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Hey everyone I dove into the recruitment of four-star linebacker Christian Jones and made the case for his final two schools Oklahoma and Nebraska.

Any new info on Fasusi?

I have been asked this question a lot over the last since last night, so I thought I should just go on here and lay it out for everyone:

*** First, it's felt like the Sooners have been trending for the last month or so. Even before this latest surge from the Sooners, Oklahoma was seen as a program that would always be in line to potentially land the 2025 Lewisville (TX) five-star OL, Michael Fasusi.

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*** As of late, we have seen Texas recruiting analysts talk about Fasusi a bit differently. It went from March, April, and May -- when picks were being put in for the Longhorns at a feverish rate -- to the present where most of the buzz for Fasusi seems to be moving toward the Sooners.

*** That 'buzz' for the Sooners has had some feel like the Horns are going to move in another direction at offensive tackle right now. Will that end up being the case? Will Texas focus on "help out now type of transfers" as some sources seem to believe is their thought? I don't know.

*** What I do know is that Texas has been pushing for Fasusi for quite some time and that if they do not land Fasusi, they will most certainly take a swing at getting one or two OT's in the portal.

*** Now, having said that, I would also caution my Future Cast meaning it's done to OU. I by no means think it's the case. I still think Texas and Texas A&M have another run in them for the elite offensive tackle. A&M has continued to talk with Fasusi. They have continued to try and make their pitch to the elite OL. What I gather is that a lack of production to NFL (Dan Moore was last offensive tackle picked to NFL in 4th round of 2021 draft). That has been the question and the hold up for some in Fasusi's camp, according to a few sources. Though I don't think that is the end-all.

*** A&M has quietly been hanging around here and sometimes that is all that is needed for a late push and win. Though, I am not there with them quite yet. One thing if for sure, and that is Gig'em does continue to have constant dialogue and at least still have Fasusi's ear. Again, sometimes that is all that is needed to open the door more, and that is exactly what A&M is working on doing. So we are watching them closely.

*** As for Texas, it's always been the late NIL surge that has me worried when it comes the Sooners' chances to land Fasusi. It still does, if we are being honest and upfront. I still believe there is that chance that Texas does make a late NIL push that puts the Sooners in a 'get very close or match the NIL' type of scenario if they still want to land the Lewisville. (TX) five-star OL.

Either way, Texas is going to play the NIL game and play it big at the offensive tackle position. It's just a matter of if it will be strictly portal OT's or will they manuever some funds to also play the NIL game as we expected with Fasusi. As noted, that is also what we have been and what we will continue to watch closely on the Texas side, because Fasusi does like the Horns. That's never been a secret.

*** Now, for the Sooners...

Fasusi has long told me that Bill Bedenbaugh is his favorite coach to talk with and he knows that Sooners OL coach will "get him right and get him to the league," Fasusi told me on Father's Day back in June following his OV with Oklahoma.

Source last night called BB "so honest that Fasusi just connects with him." That honesty and willingness to be upfront with people (including media in interviews) has always been an endearing part of Bedenbaugh's coaching style. It's also turned some away, but those are the types that the staff would generally say wouldn't fit the OU culture to begin with.

Another thing that I found interesting was a source that told me they felt Fasusi was going to end up at OU back in late June/early July contacted me when I put in the pick to OU. They were one of the sources that had Missouri trending quietly for Lamont Rogers as well. That ended up being correct in the end. That same source told me last night via text, "You are spot on with that Fasusi pick," the source said. "Always thought he was going to OU and that thought has been felt by others considering OU at that same OL position for a bit."

Now, let me clear this up. Don't go taking that as fact. Don't go taking it as that means it's done with Fasusi. That would be the wrong way to approach that quote. However, I would take that for what it is and that is a very positive statement by someone that knows the landscape of DFW recruiting, as well as someone that has been dealing with elite OT recruiting for 2025 class.

Lastly, you all have asked my confidence level on the FC? I would put it at a six or seven. But closer to a six. I think OU feels they are in a good spot. I think Texas and Texas A&M feel they are having to make up ground on the Sooners. Both of those programs contending with OU are working on last second surges to try and close out the five-star and pull a surprise in the final six days of his recruitment. Those things can still happen, but I also feel the Sooners are going to play ball with NIL (or at least we are hearing they are going to do so), and be VERY competitive in their pitch down the stretch as well.

So with Fasusi's affinity for Bill Bedenbaugh and what the Sooners' staffer can do for him and his goal to the NFL, along with the Sooners willingness to try and close out here as best as possible, I like OU for Fasusi. More so when you also add that the other two programs after him also feel the Sooners are in pole position heading into the final week before the five-star announces.

