Sooners Recruiting Update: The End is Nigh

Last update until the smoke clears from the fax machines on Wednesday.

OU stands at 19 verbals.

New Commitments

Erik Swenson, OL – 6-6, 295, 5.2 (Illinois)

Four stars. Once again, it looks like a top-rated offensive tackle might fall into OU’s class at the last minute. A Rivals 250 prospect, Swenson got his Michigan commitment derailed last week by Jim Harbaugh pulling his offer in a PR mess that caught all kinds of media attention. I’ve watched Swenson’s film at least three times and I cannot figure out why Michigan dropped him. He’s physical in the run game, with mobility to pull from the tackle spot. He’s got a huge wingspan/frame to help in his pass protection. Wisconsin had no room and tried to get him to greyshirt; instead, he visited Norman. OU offered him on Saturday and he wasted no time choosing OU Saturday evening.

Zach Farrar, WR – 6-4, 210, 4.5 (Texas)

Four stars. This big wideout from Southlake Carroll had committed to Mississippi State for football and baseball. However, on Sunday, he received an OU offer and was all over Twitter with the announcement. He has friends heading to OU in Robert Barnes, a 2017 safety. His visit to OU included a tour of the baseball facilities. Farrar had a huge senior year with over 1,100 yards receiving. His future at WR is all upside. (He only started playing football as a junior.) He really wanted the OU offer, and when it become available, he grabbed the chance to visit and didn’t wait long afterward to commit.

Mark Jackson, OLB – 6-4, 230, 4.6 (Texas)

Four stars. Texas A&M verbal commitment who is supposed to visit OU at the end of the month. OU appears to have made up serious ground on A&M. He just visited College Station, but now is heading to Norman for a last visit. This could be another signing day decision between OU, Texas and A&M.

Players Who Have Dropped Off

Brandon Bowen, DE/OLB

Ryan Parker, WR

Joshua Jacobs, ATH

Bryce Youngquist, LB – He won’t be signing with OU or anyone. I won’t participate in idle speculation as to why.

Tramonda Moore, OL

P.J. Blue, LB

2016 Remaining Targets

On signing day, OU could go from a top 25 class to a top 15 class if these kids choose the Sooners.

Marcel Southall, DL – 6-3, 275, 4.8 (Texas)

Four stars. Visited in the fall for the TCU game, but he has visits scheduled to Ole Miss and Miami through signing day. I’m not sure whatever lead OU had will stand up against these visits.

Caleb Kelly, LB – 6-3, 215, 4.6 (California)

Five stars. The crown jewel of the Sooners' recruiting class. His visits are done: It’s down to Oregon, OU and Notre Dame in a decision on signing day. Hold on, Sooner fans, it’s going to be a long wait on signing day.

Jared Mayden, DB – 6-1, 185, 4.5 (Texas)

Four stars. OU has an elite class of CBs. Mayden is so good of a prospect that OU cannot ignore the chance of a verbal commitment. A difference-maker, and in the Big 12, you can never have enough elite DBs. Mayden’s parents are both OU alums/ex-athletes. Mayden’s down to OU and 'Bama, with a decision coming signing day morning.

Maxs Tupai, LB – 6-2, 245, 4.7 (Utah)

Four stars. OU is trying to get a visit for the end of the month. Tupai would be an ideal OLB for the OU defense. Do the JUCO LBs preclude the Sooners from bringing in Tupai?

Chris Daniels, DT – 6-4, 300, 5.0 (Texas)

Four stars. Daniels has decommitted from OU, but he says OU is still in this race. He has visited Texas, which is the presumed new favorite for his signature, but he did not commit to the 'Horns.

Velus Jones, WR – 6-0, 180, 4.35 (Alabama)

Four stars. Jones devastated the OU fan base over the weekend with his commitment to OU and crushing flip back to USC. OU seems resigned to Jones going with USC, but the Trojans have four WR commitments, so you have to wonder if this thing is really over? Or, could a late call on Tuesday by OU flip this thing again?

Mykel Jones, WR – 6-0, 185, 4.4 (Louisiana)

Four stars and Rivals 100. Who? Exactly. Top WR from Louisiana who apparently bailed on his last visit to Ole Miss to take an out-of-nowhere visit to OU instead. He’s never been on any radar list or watch list. I don’t know how to evaluate his level of interest in OU. He’s a slot WR with moves and speed.

-Atlantasooner