*** I am not sure if this will change or not, but don't expect Taylor Tatum at the Party in the Palace this weekend with some baseball and a few other things stopping the new Sooners commit from attending.
This doesn't mean anything in the long run with Tatum, and there is still a small chance Tatum could make the PATP, but right now he is not expected to attend.
*** That said, we first reported last week that 2024 four-star DB Eli Bowen is attending the PATP, but with him being still in limbo, I went and spoke to a source or two close to the situation over the last few days. What I have been told is that this is now an OU/Texas battle (which we all knew already) and that there is some talking over the recruitment that his inner circle and him will be doing over the next few weeks.
Mid note side bar: The A&M talk isn’t much, according to sources I spoke with around College Station that are very in tuned into the CB recruiting for them. As a matter of fact, the source told OUinsider, “He hasn’t been to CS or even really given (A&M) a hard look in a long while. Months actually.”
So, I am not sure where the last few people I spoke with and others that have been following A&M got the idea that they had some close relationships with Bowen. Unless this source is pulling my leg, and I don’t think they are at all, the Aggies haven’t been, and likely won’t be much in the picture, UNLESS they make a late run. Which is also something A&M CB coach TJ Rushing has been known to do over the years, so we will always watch that and keep our ear to the ground. BUT, it’s not expected at this time.
Back to original note:
A source close to the Bowen situation told OUinsider, "Ideally, for the family, this ends up at OU with it being logistically easier on them in the end," a source said. "Though Eli is really considering Texas as well. He likes that staff, and they have done a good job recruiting him and building that relationship."
I think the biggest question here is where his older brother, and Sooners' safety, Peyton Bowen, stands on the situation. A source I spoke with told me, "Peyton seems happy at OU. Really seems like he's enjoying his time in Norman and has started to work his way into some potential playing time. If he does end up playing a lot, it would just be hard to see Eli anywhere other than OU, but it has to be on Eli’s own terms, as far as a decision goes."
Another source also told OUinsider, "Whoever gets Eli will be getting a player that will play early and often," the source said. "He may have some of the best ball skills I have seen, but what separates him is his mental makeup and ability to process and understand the game on another level."
Ironically, we have heard Brent Venables and Brandon Hall say very similar things about Peyton Bowen since his arrival in Norman. So, that begs the question of them playing together and how important that may be for them. That same source said that the Bowen bros most definitely want to, but if they don't, it won't be the end-all there, adding, "OU has done a great job with Eli, and I think this weekend will loom large for him moving forward, but there is no real set timeline just yet. That's something that will be discussed soon with everyone that he trusts in his family and in the Guyer coaching staff."
My Take: I still like OU here and will until I hear otherwise. Heck, even then, it might not be easy for me to grasp if it doesn't work in the Sooners' favor. That said, the Bowen family has unfortunately been through a lot over the last twelve months. This decision for the four-star DB is crumbs in comparison to all of that, so I think that is why you have seen a much different approach than that of what we all saw with Peyton Bowen and his recruitment. Not to mention, the two are pillar opposites in personality.
I also am in the same line of thinking as the source that spoke about family logistics above. It’s going to be much easier for the family to get to Norman — to see both play — than it would be Norman and Austin.
Still, this is Eli’s decision and that is how everyone around Bowen is approaching it. And with the four-star Denton (TX) Guyer DB visiting OU for the PATP this weekend, there is some hope in Norman that the event and Bowen’s time with his friends and family there, makes a large enough impact that a decision is made in the near future.
Again, I still am banking on the Sooners being the pick, with Coach Hall and Jay Valai putting in a ton of work there. But Texas has made this more than a little interesting. I just feel there is too much to overcome for the Horns and that is that why I still like my pick I have in for OU.
If we hear anything different, I will update you all expediently.
*** I have been speaking to some sources about 2024 ATH Joshua Lair and where OU stands.
From the sources I have talked with, it does sound like things are being worked out for Lair to be in Norman for the Party at the Palace this weekend. It’s just not completely finalized on if he will make it in or not.
Oklahoma likes him at safety and Sooners safety coach Brandon Hall has been working diligently to keep Lair’s interest in the Sooners high. The problem is that is that the longer things drag out with OU four-star safety target Michael Boganowksi, the more it becomes a necessity for Hall and the Sooners to start going all-in on Lair and a few others.
In speaking to some with knowledge of that situation, Coach Hall and Brent Venables would like to make sure they can land a second safety in the 2024 class four-star commit Jaydan Hardy.
Now, it’s not the end all, and I believe the Sooners could go poach a decent safety out of the transfer portal. That said, Boganowski seems at the top of the Sooners’ wish list and has been from the start. After Bogo’s visit to the PATP, and if Lair shows up and OU seemingly moves the needle with him, there might be some things that the Sooners staff may want to dive into a bit more with Fort Bend Marshall ATH.
