Saw it on another site. Any scrimmage notes if there was a scrimmage.

Not a fan of Friday night games--to me Friday night are for High School football!!
I hear the SEC love the move as it will showcase their new prized school OU. I havent looked at the Friday Night schedule but am told OU is the biggest/most popular team playing that night and the SEC love's that!!

I'm stoked!

Notes, takeaways from OU's 8-0 win over BYU:

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Finally caught up with Seaonta Stewart earlier tonight. The Sooners made a really good impression with him over the weekend, so much so that he got an official visit on the books before heading back home to Ohio. He preferred not to be quoted, but had some really poignant comments about the Oklahoma experience, and there is an enormous amount of mutual interest between him and the Sooner staff.

He, Trystan Haynes, Cobey Sellers and Courtland Guillory will all OV at the ChampU BBQ. Two spots left; pick your poison. My money right now is on either Sellers and Stewart, or Sellers and Guillory. We'll keep tabs on everything to see how this situation evolves over the next few weeks.

Here are some notes on what we have heard this week about practice and yesterday's scrimmage. Apologize for the delay, as I was chaperoning my 2nd grade son's trip to the Science Museum today:

*** This was the first time that the offense 'beat' the defense this spring, according multiple sources. What was interesting is that they had Jake Sexton starting at one of the guard spots because Heath Ozaeta and Daniel Akinkunmi were out.

Some think Akinkunmi may even continue to be held out with a some lower leg injuries that just need time to heal up. According to a source, "I don't think it's real serious, but it's injuries that can nag and hang around longer than expected."

*** Back to Sexton at offensive guard... I have heard that he was "dominant" and "had himself a day" at offensive guard. Sexton's day led to the offensive line having "its best day this spring." Now, how relative that is to "best day" and 'being good' are two different things. Still, good steps are good steps and if Jackson Arnold and Michael Hawkins have more time than have had at times this spring, that genuinely is better, right?

Another source said that Sexton "just out-muscled the defensive tackles. You forget how strong that dude is until you see him pancaking a few D-Linemen."

One particular play that stood out was a Jackson Arnold scramble that ended in a 40-yard touchdown. That play was one where "a few OL were downfield and made some big key blocks to spur that run."


*** Don't be shocked if Sexton plays OG for a bit through spring, but that WON'T BE where he plays come August, pers sources. I have been told by many that Sexton is viewed as the "next in line to be a potential first-round pick" and that scouts have eyed the big-time OT already as one they have high hopes for in 2024 (rhyming and all).

*** Center Joshua Bates continues to be 'up and down' some, but I was told that he looked "better" in the scrimmage and sources I speak with are taking that and using it as a positive.

*** Now, speaking of Jackson Arnold, he had some really nice plays this week and in the scrimmage. He also threw two picks. Though, I will add that the one to Peyton Bowen "would have been a sack and the ball would have never been thrown," per two separate sources. So. most chalk that one up as whatever.

HOWEVER, the other interception was on Arnold, per sources. That pick was made by a rising cornerback that has turned many people's heads this spring.

Sophomore cornerback Jacobe Johnson continues to have a big spring and he made "one helluva play and took it for six," per a source. Now, it was the last play of the scrimmage, but it was noteworthy for sure.

The same source above also added that Johnson played really well throughout spring -- and has seen some time with the ones because of it -- but they added that he has been getting better and better with each practice. Another source went on and added, "You see him understanding and gaining more and more confidence. That's scary because he might have the biggest upside at the position with his size and length. He is a 4.4/4.5 type of corner at 6-3 and over 200lbs. If he can be consistent, he will help (OU) this year-- A LOT."

*** On the good side of things for QB Jackson Arnold, a few sources said he made mistakes, but everyone of them added this phrase almost word-for-word regarding Arnolds progression. For simplistic purposes I will use one of the sources quotes here with them saying, "That scrimmage was the most control he has shown over the offense and the most decisiveness we have seen from him despite the two mistakes. Arnold was driving the ball down the field and looked comfortable in doing so."

