So we just not gonna address the whole DJ Hicks situation or did I miss that conversation somewhere?

@Bryan Clinton, @Blake Mullen and I give out letter grades for OU's 2023 season and discuss the underclassmen who impressed and disappointed.

Spoke briefly through text with Miami (OH) University transfer DE Caiden Woullard about his interest in the Sooners and when he will be visiting.

Woullard let me know earlier today that he will be visiting OU tomorrow (January 3rd). The interest is heavy with him and the Sooners, and with his 9.5 sacks last season, along with OU returning so many starters on defense, adding Woullard would be such a big addition as OU heads into the SEC. I’m told also Miguel Chavis has been aggressive in his pursuit of him and Nic Scourton (OU would take both). Scourton seems to be a difficult pull from hometown Gig’em, but he fits the hybrid DE/DT type that OU has used the last few years in Jalen Redmond and Rondell Bothroyd.

Parker will have more on Woullard’s recruitment, as he spoke to his father at length today. However, I think he will walk step-by-step with me in the thinking that OU is the likely team to beat here.

Just wanted that note up for you all. Hope you all had a great New Years and enjoyed the games last night!

I’ll be doing the YouTube live with Parker tomorrow and podcasting at some point this week, but I’m still on vacation. Will be in and out adding notes, and may still do the weekly chat, but things may linger as far as questions being answered this week as I spend a bit of down time with family.

Parker will also be in San Antonio covering the All-American Bowl and combine, as usual. It’s the first one I’ve missed since 2015, but it’s been much needed and I appreciate you alls patience with me.

Have a blessed day and thanks for being members!

ha Michigan guy is worse than Freeman and that’s saying something

This Bama OL is full of high 4*s and 5*s and they’re getting obliterated… The grass isn’t always greener. Unless it’s Sheronne Moore, then I’m ok with it.

I was a high schooler at Miami Killian High School. My dad (OU ROTC Graduate) was an Army Colonel commander of the Miami District Recruiting Command (Army Infantry, Korean War, several tours in Vietnam). He takes me to the game. I still see vividly, Billy Brooks high-stepping into the end zone right in front of us. I will recall our father-son-OU experience by the minute while I watch the upcoming NC game.

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Spoke to several folks today about the recruitment, including McKinley's father and brother. The overwhelming sense I'm getting is that although Oklahoma is undeniably pushing very hard, there's still a long way to go and there's no guarantee McKinley returns to Norman before making his decision. His father told me straight up that they're only going to take another visit to OU if Dominick himself has an express desire to do so. Tennessee and LSU remain the only two surefire destinations in the month of January for McKinley.

If I'm going with my gut, the longer this drags out, the more I think he sticks with A&M or stays home and plays for LSU. Unless Tennessee blows him away on the OV, I'm not really buying the Vols as a major contender based on the conversations I had today. Relationships matter to McKinley, but I sense that proximity to home is a pretty big deal for him as well. He's a very quiet kid and a tough nut to crack. That said, he has a very solid relationship with Texas defensive line coach Bo Davis, and I'm told Davis could very well end up taking the same job at LSU after the season. That would be a huge asset to the Tigers, and it would naturally strengthen their pitch to McKinley.

All in all, this is not a recruitment over which I would hold my breath for the next four weeks. OU's in play and that ought to be understood, but I don't think they lead and I don't think it's feasible that they could flip him absent another visit. Getting him back to campus will be a pre-requisite. So until that happens, don't get your expectations elevated.

BD or Parker, why does On3 have such a beef with OU recruits? Do you know the backstory?

Gatorade Player of the Year: OK - Andy Bass


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any offseason staff rumors?

So far he is getting constant pressure in the UA game. Fun to watch.

Saban did not waste time in asking for NIL assistance from fans.
“In this disappointment, we need to take action,” Aaron Suttles said in a social media post for Yea Alabama. “We need you to build Alabama’s NIL entity into the biggest in the country. Yea Alabama needs your support.

"Take that bitter disappointment you have and let’s move into using it for good for NIL."

Washington and Michigan both have significantly less 5 stars than Texas and Bama, and are playing in the National Championship. Michael Penix, who's the best QB in the playoff BY FAR, was a 3 star in HS.
Some of our most beloved players ever, like Baker and Sam, were both 3 stars.
Stars matter might be one of the stupidest takes in all of CFB.
5 stars need to stop being praised before they actually prove anything at the college level. The stars you had in HS don't matter once you step foot on campus.

Just a quick note after talking to a K-State source...

The rumors about Oklahoma offensive analyst Matt Wells are true, as he's emerged as the primary target to fill in as the QB coach in Manhattan. The thought is that he will serve as the co-OC there alongside Conor Riley, as you've seen reported elsewhere.

Details are still being ironed out, but it would be surprising if this isn't a done deal in the coming days. It's worth noting that the source says Wells would have the "51%" when it comes to play-calling duties, so definitely goes to show you the level of coach that BV has started to fill his analyst roles with.

Good player in portal. Transfer from Kansas. Originally from Texas. Has played guard and tackle. Was recruited by littrell to north Texas. This seems like a must get.
Parker/Brandon. Whatcha got??

Multiple People on Twitter keep saying that David Hicks will be in the portal before Wednesday deadline, what you think? @Brandon Drumm, just noise?

I can confirm, via sources (and their Twitter) that OU has hired former Tennessee offensive analyst Jack Lowary and former Texas A&M QB graduate assistant Ty Hatcher to help in the QB room.

Lowary knows the Sooners’ offense with Tennessee running the same offense as OU under Josh Heupel. And Hatcher is a fast-rising, young coach that I’m told a lot of people are excited about his addition inside the Switzer Center.

Obviously, both will work under co-OC and QB coach Seth Littrell.

There is potentially one more analyst spot, but it will hinge on if Matt Wells takes a job as a position, coordinator or head coach this off-season.

After a slow start to the year, the Oklahoma running back room finished on a high note. However, the group wasn't without its disappointments. Let's take a look at Demarco Murray's group in our 2023 season review. https://oklahoma.rivals.com/news/ou-2023-season-review-running-backs

Good news

Next years team will be a remnant of this years team. The fact that so many kids left the program already is a reality check for the future of college football in Oklahoma. Loyalty is good up until the point a better offer comes along. The fan base needs to get used to the use the idea the dudes in Crimson and Cream are independent free agents/hired guns. The highest bidders wins the day in the new college football landscape. Enjoy the ride one year at a time because every year will bring new defections along with desperate attempts to fill the holes left behind.

The potential is off the charts based on what we saw in the bowl game. Once he gets his timing with his receivers down such that he can make anticipation throws throwing before the receiver makes his cut, he will be deadly. He can then get the ball out in under 3 seconds. Defensively we return 9 starters. Receiver room is stacked. Sawchuck is a difference maker. The O line has experienced replacements from the portal. The incoming class is superb! I am excited for this upcoming season.

As we'd reported a while back, the PWO opportunity at OU was always going to be hard for Malaska (a native of the OKC area) to turn down. He's now committed. Story here.

easy call for him on our stock up report as the practice week wraps up for UA All-America

Seems like OU could use a LT. LSU fans say that he is talented but think he is transferring because he couldn’t make the starting rotation. So not sure if he is a cultural fit and if OU is willing to pay to land him. I wonder if they will at least kick the tires here. Big position of need.