More than Just Tatum on the Horizon for Sooners

Oklahoma’s class of 2024 currently sits at No. 15 in the country with 14 commitments, but what’s next for the Sooners? Obviously the big note of the week figures to be the announcement of the nation’s No. 1 running back Taylor Tatum. But what else is emerging in Oklahoma’s recruiting efforts?

What Can Sooners Expect from Tatum?

Oklahoma’s class of 2024 has been steadily picking up steam all summer long but on Friday could landed it’s highest-rated commitment to date. That pledge would come in the form of the nation’s No. 1 running back Taylor Tatum.

The Longview, Texas native is set to announce his decision at 11 a.m. (central) on Friday – a choice that has come down to the Sooners and USC.

What’s been interesting to follow has been the Sooners seeming to come from well behind in Tatum’s recruitment. And after gaining that momentum seeming to hold onto it – something that had been an issue repeatedly in years past. In fact those battles echo so loudly for some Sooners fans that even with considerable evidence that Oklahoma is in good shape with Tatum, doubt lingers.

But in talking to several sources Demarco Murray has done an outstanding job staying on top of the comings and goings since his June 16 Oklahoma official visit. And with that, confidence remains for the Sooners.

“It doesn’t feel like anything has changed, Demarco has been outstanding recruiting (Tatum),” one source said.

Oklahoma will need to put a solid product on the field this fall to make everyone feel good about the direction of the program but for now this feels solidly in the Sooners court.

Down to the Wire for the Nation’s No. 1

When there is drama about the nation’s No. 1 prospect, it’s understandable that people want to talk about him. That player is, of course, Lee’s Summit (Mo.) North five-star defensive end Williams Nwaneri. The Sooners are locked in a battle with two-time defending champions Georgia, Oregon, and home state Missouri.

That certainly seems like a tough hill to climb for Oklahoma but the more you talk to sources the more it feels like Miguel Chavis and co. have weathered the storm.

“It’s tight but I’d bet on Oklahoma right now,” said one Georgia source.

“I’m sticking with my Oklahoma pick,” said a Missouri source.

The Bulldogs and Tigers are not going away and even after his August 1 decision will be likely to continue to push. Still though both, if forced, seem to see Oklahoma as the favorite at this point.

And while the chatter of Nwaneri taking a Eugene visit just before his expected August 1 announcement seems daunting, it may not be the whole story. According to some it’s far more to do with taking his Oregon trip, that he’d planned to take as an official visit on Sept. 22, and having that checked off the list.

In short? He wants to make his decision on August 1 but felt the need to take that Eugene trip. Obviously Oregon will throw everything they can at Nwaneri but at this moment it feels like it could be a historic day for the Sooners on August 1.

Sooners Regaining Momentum for Key OL Target?

Grant Brix (Photo by Drew Galloway/K-State Online)

A player that many had started to write off some time ago is Logan (Iowa) Logan-Magnolia offensive lineman Grant Brix. The nation’s No. 2 interior offensive lineman, according to the On3 Industry rankings, seemed high on the Sooners at several points but Oklahoma seemed to have lost momentum following visits to Kansas State, Nebraska, and Alabama.

The Tide aren’t seen as a real contender at this point largely because of proximity to home. In fact that was seen as the reality that would hurt Oklahoma in his recruitment. Brix would choose to stay closer to home with Nebraska or Kansas State.

However over the last 10 days or so the Sooners seem to be making a move and there is some confidence around Norman that Brix’s relationship with Bill Bedenbaugh and Jerry Schmidt could be big for Oklahoma.

“He loves (Bedenbaugh) and Schmidt and I think he’s starting to realize that if you’re going to excel as an offensive lineman, those are the two staff members on any campus you need to feel good about,” a source said.

Is that enough? It’s hard to be sure of anything with Brix but there is some momentum.

Brix seems to have no timeline for his choice but he’s definitely worth keeping an eye on as Oklahoma continues to battle with the Huskers and Wildcats.

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