Alright guys, sick kiddo that kept me from getting this out earlier but I think it'll be worth the wait...
*First, the news from this morning has trumped where I planned to start and that is that Marcus Stripling (as I teased yesterday) is coming in for his official visit this weekend.
I had held back on reporting more than I've said because frankly Stripling has planned and canceled several times and it felt like it could be this situation returning again. There was definitely some talk that he might back out again but his tweet seems to put that possibility to bed.
And while that's big news, it's not the biggest news I've stumbled on this morning.
I've talked to a pair of sources who tell me that Stripling may be ready to fall into Oklahoma's lap as there is some very real conversation that Texas A&M has told Stripling they were going in different directions.
Now Alabama may still be a contender, though I think they are fading as well, but it sounds like Stripling could end up as a Sooner before too terribly long as I'm told they are absolutely still wanting the big Katy (Texas) Mayde Creek Rivals100 member.
As for those who might ask, why would A&M walk away?
Well A) I'm told they were ready to have an answer from someone and in that vein there was some talk that A&M gave him an ultimatum and he didn't jump on board. B) There is some talk that a few schools don't love his senior tape.
On point B I think there is something to be said for him maybe not being an ideal fit in a three-down front so with Oklahoma making a move (seemingly) to a four-down bunch...that could change the game considerably as to his fit.
**As I mentioned earlier this morning, Oklahoma is starting to get increasingly involved with Cerritos (Calif.) Cerittos C.C. three-star junior college running back Rhamondre Stevenson. At the time I wrote the Wednesday Notes there wasn't a lot of clarity on just how serious things were becoming.
In the time since I'm guessing an offer may not be too far off. And it's clear that the Sooners, more than ever, are set on the idea of taking a running back. I'm working to catch up with Stevenson to see just what type of chances the Sooners have should they get 'officially' involved.
But again just kind of a heads up that this thing is picking up.
***Scoop is going to have some more on this but I've had a chance to speak with a few sources on the idea that Finley Felix could be bringing offensive tackle recruiting to it's near conclusion.
I'm not of the belief that is the case anymore.
In fact I'm not sure even one tackle will fill Oklahoma's plans.
Why?
Well there is ever-growing talk that Oklahoma could lose both of it's offensive tackles, Bobby Evans and Cody Ford. It isn't a certainty, as it was with Orlando Brown last year, but both are picking up real steam in NFL circles and in the case of Evans his miles of film and impressive athletic ability make him hard to pass on. Meanwhile Ford has shown a guard/tackle versatility that NFL teams dream of.
So is Oklahoma looking at just Danielson Ike at the offensive tackle position? Or did Felix's commitment end Oklahoma's involvement with Myron Cunningham?
Nope.
*First, the news from this morning has trumped where I planned to start and that is that Marcus Stripling (as I teased yesterday) is coming in for his official visit this weekend.
I had held back on reporting more than I've said because frankly Stripling has planned and canceled several times and it felt like it could be this situation returning again. There was definitely some talk that he might back out again but his tweet seems to put that possibility to bed.
And while that's big news, it's not the biggest news I've stumbled on this morning.
I've talked to a pair of sources who tell me that Stripling may be ready to fall into Oklahoma's lap as there is some very real conversation that Texas A&M has told Stripling they were going in different directions.
Now Alabama may still be a contender, though I think they are fading as well, but it sounds like Stripling could end up as a Sooner before too terribly long as I'm told they are absolutely still wanting the big Katy (Texas) Mayde Creek Rivals100 member.
As for those who might ask, why would A&M walk away?
Well A) I'm told they were ready to have an answer from someone and in that vein there was some talk that A&M gave him an ultimatum and he didn't jump on board. B) There is some talk that a few schools don't love his senior tape.
On point B I think there is something to be said for him maybe not being an ideal fit in a three-down front so with Oklahoma making a move (seemingly) to a four-down bunch...that could change the game considerably as to his fit.
**As I mentioned earlier this morning, Oklahoma is starting to get increasingly involved with Cerritos (Calif.) Cerittos C.C. three-star junior college running back Rhamondre Stevenson. At the time I wrote the Wednesday Notes there wasn't a lot of clarity on just how serious things were becoming.
In the time since I'm guessing an offer may not be too far off. And it's clear that the Sooners, more than ever, are set on the idea of taking a running back. I'm working to catch up with Stevenson to see just what type of chances the Sooners have should they get 'officially' involved.
But again just kind of a heads up that this thing is picking up.
***Scoop is going to have some more on this but I've had a chance to speak with a few sources on the idea that Finley Felix could be bringing offensive tackle recruiting to it's near conclusion.
I'm not of the belief that is the case anymore.
In fact I'm not sure even one tackle will fill Oklahoma's plans.
Why?
Well there is ever-growing talk that Oklahoma could lose both of it's offensive tackles, Bobby Evans and Cody Ford. It isn't a certainty, as it was with Orlando Brown last year, but both are picking up real steam in NFL circles and in the case of Evans his miles of film and impressive athletic ability make him hard to pass on. Meanwhile Ford has shown a guard/tackle versatility that NFL teams dream of.
So is Oklahoma looking at just Danielson Ike at the offensive tackle position? Or did Felix's commitment end Oklahoma's involvement with Myron Cunningham?
Nope.