Each said there is a correlation in the decision making by Arnold and the OL play being a bit better, but that stating the obvious. Regardless, both (OL and QB) are good things to hear. Especially with all the negativity we have heard and reported on OL play this spring. Any positives are welcome, I am sure for OU fans.

*** Here's a broad statement about the defense from someone that has seen them in action several times this spring. That statement was positive in the fact the defense does look the part so far. Remember, there are some that believe the OL struggles could also be contingent on the fact the DL may be really good this season. Ultimately, we won't know for sure until the fall and real games are being played when it matters.

That said, the source propped up what new DC Zac Alley has done, and said, "You see the togetherness and cohesiveness of the defense this spring. It's noticeable in almost every facet for them," the source said. "You can see that they mesh with Coach Alley because he is a lot like Coach [Brent] Venables.

"The thing that really stands out is how they fly around to make plays. They understand that defense in year three and they are aggressive and physical. Mistakes happen, but they fly around regardless and that's what you want to see."

The source finished off talking about the Sooners' defense so far this spring, and said, "The defense looks different and you saw that at times last year. If they can play that way more often than not, they could be a top five defense in the SEC and maybe better. That's not hyperbole."

Again, that is just their opinion (and it came from someone that tells it like it is and usually won't sugarcoat the good or bad), but it's an opinion we have heard by most that have seen the defense. Those same sources also say that it's all on how well the DL meshes (much like the OL on offense) in how much better this defense is than last year. Talent is far and away different and more experienced, but still needs to happen on the field. And as one source put it, adding, "This DL is young, It's the most talent they have had in a long time at that position, but it's also not nearly a finished product. So much molding and coaching to be done. You see the mistakes that happen, but you also see the flashes and know that sometime soon they are gonna be really good or maybe even be really special down the line. Hard to say if that is in 2024, though."


*** On another not so good news side, the WR unit was missing three big pieces in the scrimmage with Jalil Farooq, Nic Anderson, and Brenan Thompson all banged up.

On the good news side, we once again hear more and more rave reviews for WR Jayden Gibson. One source said that JG was "fast becoming Jackson Arnold's favorite target." Obviously, that's one person's opinion, but it was worth noting, nonetheless.

*** WR Deion Burks was another (who is surprised?) bright spot. He had a few other big plays as well.


*** Sounded like Jovantae Barnes and Gavin Sawchuk were limited due to coaches decisions, as most people Parker and I have spoken to noted that Sam Franklin and Kalib Hicks got a lot of carries yesterday. That said, both Sawchuk and Barnes remain the two guys I have heard the most about this spring, along with Hicks.

*** I will see if we can acquire more information over the next 24hrs and update more to you all, but

From one month ago⬇️

Though some of you might be interested in some Sooner Softball stats.

4 Players with double digit HR's and 3 others sitting at 7 HR's.
4 of those seven and another player have at least as many HR's as Strike Outs

On YouTube if you’re streaming there is very interesting content regarding spring activity, scheduling and new acquisitions to the roster. BOOMER !

After watching the spring game for them, this is a very winnable game for us. The atmosphere will be tough and their defense is solid but offensively outside of Cam Coleman I’m not seeing it. As long we protect the ball we’ll be fine

Game is underway at Love's Field (ESPN+).

OU's lineup:

Jayda Coleman
Tiare Jennings
Alyssa Brito
Ella Parker
Kinzie Hansen
Kasidi Pickering
Cydney Sanders
Alynah Torres
Rylie Boone

#1 IOL last class and is leaving USC. Saw that he had an official at OU before committing to TBOW. I don’t remember hearing anything about him relating to OU. What are the chances here?

*** Was good to see 2025 five-star OL Michael Fasusi in-person again this weekend. Was good to see and catch up with him again.

