was 50-07, so Williams' numbers are amazing for a multi sport athlete. Another OU signee, Fork Union's Brandon Caleb also made the regional elite list with a best TJ of 46-5.75 at the UNC track meet, after dominating several Virginia indoor meets earlier this year, where he had a time of 7.55 – a Top 10 national performance. He was also a member of the Fork Union 4x400 relay team, and competed in the long jump, and broad jump as well. Remember too that Caleb is no slightly built sprinter, as he was a fierce competitor on defense, and most schools recruited him as a linebacker.
Likewise, Chris Brown had several great performances at the Louisiana State Championship Track Meet a few weeks ago. Brown's Alexandra team won the meet with 90 total points, and Chris contributed 18 of those points. Brown placed 2nd in the Long Jump with a distance of 22-10. His 4x200 Meter Relay team placed First in State and Chris ran the initial leg. All of this success came as no real surprise, as Brown was also was the state champion in the 110m and 300m hurdles last year.
However the most impressive news is that it looks like all of the recruits could be eligible. That includes DeMarco Murray, Chris Brown and Jermaine Gresham who are all awaiting final clearance, but appear to be in good shape. At NEO, Chris Patterson still has a summer English class, (3 hours), that he has to complete, but he should be ready to go in August.
The only real bump in the road appears to be outstanding Altus athlete Daniel Tabon. Without going into a detailed report of the young man's sad situation, remember that Daniel has been in the DHS system for a couple of years, living in several foster homes. However, when a young person turns 18, the state allows an individual to make his own decisions, and upon turning 18, Daniel elected to leave his foster home a few months ago and live with another student.
However, as James reported, Tabon has now realized that moving out was a mistake and he does want to succeed, and has asked for help from his step mom. Tabon and his step mom made a trip to Norman today to meet with academic counselors to see what he need to get into OU.
Apparently his academic situation is such that he needs an English class and two other humanity classes to graduate from Altus High. It was discovered that he actually had an 'A' in a science class that wasn't being counted. Now that grade is in the books and he is three classes short of graduating.
He is going to take those classes on-line and when he completes them he will be graduate from Altus and he will be eligible to enroll and play at OU. How long it takes him will determine whether he is at OU in August or in January of 2007. If he makes solid grades in the three classes he already has the test score that he needs to qualify.
Stay tuned.
Tracking Incoming Missiles . . .
Most all (95%) of the varsity will be returning next week, (June 5), which is also the start of summer school, and many of the new recruits will also be reporting to Norman this weekend, and we expect that about half should be on campus by mid week, although we will not know 'who' until the guys report.
Meanwhile, here's a quick rundown on the signees.
Curtis Bailey (6-6 / 355 / 5.8) Dallas, TX (Carter). A dominating big man, who is extremely athletic, in the mold of Duke Robinson. If Curtis can duplicate Robinson's weight room dedication, and lose some unneeded weight, he may follow Duke in being proclaimed the next 'Great' OL at OU.
Jeremy Beal (6-3 / 245 / 4.75) Creekview, TX. One tough cookie. Although Beal is generally thought of as a DE, some coaches think he could also make an excellent middle linebacker. Ultimately his size and strength will determine. Unless injuries dictate otherwise, Beal will be a RS candidate this fall.
Chase Beeler (6-3 / 275 / 5.4), Jenks, OK. Beeler will likely will play Guard or Center, and could play earlier than people think. OU will need his leadership as much as his athletic talent, and that could be a huge intangible ingredient to future Sooner success. Contrary to some reports, Beeler will not be moved to DT.
Cory Brandon (6-6 / 260 / 5.4), Corsicana TX. Cory arguably has the most potential of the oncoming HS O-linemen, but he needs bulk and a year or so in the weight room. OU coaches believe that the wait be worth it - both for Brandon and the future OU OL.
Sam Bradford (6-4 / 190 / 4.7), OKC, OK (Putnam City North). Sam needs a year or two in the system before he plays. Some have reported that he could be OU's backup this year. Unlikely, and not good for either party if it happens. Bradford was chosen over other QB's because of his great potential and superior athletic ability. But the coaches also knew that he's a few years away, and brought in JC Joey Halzle for immediate relief.
Chris Brown (5-10½ / 195 / 4.5), Alexandria LA. He's better, (and faster), than you think, and capable of playing several positions. Think of all the athletes in Louisiana, and take note of his track accomplishments a few weeks ago, where he alone outscored most of the teams in state wide competition. If that's not enough to convince you of his qualifications, remember that Brown rushed for almost 6,000 yards and 79 TD's in his high school career, (4,000 yards, 45 TD's Junior & Senior years).
Brandon Caleb (6-1 / 195 / 4.5), Fork Union Military VA. Brandon will shock everyone but OU coaches who wanted this exceptional east coast athlete since January of 2005.
Quinton Carter (6-1½ / 172 / 4.6), Las Vegas, NV (Cheyenne). Iglesias last year, Carter this year. Bobby Jack Wright looks like a genius as he drops some 'highly' recruited DB's in December and gets Carter, who came in and had perhaps one of the best springs by a newcomer in a long time. Mark it down, a future star.
Brandon Crow (6-1½ /210 / 4.75), Comanche OK. Brandon is the tough, aggressive, leave it all on the field player that mirrors a former KSU LB star named Brent Venables. He's got excellent strength and had over 300 tackles the last two years, and over 600 for his career. Crow should really blossom under Venables' tutelage.
Dominique Franks (5-11½ / 185 / 4.4) Tulsa, OK (Union). If confidence is the determining factor, Franks is already starting and vying for the Thorpe Award. He probably made as much progress in his senior year as any recruit in this year's class. Don't be surprised if Franks elects not to RS this year.
Jermaine Gresham (6-6 / 226 / 4.7), Ardmore, OK. Gresham had recent ACL surgery and because of that he was recently not counted on to contribute this fall. However, Gresham's rehab is ahead of schedule - and he is doing exceptionally well, and if he continues, could be cleared to play this fall.
Joey Halzle (6-4 / 215 / 4.6), Golden West JC. If Joey were being counted on to start, it might be tough. But he showed he can grasp the offense in Spring and the coaches were happy with his performance and progress. Summer workouts, and pre-season drills should put him closer to being a capable backup this year.
Tim Johnson (6-5 / 255 / 4.7), NEO JC. The prototypical OU DE with great size and speed. Three years to play makes Tim an invaluable addition that would have saved the Sooners season last year, and will probably save them in the future.
Pryce Macon (6-1 / 251 / 4.79), Corpus Christi TX. Don't let his 'small' size fool you. Get tangled up with Macon and you're going to end up on the ground.
Mossis Madu (6-0 / 190 / 4.5), Norman, OK. Maybe the most underrated recruit in the class. Like others, capable of playing several positions.
Gerald McCoy, (6-4½ / 285 / 4.9), Southeast, OKC. With a great preseason, McCoy could make the four man DT rotation as a freshman. At times this fall, we may even see McCoy and RS Freshman Demarcus Granger along the same D-line at the same time. Scary thought.
Eric Mensik (6-5 / 232 / 4.8) Rosenberg, TX. Almost sure to play as a freshman, as a deep snapper is often overlooked, until a punt is muffed - or game winning field goal is missed. In time, Eric could also develop goal is missed. In time, Eric could also develop into a dominating TE or H-Back.