Sooners Recruiting Update: 2018 class almost finished
Oklahoma had a very effective early signing period going into the holiday recruiting dead period. For recruits who were set on their destinations and teams with as many long-term verbal commitments as OU (17), the new signing period accomplished exactly what it was supposed to do. The high school athletes ended recruiting early and avoided the January crunch of calls and in-home visits. Meanwhile, the Sooners will not have to waste time playing defense for the kids making up the core of their class.
OU saw less success in trying to add new talent at the deadline. The staff lost a number of disappointing recruiting battles around the signing period.
2018 early signees and enrollees
*Brey Walker, OL – 6-6, 300, 5.0
Four stars, Rivals top 50.
*Jordan Kelly, DL – 6-3, 290, 5.0
Three stars.
*Patrick Fields, DB – 6-0, 190, 4.5
Three stars. Enrolling early.
*T.J. Pledger, RB – 5-9, 190, 4.4
Four stars, Rivals100. Enrolling early.
*Miguel Edwards, DB – 6-0, 170, 4.5
Four stars, Rivals250. Enrolling early.
*Starrland Baldwin, DB – 5-11, 170, 4.45
Four stars. Enrolling early.
*Tanner Mordecai, QB – 6-2, 210, 4.7
Three stars.
*Ron Tatum, DL – 6-5, 265, 4.8
Four stars, Rivals top 150.
*Jalen Redmond, DE/OLB – 6-4, 230, 4.7
Three stars. Enrolling early.
*Kundarrious Taylor, WR – 6-3, 200, 4.45
Three stars.
*Jaylon Robinson, WR – 5-11, 165, 4.4
Four stars.
*Jacqualyn Crawford, WR – 5-10, 180, 4.4
Four stars, Rivals250. Enrolling early.
*Tramonda Moore, OL – 6-5, 330, 5.3 (JUCO)
Four stars. Enrolling early.
*Darrell Simpson, OL – 6-7, 330, 5.3
Four stars.
*Dellarin Turner-Yell, DB – 5-10, 170, 4.5
Three stars. Enrolling early.
*Brian Asamoah, LB – 6-1, 210, 4.6
Three stars.
*Ronnie Perkins, DL – 6-4, 260, 4.7
Four stars. Enrolling early.
*Nikolas Bonitto, LB – 6-4, 205, 4.5
Four stars.
*Brendan Hadley-Riles, DB – 5-10, 185, 4.5
Five stars.
Notes:
*Nik Bonitto actually signed with OU in December, but asked the staff to keep his letter of intent “secret” so that he could announce his commitment at the Under Armor Game. He could be a WILL or SAM LB for OU, showing elite speed and quickness and an excellent first step to rush the passer.
Bonitto's film from his senior year demonstrates more ability to play in space while still attacking the line of scrimmage. He seems very similar to K’Jakyre Daley. He will need to add some weight to his frame, but he could easily be an edge player at 6-4, 230.
*Brendan "Bookie" Radley-Hiles had committed to revealing his school choice at the Army All-American Game this month, so OU fans had to wait out his announcement for months. He's a five-star, elite defender who could play nickelback or cornerback for OU.
As an early enrollee, he will challenge for playing time right away in a variety of roles. You want a difference-maker who could push OU over the top on D? Bookie is the guy. He’s a leader who will be a huge asset in OU's recruiting from here on out.
2018 commitments
*DaShaun White, LB – 6-1, 215, 4.6
Four stars, Rivals250.
*Treveon Johnson, WR - 6-1, 190, 4.45
Three stars.
*Tavion Thomas, RB - 6-2, 227, 4.6
Four stars.
Notes:
*The second player participating in the Army All-American Game to commit to OU was long-time LB target DaShaun White. White previously pledged his commitment to Texas A&M, but he went public with his flip to OU after the Aggies announced the hiring of new defensive coordinator Mike Elko.
White is the perfect LB for playing against Big 12 defenses. He possesses excellent coverage skills and is extremely quick from sideline to sideline. Former Sooner Rufus Alexander makes for a good comparison.
2018 remaining targets
OU potentially has three scholarships left. Here’s the best guess on prospects still in play for the remaining spots. Let's start off with the three who might make up a wish list of sorts.
Top three
*Jeremiah Martin, DE - 6-6, 235, 4.7
Four stars. Long, athletic 4-3 defensive end who could carry 255-260 pounds and maintain his speed. Martin is the bookend pass rusher needed for the four-man front OU's coaches say they want to run. Martin visited for the Texas Tech game and wants to make a February decision.
*Solomon Tuliapupu, LB - 6-3, 230, 4.6
Four stars. Best inside linebacker on OU's board all year long. Seems destined to join USC's great LB class, but OU you has to stay involved in case USC’s LB numbers start to become an issue for Tuliapupu. OU’s targeting a visit in January.
*Leon O’Neal, DB - 6-2, 200, 4.6
Four stars. O'Neal decommited from Texas A&M after the Aggies' coaching change. Clemson, Georgia and OU are also in play now. OU having both DaShaun White and Starrland Baldwin in its camp will help the cause, but who know how much.
Others
*Tank Jenkins, OL - 6-3, 330, 5.2
This story comes down to if he ever actually visits OU. He’s been rumored to make a trip to Norman a half-dozen times.
*Daniel Carson, DL - 6-5, 270, 4.8
Three stars. Missourian who seems way underrated.
*Moro Ojomo, DL - 6-3, 265, 4.8
Three stars. Moro’s recruiting has blown up in conjunction with very strong film from his senior season. He has landed at least 10 big-time offers recently.
*Isaac Taylor-Stuart, DB - 6-2, 190, 4.45
Five stars. Another elite DB from the West Coast. OU is probably going to get an official visit, but he will likely stay in the Pac-12.
*Vernon Jackson, DE/LB - 6-3, 245, 4.6
Three stars. Jackson is committed to Alabama, but it’s a bit unclear where the Texan stands after not signing early with the Crimson Tide. Jackson is one of those big athletes who could project a number of ways in college.
-Atlantasooner