So, I guess the question here is where do things stand with Boganowski and the Sooners, right? At this time, I still like Oklahoma but it’s by the slimmest of margins. My thinking is if K-State was the obvious pick, or even KU, it just feels like the pick would have been made already. Those two are the easiest picks. KSU is 15 minutes from his Junction City (KS) home and KU Is down the road a few hours and the flagship in-state school. It just seems that if Boganowski was going to pick either of them, this would have been done by now.
Still, the four-star safety is set to visit all three this week and then sit down and make a decision — some time after he is done — with his family. The good news is that OU gets the last crack at hosting Boganowski on a visit before fall camp and the next dead period kicks off. For that reason, along with OU moving into the SEC, and it being a good fit for the four-star DB, I am sticking with my pick of the Sooners for now. If we hear any KSU or KU buzz, we will update you all. And that should be following the PATP, so stay tuned there.
*** Quick note on 2024 four-star DE Zina Umeozulu.
We can confirm he is coming to the PATP. This was big because it was down to OU and A&M, and at least so far, Zu has chosen to visit the Sooners.
*** Speaking of visitors that could surprise some for the PATP, Rivals250 DE CJ Jackson is slated to be in Norman this weekend. Jackson committed to Georgia Tech back in June, so this visit is interesting to say the least.
However, in speaking with a few sources, there is some confidence on the Sooners’ side of things and this will be Jackson’s second time to Norman after he visited for the OU Spring Game back in April. Enough that Oklahoma feels they can “shake a few trees” in Jackson’s recruitment, at the PATP.
All that said, it’s always harder to flip a recruit, and with him being from Georgia, it’ll be interesting to see if the visit actually takes place.
Added note as I typed this update: As I type this, a source informed me that things may not happen with CJ Jackson. As a matter of fact, it’s not looking good at all, and a source told OUinsider that he is in a good spot with his commitment with GT. They also added that OU has some big-name DE’s on campus this week that the Sooners feel good about in five-star Williams Nwaneri, four-star Zina Umeozulu and four-star Danny Okoye.
That shows you how quick it this stuff changes.
Typed in real-time, and we will let you know later this week if the visit doesn’t happen. I just wanted you to know where things seem to be trending right now and I’m leaning toward the visit not taking place as I finish this note.
*** Lastly, we know OU is hosting elite Rivals 100 2025 four-star safety Jonah Williams this week for Sooners Under the Stars.
Well, add 2025 Rivals150 Desoto (TX) four-star safety Sael Reyes to the list as well.
The elite safety will join 2025 four-star RB Deondre Riden in Norman this week.
Sooners safety coach Brandon Hall has been recruiting Reyes for quite some time and built a solid relationship. Could 2025 be the year OU cracks the Desoto barrier with the help from WR coach Emmitt Jones?
The SUTS event will be the start of that is to happen.
This doesn't mean anything in the long run with Tatum, and there is still a small chance Tatum could make the PATP, but right now he is not expected to attend.
*** That said, we first reported last week that 2024 four-star DB Eli Bowen is attending the PATP, but with him being still in limbo, I went and spoke to a source or two close to the situation over the last few days. What I have been told is that this is now an OU/Texas battle (which we all knew already) and that there is some talking over the recruitment that his inner circle and him will be doing over the next few weeks.
Mid note side bar: The A&M talk isn’t much, according to sources I spoke with around College Station that are very in tuned into the CB recruiting for them. As a matter of fact, the source told OUinsider, “He hasn’t been to CS or even really given (A&M) a hard look in a long while. Months actually.”
So, I am not sure where the last few people I spoke with and others that have been following A&M got the idea that they had some close relationships with Bowen. Unless this source is pulling my leg, and I don’t think they are at all, the Aggies haven’t been, and likely won’t be much in the picture, UNLESS they make a late run. Which is also something A&M CB coach TJ Rushing has been known to do over the years, so we will always watch that and keep our ear to the ground. BUT, it’s not expected at this time.
Back to original note:
A source close to the Bowen situation told OUinsider, "Ideally, for the family, this ends up at OU with it being logistically easier on them in the end," a source said. "Though Eli is really considering Texas as well. He likes that staff, and they have done a good job recruiting him and building that relationship."
I think the biggest question here is where his older brother, and Sooners' safety, Peyton Bowen, stands on the situation. A source I spoke with told me, "Peyton seems happy at OU. Really seems like he's enjoying his time in Norman and has started to work his way into some potential playing time. If he does end up playing a lot, it would just be hard to see Eli anywhere other than OU, but it has to be on Eli’s own terms, as far as a decision goes."
Another source also told OUinsider, "Whoever gets Eli will be getting a player that will play early and often," the source said. "He may have some of the best ball skills I have seen, but what separates him is his mental makeup and ability to process and understand the game on another level."
Ironically, we have heard Brent Venables and Brandon Hall say very similar things about Peyton Bowen since his arrival in Norman. So, that begs the question of them playing together and how important that may be for them. That same source said that the Bowen bros most definitely want to, but if they don't, it won't be the end-all there, adding, "OU has done a great job with Eli, and I think this weekend will loom large for him moving forward, but there is no real set timeline just yet. That's something that will be discussed soon with everyone that he trusts in his family and in the Guyer coaching staff."