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Here is what I have gathered via him and sources so far:

1. Fasusi is what I would call a Texas lean, but I doubt he’d publicly admit it. I know that’s not how you want me to start this, but I’m being honest in what I have heard from sources around the industry and around Fasusi up to this point.

He will be back in Austin on April 9th. Ironically, that is his father’s bday and as Fasusi put it to me, “It should be a fun day.” He said it in a tone that showed his affinity towards the Horns.

Texas will also get his last official visit, so if I’m UT I feel fairly good about where things are trending at this time. Now, that’s not to say OU won’t be a problem because they, too, have a decent shot with Fasusi and I would actually say they are the team nipping at the Horns heels the most, with a fair shot at overtaking them, but it is going take a ton of work to do so.

Let me know explain…

2. Fasusi talked about OU and Texas the most in my off-camera and on-camera talks with him. The five-star stated that OU is “still up there with me in my recruitment,” and added, “I’ll be up on an unofficial April 25th and my official will be June 13th.”

The five-star also spoke about his relationship with the OU staff, saying, “My man Coach B (Bill Bedenbaugh) and Coach V (Brent Venables). Those are my dudes. They have really set that primary relationship with me. We talk about anything every time (we talk). We just talk about fun things, but at the same time, football is in it. That’s my dudes for sure.”

3. So why do I feel that OU is still in it? First, I’d say that OU very much going to try and get Fasusi back on campus after his official visit. Their best shot will be at the Party in the Palace in late July.

Why is that important? Because Fasusi wants to decide in or right before the month of August. He says he is growing weary of the process and has his phone in ‘do not disturb’ a lot of the time. So if the Sooners can get Fasusi back on campus for the PnP, their odds go up substantially IF they are also in the ballpark with NIL.

Secondly, relationships still matter. I know NIL trumps most things these days, but his close friend is on OU’s roster, in Jaydan Hardy, and Fasusi is tight with several other DFW Sooners players.

Lastly, I’ve said it time and again. How OU treated the DL in 2024 is how they should — and likely will — treat the OL in 2025. They are gonna play the NIL game and compete with the best of them until the end because they have to do it.

This 2025 OL class is very much like the 2024 DL. It’s elite. The depth and talent in this region — at that particular position — doesn’t come around like this every year. OU has to land at least one of the top 100 guys — and that includes the five stars they are after.

Even though we know the stakes at hand, it won’t be easy for the Bill Bedenbaugh and the Sooners. Texas, Texas A&M and Mizzou (yep, Fasusi will be unofficially visiting there TODAY) have made this much more difficult than most envisioned early on. Even so, the Sooners are in it with Fasusi. They are also in it with Lamont Rogers (who was on campus yesterday, so I’ll talk with him in the next day or so on how the visit went), and they will stay in it with five-star Ty Haywood. They know they have to close the deal on one of those guys.

4. This spring will be fun to watch all of this play out. It will be busy for the Lewisville (TX) OL, with not just OU, TX and Mizzou unofficials upcoming, but also, Fasusi will be at A&M on March 30 and take an official with the Aggies on June 2nd.

5. I’ll be back down to see Fasusi in the next month, so I’ll get more from him on where things stand then. That said, the Sooners are in it. Just not where OU fans want them to be at this time. In my opinion, they trail the Horns. But it’s far from over. Just have to play the NIL game and let the rest fall into place. If OU strikes with him, they will need to close on a few other big-name targets, and luckily, there are plenty of those in 2025 so we will see how it plays out.

One thing you can be certain of is that no matter who BB gets, one or two of them will become really good players and be in the NFL down the line. the question is going to be who he lands and who that one or two OL that he develops will be in 2025?

“Bob Kalsu was the best player we had,” Switzer said.

