Just moments ago Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back T.J. Pledger announced his long-awaited commitment to Oklahoma. And though Pledger may not have said anything publicly prior to his announcement, privately it's fairly clear that several of his friends and acquaintances were more than aware of his upcoming decision.
Oklahoma 2018 offensive tackle offer Reuben Unije:
Oklahoma 2018 safety commitment Patrick Fields:
Oklahoma 2018 quarterback commitment Cameron Rising:
In each case it's pretty clear that Rising's teammates, future teammates, and friends, respectively, were well aware of his plan to pick Oklahoma during his current on-campus visit. Pledger gives Oklahoma three Rivals100 members joining Rising and Brey Walker.
His commitment to the Sooners came from a lengthy offer list, including the likes of Clemson, Georgia, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oregon, Tennessee, Florida, LSU, Michigan, and Ohio State amongst tens of 0thers.
Pledger had seemed high on the Sooners since the time of his offer on March 7, 2016 however it was during his unofficial visit for the Bedlam game in early December when the Sooners went from a contender to a prohibitive favorite.
“The Oklahoma visit was great,” Pledger told Adam Gorney at the time. “Besides the weather, everything was perfect. I got a chance to talk to coach (Bob) Stoops and then the running backs coach, coach (Jay) Boulware, and they just made me feel like a priority for sure.
“It definitely impacts my thinking being able to get out there and see it for myself just seeing how amazing the fans are, just how interested the coaching staff is into me,” Pledger said.
“You can’t really tell over phone or text, you need to meet them in person and see how genuine the coaches are and see everything around it.”
Not surprisingly the chance to see Oklahoma's ever-heated meeting with in-state rivals Oklahoma State, particularly during a
“Bedlam was a crazy atmosphere,” he said back in December. “They filled the stadium up, Samaje (Perine) had a great game and they were hyped up for that. The fans were going crazy and the Oklahoma atmosphere was great. Those are some of the most die-hard fans anywhere in the country and they definitely showed that during Bedlam.
“They could definitely see me used in many different ways. They think I can do it all and that I could make an impact in all kinds of ways in the offense.”
And now that Pledger is on board, expect him to begin work on IMG teammates Reuben Unije, Joshua Moore, Curtis Dunlap, and long-time friend Brendan Radley-Hiles.
SoonerScoop.com will have more about, and from, Pledger as the day and weekend goes on.