Sooners Shooting High at Defensive Tackle
In the class of 2023 Oklahoma was able to landed talented defensive tackles Derrick Leblanc and Ashton Sanders but in 2024 the Sooners are aiming for even bigger fish. Leading that charge are a pair of Red River state natives, who were both on campus for Oklahoma’s Red-White weekend – Nigel Smith and David Stone.
Few players in the class visit Oklahoma more frequently than the two talented defensive lineman and it’s no coincidence that the Sooners are near the top of the list for both.
Stone has been to Norman more than a dozen times while Smith has hit Norman eight times. Each has built a considerable relationship with the Sooner staff and notably, of course, Todd Bates.
In the case of Stone, the Sooners have long been seen as a top two program with Michigan State, among others, seen as a threat. The Oklahoma native, who spent his junior season starring at IMG academy, has always had a special spot for the Sooners but holding off the Spartans, Texas A&M, and many others is going to be a trick. In fact, the On3 RPM currently favors the Spartans.
The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine utilizes machine learning to forecast college choices. There are three current predictions for the Spartans who lead the RPM percentages with 43.8-percent against Oklahoma’s 38.1.
In the case of Smith he was a Jan. 22, 2022 offer for Brent Venables and co. just over a month after Venables took the reins of the Oklahoma Sooners. Since then he’s come to see the Sooners time and time again and, like Stone, provides some unique ability along the front with a chance to play inside or outside. Smith is being patient with the process but On3’s Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) currently has the Sooners with a 72.5-percent likelihood to land the highly talented defender.
Oklahoma Sooners in on Plenty More
Oklahoma has plenty of focus on the two frequent visitors but there are plenty of other names out there who have drawn the attention of Bates, Venables, and defensive coordinator Ted Roof. Among those who have already made it to Norman are Dominick McKinley, Aydin Breland, Eddrick Houston, and in-state star Xadavien Sims.
McKinley was trying to get back to Norman last weekend for the Red-White game but was unable. Still though he has legitimate interest in the Sooners in spite of the reality that LSU figures to be a huge hurdle to clear.
Breland enjoyed his visit to Norman last September and a return trip seems very possible after telling WeAreSC’s Scott Schrader “Me and Todd Bates hit it off,” said Breland. “I like what he had to say, I like what Brent Venables had to say, I like the program a lot and Oklahoma stood out to me.”
The nation’s No. 15 player, Houston, had a surprise for many by going to Oklahoma in early March and though the Sooners will undoubtedly try and stay in the race, at this point it’s a daunting task.
Meanwhile Jayden Jackson, Caleb Mitchell, and Deyvid Palepale are all players that hold Sooners offers and have expressed interest in Oklahoma. Where things may go form there is unclear at this point.
One of the most interesting cases in the entire class is Durant, Okla. standout Xadavien Sims. The state’s No. 2 prospect, who moved within state lines prior to the 2022 season, has been to Norman repeatedly. But the question remains, is either serious about the other at this point? The reality is it feels like the focus of both is in different directions but the possibility of renewing the relationship seems to exist.
What’s the Goal for the Sooners?
Oklahoma’s 2023 class saw three incoming players but missed out on a few of the high-end targets, notably David Hicks that the Sooners were aiming for. They’ll need to find a way to land several names on this list and Stone, with his in-state ties, seems of particular importance to their effort.
Look for Oklahoma to sign two or three more defensive linemen in the class as Venables and his staff continue to retool the defense for their SEC future.
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