Naturally, if that starts to change, Parker and I will undoubetly keep you all informed and update you all in an expediant manner.

Personal Note: If I miss and Fasusi doesn't choose the Sooners, I will take the L. Won't be pretty on here and I know the hate will be deserved from you all. I am ready for that if it gets to that point, but the funny part is that I am the most conservative FC picker that I know, outside of maybe very few others. I folowed by gut, along with the pick being based on the information I have had over the last few weeks/last month or so. That information hasn't really changed and when it's a steady flow like it has been, it's usually right. I guess we will see come Aug 22nd if that is truly the case.

Stay tuned for more information on Fasusi, fall camp and more on OUinsider.com VIP. Thanks for being members.

BD or pt heard anything on him. Was very existed when he committed to OU, used to live in Bethany. Hoping he is a big player.

Do we know who is making the NIL package offers to the recruits?

I am not a fan of Crimson & Cream and know a lot of donors that refuse to donate to a collective managed by a third-party Rutgers alum. Partnering with C&C might go down as the worst decision our admin made when look back. They have pretty much shit the bed relative to the donor-operated collectives every other top program has established and partnered with their respective programs.

However, that is who the administration has decided to side with because C&C walks the red tape like the admin likes to see.

That being said, C&C is a joke in the NIL game compared to the big-money-donor backed collectives at Texas, Ohio State, and pretty much every other playoff caliber program. I know for a fact they aren’t the one making the NIL packages to entice 5-stars like Stone and Nwaneri.

Is there a big-money-donor group operating in the dark like at A&M?

It annoys me seeing how to get access to meet the Sooners, you have to be a member of C&C. OU’s admin should be working with our donors directly and not using this third-party owned and operated C&C vehicle. Decisions like these always make me think we need a new AD that’s ready for the new, NIL-oriented, college football.

OU would be much more competitive on the NIL front if the admin wasn’t pissing the floor when deciding to parter with SANIL (owner of C&C).

It's that time of the week again.

Hit me with all of your questions about fall camp (or really anything) and I'll get to as many as I can on Friday.

"I continue to say this — I have a chip on my shoulder in everything that I do from what I come from. I had one offer coming out of high school to play quarterback. I have a lot to earn, a lot to prove. I’ll say that every day."

Welcome to Michael Fasusi, flip to A$M at the last second day!

I have a Parkview parking spot available for the season. $100

Thanks

When does OU plan on renovating the stadium? I really hope something is done on the North endzone, it looks plain. I wouldn't mind another upper-deck to increase seating capacity.

BD or PT how close to the first game would you say a depth chart would be released? I mean we are all fairly certain the starters but more intrigued with the 2 deeps at each position and to see where some of the freshmen that have been tearing it up in fall camp land.

I have been going to OU football games for years. But typically I usually get to the game an hour before kickoff. I’m bringing my family to the Temple game this year and I’m curious what everybody does before the game? Tailgates, etc.. thanks

So i went through the last 3 years of Lincolns recruiting classes (minus transfers) and BVs (minus transfers) and here is what i got. Using 24/7 recruiting site as a reference.

LR 2019- Hit on 4/24
LR 2020 - Hit on 4/24
LR 2021 - Hit on 5/16

BV 2022 - Hit on 14/22
BV 2023 - Hit on 15/25 (still time for these kids to hit)
BV2024 - Hit on 12/24 immediately it looks like

This coaching regime is so much better as a whole at finding the gems/getting the kids that match their vision for a team.

A friend and I just did an exercise, reasonable worse case records for SEC teams.

The only team we had over .500 was Georgia.

Losses to Clemson, Bama, Texas, and Ole Miss

They split Auburn and Tennessee with them both being in Athens. We both thought if they were road games they could lose both.

7-5

Hey brandon or Parker, was just wondering why so many other recruiting services are so low on Robinson? Is it just that they haven’t updated or is the industry pretty subjective? Just curious. Appreciate you guys

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Michael Thompson: He was a talented freshman DB for the '00 National Champs. He was injured in a car wreck and never the same. That defense was special and he was a key member.

Marcus Dupree: Don't know if I will ever be over this one. Most talented player I think I've ever seen. Nagging injuries due to being out of shape and poor/evil mentorship/representation from "Rev" Ken Fairley ended his career before it got started. Blew out his knee in the USFL and th a 6 year lay off from football, yet was still able to try out and make the NFL Rams football team was beyond amazing. No telling what he would have accomplished if he had the dedication and discipline of AD. I still feel cheated by what we didn't get to see from him. ESPN 30 for 30 "The Best that Never Was" is a must see!

