I'm not saying I'm convinced the answer is yes or no yet, but IMO we're paying for two-to-three years of BAD recruiting on the defensive side of the ball. The only real guys contributing from the 2011-2012 class are Striker, Tapper, and Sanchez. Three veterans.
2011 Class (YIKES)
Jordan Phillips
Jordan Wade
Frank Shannon
PL Lindley
2012 Class (Quailty, no depth)
Eric Striker
Charles Tapper
Zack Sanchez
2013 Class (Many quality contributors)
Hatari Byrd
Matt Dimon
Dom Alexander
Ogbo Okoronkwo
Charles Walker
Jordan Evans
Matt Romar
2014 Class (Excellent talent with high ceilings)
Steven Parker
Jordan Thomas
Devante Bond
In 2015, 7 of our 8 top rated recruits were DEFENSIVE recruits (first time we've gotten anywhere near that figure in the past decade with a top 15 class. Some already contributing, but true freshmen in DeBerry, Sunderland, Gallimore, McGinnis, Mbanasor, and Overton with no, or limited, time, but still with high expectations moving forward. Can't forget Haughton, either.
2016, highest rated commitments are defensive players and we have three 5* linebackers visiting Norman from across the country. It's been a while since we were seriously competing for defensive players at that level.
All this to say, 2011-2012 defensive recruiting was a bust. Since Mike returned that's changed. We're finally getting that talented depth that we had in the 2000's. Will he produce a great defense in the next year or two? I don't know, but I at least see some progress.
2011 Class (YIKES)
Jordan Phillips
Jordan Wade
Frank Shannon
PL Lindley
2012 Class (Quailty, no depth)
Eric Striker
Charles Tapper
Zack Sanchez
2013 Class (Many quality contributors)
Hatari Byrd
Matt Dimon
Dom Alexander
Ogbo Okoronkwo
Charles Walker
Jordan Evans
Matt Romar
2014 Class (Excellent talent with high ceilings)
Steven Parker
Jordan Thomas
Devante Bond
In 2015, 7 of our 8 top rated recruits were DEFENSIVE recruits (first time we've gotten anywhere near that figure in the past decade with a top 15 class. Some already contributing, but true freshmen in DeBerry, Sunderland, Gallimore, McGinnis, Mbanasor, and Overton with no, or limited, time, but still with high expectations moving forward. Can't forget Haughton, either.
2016, highest rated commitments are defensive players and we have three 5* linebackers visiting Norman from across the country. It's been a while since we were seriously competing for defensive players at that level.
All this to say, 2011-2012 defensive recruiting was a bust. Since Mike returned that's changed. We're finally getting that talented depth that we had in the 2000's. Will he produce a great defense in the next year or two? I don't know, but I at least see some progress.
