Can Sooners Pull Louisville Legacy Away from Commit

Once upon a time a player committed to a university, particularly one that his father was a star for many years ago, was off-limits. However, as evidenced by Baylen Buchanan, those rules are becoming obsolete and thankfully for the Sooners staff the 5-foot-11, 187-pound Louisville commitment clarified his situation.

The situation, for the son of former Cardinals star and long-time NFL star Ray Buchanan, is that while he is pledged to spend his future in Louisville, Kent. that does not mean he has shut the door on other schools.

"Actually, (Oklahoma) came to the school during the spring, they didn't know how strong I was to Louisville," Buchanan recalled. "Well, actually coach (Chip) Viney, we followed each other and I asked if Oklahoma was interested and he said 'yeah'. They didn't know that I was a soft commit (when they visited).

"Basically, they decided to come out during spring ball, I talked to coach (Kerry) Cooks the next day after I talked to Viney and he was like 'we didn't know you were a soft commit, I didn't know you were interested in Oklahoma'.

"I love coach Cooks, he seems like a pretty honest guy. He hits me up a lot, he is not the type of guy to just offer you and not say anything to you until you hit him up. He just shows that he wants you to play for him. Coach Viney is also a good dude."

Part of that interest in Oklahoma is connected to his friendship with former Suwanee (Ga.) Peachtree Ridge teammate and current Sooner redshirt freshman offensive tackle Orlando Brown.

"I know Orlando pretty. I was telling him when I got an offer, I asked him about how it was," he said. "He told me it is definitely fun, we can use some corners and stuff like that - I might like it, I might not. I'm going to link up with him," he said.

Buchanan's interest in Oklahoma isn't simply about friendships or an interest in the program itself. He sees a chance to make an early impact in Norman.

"Talking to coach Cooks, they don't really have that many experienced corners, so I have a chance to come in and play corner. I've been playing corner since I started playing football," he said. "We also talked about plans for reconstruction, good fanbase, and good academics."

With all this in mind, Buchanan could be in Norman any day now.

"I'm definitely going to take an unofficial visit, before I plan an official. Oklahoma is a school that me and my dad really think highly of, that's going to be a top priority; me getting out there for a visit," he explained. "I think it is supposed to be the end of (June), I think we're trying to go before July 4 weekend."

So what will he be looking for when he arrives?

"Well, when I get on campus, I have to picture myself being there in that environment for the next four years of my life. I learn more about the school from the athletic standpoint," Buchanan said. "Definitely academics as well. Football doesn't last forever, if it's a home environment. I want to enjoy myself, and not feel like I'm on my own for being so far from home."

As mentioned, part of the belief that Buchanan was so solid on Louisville was the reality that his father would want to see him follow in his footsteps. However, according to the young defensive back that's not exactly the case.

"Him and my mom want me to do what is best for me, they don't really care. Yeah it would be nice if I went to the same school as my dad but really he doesn't care about it. He wants me to make a decision where I'm the best fit."