Giving Riley Goosebumps

Since the summer there has been long-lingering talk that Oklahoma was at, or near, the front of Ronnie Perkins's recruitment. However at the time that belief was most prominent was just before the departure of Bob Stoops and the arrival of Ruffin McNeill. Since then there have been plenty of question of just where the nation's No. 243 prospect might be leaning.

After repeatedly being unable to make previously scheduled trips Perkins hit Norman with his parents and says that even he was surprised by his decision to commit to Oklahoma.

"It surprised me really but I was always high on OU," Perkins admitted. "I always wanted to just get down for a visit and that would probably make the decision for me.

"(This trip), was me and my parents, they loved it. I told them about (the decision) they were fine with."

So how did Perkins let the Oklahoma staff know?

"In a meeting with coach (Lincoln) Riley I told him first and then I told coach Thibs [Calvin Thibodeaux]," he said. "(Coach) Riley, he was excited, he told me he had goosebumps. It was overall a great moment.

"Thibs, gave me a huge hug, and let out a big sigh of relief."

Perkins, who was one of 17 official visitors in Norman this weekend, says that he'll now turn to becoming a recruiter to help the Sooners 2018 class close out it's final few spots. Does that upcoming work mean that he is done with his own recruitment?

"I don't know if I'm going to take these visits, as of right now I'm OU," he said. "I'm definitely going to come in and try and help (recruiting), we're trying to build something."

And what Oklahoma is building is largely on the back of renewed recruiting effort that Riley discussed during his weekly press conference. And part of that renewal is directly connected to simply being in more contact with recruits.

"OU talks to me every day, I talk with them a lot. I have a real strong relationship, also there is a great chance for me to come in and play early," he said.

For Perkins, who had offers from around the country, the chance to be done with his recruitment is still sinking in.

"It's great to be done, finally, with the process. I've been going through for so long. Just to have that weight off my shoulders," Perkins admitted.

For now though Perkins will turn his focus toward taking his Lutheran North (11-0) team toward a state title as they enter the third round of the Missouri Class two playoffs.

"We are taking it one game at a time. I'm sad to see it coming down to an end in the next few weeks but I plan to finish with my guys so, you know, I can finish high school with a championship," he said.

And when Perkins says he plans to finish, he means it. The nation's No. 13 strongside defensive end does a lot more than simply rush the passer for the Crusaders.

"I play three ways, I hate coming off the field. I'm a real good tight end, I play both ways. I'm 100-percent on the offensive side of the ball," he said after a 57-yard touchdown catch last week.

Is there any thought of letting Lincoln Riley know about his prowess as a pass catcher?

"I would be down with catching a few touchdowns (in Norman)," he laughed.