Adrian Peterson: Yes, he set some records during his time at OU and had a phenomenal NFL career. But he was only healthy his freshman season and even banged up then. High ankle sprain to broken collar bone. Just not fair. He could have owned the NCAA career rushing record if he stayed healthy.

Mike Gaddis: Some said he was the second coming of Billy Sims. The hype seemed warranted during his freshman season. However, he blew out his knee against texas and he just was never the same. To add insult to injury, he hurt his knee while running wide open for what would have been a TD and just went down with the knee. The TD or him finishing the game and OU wins that one. He still had a solid career rushing for over 1,000 yds his senior season but he never reached the title of "Greatness" that he was definitely on track to achieve.

Billy Sims: Yes, he was only the 6th junior to win the Heisman Trophy at that time and over 1,700 & 1,600 yrds rushing respectively his final two seasons. But for all he accomplished, he left a lot in the tank. He was banged up much of the first half of his career. And he was taken out early a lot of the games his senior season because he was banged up that season, as well. Still he came in 2nd in the Heisman voting and was clearly the best back in the nation as was proven when he was the #1 overall NFL draft pick.

Spencer Tillman & Earl Johnson: They took over toting the rock after Marcus Dupree left the team in 1983. A lot of people don't know but Dupree caused some good RB's to leave OU due to him just being a freshman and appearing to be a 2-3 time future Heisman winner. Tillman and Johnson truly epitomized the phrase, "next man up," and both ended their frosh seasons with 1,000 yds rushing. They were the first freshman RB's to eclipse 1,000 yds as freshmen. They both battled injuries the remainder of their career. Tillman still went on to have a long career in the NFL mostly on special teams.

Buster Rhymes: Got in trouble, kicked off the team. Worked his way back on the team after being gone a year. Then played WR and returned kicks and was a highlight play waiting to happen. Had a pretty good NFL career but he ran for over 600 yds his freshman season and his future seemed bright.

Jamelle Holieway: Fantastic freshman season and a National Championship. His ACL injury in 1987 against the cowpokes (along with starting FB Lydell Carr) probably cost OU the NC that season. He came back the following season but was never the same.

Charles Thompson: I went to the Red-White game in 1987. I remember everyone there being blown away when an unknown freshman QB ran wild on the best defense in the nation that spring. Charles was another Eric Mitchell waiting for his turn. It came against #1 Nebraska in the annual bash for the Big 8 Championship and deemed game of the Century II with OU ranked #2. CT didn't disappoint and the Sooners beat the huskers 17- 7. He was known for wearing a headband around his neck with "Hanta Yo" written on it meaning "Clear the Way" in Sioux. Unfortunately, the way was blocked by the judicial system when he was arrested for narcotics trafficking and missed his final two years with the Sooners. This also was considered one of the final nails in the coffin for Barry. I would bet CT was close to a 4.3 forty guy.

Troy Aikman: Forced into the starting QB position against the jayhawks his freshman season and 1 week shy of his 18th birthday, Aikman was welcomed to college football in the harshest way. Starting QB, Danny Bradley was injured the previous week and backup Mike Clopton had just been ruled ineligible. Troy was 2 of 18 passing for 8 yards and two int's, one being returned for a TD and ku pulled the upset. In 1985, Aikman was running the option and slinging the rock and looking like a future All Pro in the NFL. Against miami, Troy was running and throwing all over the place and only a few penalties had kept the Sooners from running away with it. Then Troy went down with a broken leg, OU lost to the hurricanes and Holieway took over and lead the Sooners to Switzer's 3rd National Championship. Barry wanting to help Aikman with his career, called several schools with high powered passing offenses. Only Terry Donahue and the ucla bruins were interested and the rest is history. All turned out well for the Sooners and Aikman but it makes you wonder what would have been.

Eric Mitchell: Was a backup to Jamelle Holieway and a fan favorite. Fans would go crazy when he entered the game because he was so electrifying. I remember OU beating texas really bad. Eric came in and scored a TD that was called back. The following play, long TD again. He was a true 4.3 guy, maybe faster. He was finally moved to RB to try to utilize his talents. He was drafted in the 6th round in the NFL but his career quickly ended due to an injury. I think there was some controversy over why he didn't get more playing time. I wish the University would put together a highlight reel for his career.

Feel free to add to the list. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

New Podcast Episode previewing the backers with @dmackey13

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Here's a snapshot of Venables' media availability today, which included a surprising pick as his most consistent CB in camp so far.