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Football Branson Hickman embracing challenge of leading OU's new offensive line

"No one will say it’s going to be easy, but it helps going through summer together. Schmitty put us in a great position to work real hard and get together. We had guys host stuff on the weekends so that everyone could be around each other and not just hang out when you’re in the facility. That’s the biggest thing."

Recruiting Player Breakdown: Darius Afalava

Today we have a chance to scout Darius Afalava here on OUI.

Here are the key points that I took away from Afalava’s game:

➡️ Plays like a road-grading guard. Reminds of the guard play OU had back on those 2002-2005 teams where the Sooners would line up on the I, offset I, or 1-back, and get downhill on you in the run game.

➡️ Great at maintaining his balance and positioning out in space, stays in front of quick players and puts them in a vise the second he has the opportunity.

➡️ Upper-body ks really good, even though he doesn’t always trust it. He can tend to tackle players when he didn’t need to all because he isn’t the trusting the technique. However, the thickness in the top half of his body allows him to pack a nasty punch.

➡️ Has very good balance, nimble feet but can get stronger and more mobile in his lower-half which will come with time and patience in the process. Because he lacks a bit here, believe it is one of the reasons he can tend to get a bit high when he’s in pass-pro.

➡️ Absolutely love the attitude and recklessness he can tend to play with when he is getting downhill and I can see exactly why BB views him as a player who could have success in what Oklahoma is trying to do across the offensive line. However, depending on the type of jump he may make this season, I believe he is a player who needs two years in the program before being a contributing piece in the SEC.

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Anyone planning on attending the OU/Vols game?

I’ll admit the last couple of years I haven’t attended as many games as previous years. I guess the combination of the bad big 12 opponents and the stupid portal crap made me lose a little interest. However joining the SEC is pretty exciting and that will be our first conference game plus it’s in Norman? Plus Heupel back in town?

In-State BBall Player Jalen Montonati

@Brody Lusk I just read an article on 247 about this kid. So where do we stand on 4-star in-state Sooners target Jalen Montonati? He sounds like the real deal being Gatorade Player of the year in Oklahoma. I know his dad played for the Cowgirls so that may hinder the situation

Exceeding expectations

I fully expect the Sooners to exceed most everyone's expectations this year. With the exception of the wronghorns, and Tennessee their not even on anyone's radar yet. Their going to shock the nation this season.

Football Hickman, Williams finally OU teammates after fierce battles as foes

We finally got to talk to newcomers Damonic Williams and Branson Hickman, who talked about their battles against each other the last two seasons:

Recruiting Player Breakdown: CJ Nickson (Wow🤯)

Completely did not expect to feel how I felt after watching CJ Nickson this past weekend. Watched two full games of his as well as all of the highlight reels, along with some general feats of athleticism that have been posted. Taking all of this into account, I’ll say it.

He’s a top 25 player in my opinion.

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2024 Comprehensive and Transfer Rankings are final




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Recruiting DrummBeat: Sooners hosting multiple Rivals100 DL targets for Tennessee game? | Rivals100 DL making multiple trips to OU games? | Latest

*** We all are aware of the 2026 Rivals100 QB commit Jaden O'Neal returning to Norman for the Sooners' first SEC conference home game vs Tennessee in late September, but O'neal is far from the only elite 2026 target returning to Norman. Oklahoma hit a home run with multiple 2026 Rivals100 DL to the point they are set to return for a game soon. Which DL and where does OU stand? Latest below.

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