My Take: I still like OU here and will until I hear otherwise. Heck, even then, it might not be easy for me to grasp if it doesn't work in the Sooners' favor. That said, the Bowen family has unfortunately been through a lot over the last twelve months. This decision for the four-star DB is crumbs in comparison to all of that, so I think that is why you have seen a much different approach than that of what we all saw with Peyton Bowen and his recruitment. Not to mention, the two are pillar opposites in personality.
I also am in the same line of thinking as the source that spoke about family logistics above. It’s going to be much easier for the family to get to Norman — to see both play — than it would be Norman and Austin.
Still, this is Eli’s decision and that is how everyone around Bowen is approaching it. And with the four-star Denton (TX) Guyer DB visiting OU for the PATP this weekend, there is some hope in Norman that the event and Bowen’s time with his friends and family there, makes a large enough impact that a decision is made in the near future.
Again, I still am banking on the Sooners being the pick, with Coach Hall and Jay Valai putting in a ton of work there. But Texas has made this more than a little interesting. I just feel there is too much to overcome for the Horns and that is that why I still like my pick I have in for OU.
If we hear anything different, I will update you all expediently.
*** I have been speaking to some sources about 2024 ATH Joshua Lair and where OU stands.
From the sources I have talked with, it does sound like things are being worked out for Lair to be in Norman for the Party at the Palace this weekend. It’s just not completely finalized on if he will make it in or not.
Oklahoma likes him at safety and Sooners safety coach Brandon Hall has been working diligently to keep Lair’s interest in the Sooners high. The problem is that is that the longer things drag out with OU four-star safety target Michael Boganowksi, the more it becomes a necessity for Hall and the Sooners to start going all-in on Lair and a few others.
In speaking to some with knowledge of that situation, Coach Hall and Brent Venables would like to make sure they can land a second safety in the 2024 class four-star commit Jaydan Hardy.
Now, it’s not the end all, and I believe the Sooners could go poach a decent safety out of the transfer portal. That said, Boganowski seems at the top of the Sooners’ wish list and has been from the start. After Bogo’s visit to the PATP, and if Lair shows up and OU seemingly moves the needle with him, there might be some things that the Sooners staff may want to dive into a bit more with Fort Bend Marshall ATH.
So, I guess the question here is where do things stand with Boganowski and the Sooners, right? At this time, I still like Oklahoma but it’s by the slimmest of margins. My thinking is if K-State was the obvious pick, or even KU, it just feels like the pick would have been made already. Those two are the easiest picks. KSU is 15 minutes from his Junction City (KS) home and KU Is down the road a few hours and the flagship in-state school. It just seems that if Boganowski was going to pick either of them, this would have been done by now.
Still, the four-star safety is set to visit all three this week and then sit down and make a decision — some time after he is done — with his family. The good news is that OU gets the last crack at hosting Boganowski on a visit before fall camp and the next dead period kicks off. For that reason, along with OU moving into the SEC, and it being a good fit for the four-star DB, I am sticking with my pick of the Sooners for now. If we hear any KSU or KU buzz, we will update you all. And that should be following the PATP, so stay tuned there.
*** Quick note on 2024 four-star DE Zina Umeozulu.
We can confirm he is coming to the PATP. This was big because it was down to OU and A&M, and at least so far, Zu has chosen to visit the Sooners.
*** Speaking of visitors that could surprise some for the PATP, Rivals250 DE CJ Jackson is slated to be in Norman this weekend. Jackson committed to Georgia Tech back in June, so this visit is interesting to say the least.
However, in speaking with a few sources, there is some confidence on the Sooners’ side of things and this will be Jackson’s second time to Norman after he visited for the OU Spring Game back in April. Enough that Oklahoma feels they can “shake a few trees” in Jackson’s recruitment, at the PATP.
All that said, it’s always harder to flip a recruit, and with him being from Georgia, it’ll be interesting to see if the visit actually takes place.
Added note as I typed this update: As I type this, a source informed me that things may not happen with CJ Jackson. As a matter of fact, it’s not looking good at all, and a source told OUinsider that he is in a good spot with his commitment with GT. They also added that OU has some big-name DE’s on campus this week that the Sooners feel good about in five-star Williams Nwaneri, four-star Zina Umeozulu and four-star Danny Okoye.
That shows you how quick it this stuff changes.
Typed in real-time, and we will let you know later this week if the visit doesn’t happen. I just wanted you to know where things seem to be trending right now and I’m leaning toward the visit not taking place as I finish this note.
*** Lastly, we know OU is hosting elite Rivals 100 2025 four-star safety Jonah Williams this week for Sooners Under the Stars.
Well, add 2025 Rivals150 Desoto (TX) four-star safety Sael Reyes to the list as well.
The elite safety will join 2025 four-star RB Deondre Riden in Norman this week.
Sooners safety coach Brandon Hall has been recruiting Reyes for quite some time and built a solid relationship. Could 2025 be the year OU cracks the Desoto barrier with the help from WR coach Emmitt Jones?
The SUTS event will be the start of that is to happen.