Del City honors Bob Kalsu, late Vietnam War hero & OU football star, with statue unveiling
by Joe Mussatto, The Oklahoman
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/ot...otball-star-with-statue-unveiling/ar-BB1kN7Qy

******** See Link for full article and Photos

DEL CITY — The Del City High School football team will start a new tradition next season. Before every home game, the Eagles will gather around a statue in front of their stadium. A statue, which was unveiled Friday, of Del City alum Bob Kalsu. Coach Robert Jones said he wants his team to embody the characteristics of Kalsu. “The commitment, the discipline, the effort and the pride,” Jones said. “The toughness that he showed as a man.”

Bob Kalsu, like the statue depicting him, was larger than life. To his family and friends, his coaches and teammates and the Army brothers he fought alongside in Vietnam, where Kalsu was killed in action. Kalsu, a former Sooner offensive lineman who starred as a rookie for the Buffalo Bills, was the only active NFL player to die in the Vietnam War.

Hundreds who knew Kalsu, knew someone close to him or simply knew of his courage packed a plaza Friday in front of the Del City High School football stadium that bears Kalsu’s name. They gathered for the unveiling of a statue — of a grinning Kalsu in his No. 77 jersey — but more so, to share stories. To laugh and to cry.

Bob Kalsu’s widow, Jan, spoke last. She was accompanied by her and Bob’s son, Bob Jr., and their daughter, Jill — neither of whom were old enough to remember their father, gone at the age of 25. More than 60 Kalsu family members were in attendance.

Retired Navy captain John Keilty, who leads Del City’s Jr. Naval ROTC, emceed and helped organize the event. Steve Coleman, a former Del City teammate of Kalsu’s, was among the speakers. As was Barry Switzer, Kalsu’s offensive line coach at OU before Switzer became head coach.

“Bob Kalsu was the best player we had,” Switzer said. Kalsu was a football star who could’ve gotten a deferment from fighting in Vietnam had he sought one. “He didn’t have to go,” Switzer said, “but he did.”

Coleman and Switzer knew Kalsu as a teammate and player, a friend on the football field. Mike Renner knew Kalsu as his buddy in battle.

Renner, who traveled to the ceremony from his home in Iowa, left the crowd with nary a dry eye as he told of the Bob Kalsu he knew. “I’ve never seen an officer so caring about his men and so unselfish as he was,” Renner said of Lt. Kalsu. Renner remembers having to carry rounds of ammo up a hill. Each round was 97 pounds, and Kalsu could carry three at a time.

“I appreciate why the Buffalo Bills drafted him,” Renner said, drawing laughs.

On July 1, 1970, Kalsu and Co. endured heavy enemy artillery fire at Firebase Ripcord in the A Shau Valley. “He continued to lead his team,” Renner said.

Kalsu always led his team. When Kalsu was killed, Renner asked his sergeant first class what they were going to do with Kalsu gone. “I just don’t know, Renner,” he was told. “I just don’t know.”

More than 50 years after Kalsu’s death, Renner has never forgotten the impression Kalsu left on him and so many others. Renner closed his remarks by addressing Kalsu’s children, Jill and Bob Jr., who have children of their own now. “Jill and Bobby,” Renner said. “You have your dad’s smile. Don’t ever lose it.”

The same smile emblazoned on the statue, never to be forgotten.

have anybody left on the team? is it 4 or 5 guys already gone to the portal?

After sourced conversations on scrimmages and nearly four hours of practice viewing time last week, I’m giving OUInsider subscribers a thorough position-by-position breakdown of the Sooners’ defense.

Here's a scouting outlook on what Oklahoma is getting in 2025 four-star DL Trent Wilson.

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Could use this kid in the RB room

I know Dereon Coleman is expected to be the guy in 26 but this is my favorite QB prospect in that class. Login to view embedded media

Once again poor pitching in a series man for being a pitching guru it sure seems OU struggles year after year other than the runner up year

I saw that he is expected to hit the portal, I wonder if the coaches kicks the tires on him.

I'm not saying they should just a question.