Hot 11: Ranking OU's Early 2017 Class
After an impressive 2015 season that culminated in a Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff berth, Oklahoma has continued to capitalize off the field and on the recruiting trail with a blistering start to their 2017 recruiting class.
Currently, the Sooners have 11 commits, nine of which reside within the Rivals250 - tied for the most by any program with Ohio State.
To put OU's hot recruiting start into perspective, last year's two national championship participants, Clemson (5) and Ohio State (5), combine for a total of just 10 commits in the Rivals250.
The entire Big 12 combined only equals Oklahoma's nine Rivals250 pledges (Baylor - 3, Texas - 3, TCU - 2, Texas Tech - 1).
On this date a year ago, Oklahoma was sitting at just two commits in the 2016 class (Jon-Michael Terry and Adrian Hardy). If this list was made a year ago, it would have had to wait until nearly Christmas, when Parnell Motley committed on December 21. That's a difference of 269 days.
Thankfully for Oklahoma fans, this list is ready in March.
11
Verdict: Ugh, someone had to be last and this time Sutton unfortunately drew the short straw. Oklahoma offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley has been recruiting Sutton since his high school days in North Carolina and should be an immediate weapon - especially in the passing game. However, fewer years of eligibility and entering a depth chart already behind Rodney Anderson and Abdul Adams won't be easy either.
The Tape:
10
Verdict: The nation's No. 177 overall player being No. 10 on this list should be indicative of the absurd start to its 2017 class. Brown is a blazer, who also runs track for Union, that plays at a different speed than most of his peers, and Oklahoma is very excited to keep that homegrown speed in the state.
The Tape:
9
Verdict: Rambo is a natural receiver that looks extremely smooth both running routes and with the ball in his hands. While the lack of any one elite skill-set kept the Rivals250 pass-catcher from climbing too high on the list, he will bring a complete game with him to the next level, including a great set of hands, that is likely to translate.
The Tape:
8
Verdict: It is criminal for Reagor to be this low on the list, which again highlights the incredible talent Oklahoma already has in the fold for its 2017 class. Because there just aren't many receivers of Reagor's size with that blend of speed, agility, explosion, vision, and balance. Despite his three-star status, the Waxahachie weapon's style of play is reminiscent of former five-star athlete and current Philadelphia Eagle Nelson Agholor.
The Tape:
7
Verdict: Barnes is a 6-foot-3, 198-pound, big, physical safety with the feet of a slot receiver. To watch the Southlake (Texas) Carroll star move on the gridiron is like watching a jungle cat on the prowl moving with a powerful grace. Barnes not only continues his family name in Norman (his father Reggie played linebacker for OU), but the trend of Oklahoma landing elite athletes at the safety position in recent years.
The Tape:
6
Verdict: Lamb is an athletic receiver that plays with incredible explosion out of his cuts. The Rivals250 receiver possesses great feet and hands to beat guys off the line and has speed very few can much once he springs loose. Also, the Richmond (Texas) Foster playmaker has an instinct for finding the end zone in unlikely situations. Just put on Lamb’s tape and enjoy the show as he is one of the most explosive receivers in 2017.
The Tape:
5
Verdict: Broiles is a secondary coach's dream, as the Rivals250 cornerback is both an incredible athlete and a technically sound defensive back with a high football IQ. At his size, Broiles can also press receivers and re-route them his physicality. Although, the 6-foot-0, 170-pound corner may even be at his best in zone when allowed to read a quarterback's eyes or come up and help in the run game.
The Tape:
4
Verdict: Draper is a rare inside linebacker with the physicality to take on fullbacks in the hole and the speed to run down tailbacks from sideline-to-sideline. His athleticism is evident and on full display when Collinsville utilizes Draper as one of their top weapons at receiver. The No. 1 ranked player in the state of Oklahoma carries 215 pounds in his 6-foot-2 frame effortlessly and will likely add more strength and weight at the next level without losing his explosion or speed.
The Tape:
3
The Verdict: Perhaps no other play at the Rivals Camp Series in Dallas this month was more impressive than Robison, who took home MVP honors. 2017's No. 6 dual-threat quarterback possesses not only an extremely live arm, but solid decision-making skills, timing, and touch. Add in the Mesquite (Texas) Horn's underrated athleticism and you have an ideal quarterback for Lincoln Riley's offensive system.
The Tape:
2
Verdict: The highest ranked Oklahoma commit in the Rivals250 lands at No. 2 on this list, which should be seen as no slight to Robinson. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive lineman that moves like a tight end is as prototypical of an NFL guard as the Sooners have landed under Bob Stoops.
The Tape:
1
Verdict: If you don't have any beaches, just bring the coast to you. That's what Bob Stoops and Oklahoma did when it landed Miami (Fl.) Columbus CB Trajan Bandy. The Rivals250 standout is an extremely fluid athlete that maintains great explosion in short spaces. Bandy possesses flexible hips and plus speed that allow him to turn and run with any receiver. Also, unlike many peers of his age, the 5-foot-10, 178-pound cornerback plays with a mature composure and a high level of awareness. In the Big 12, corners with the speed and athleticism of a receiver and the mentality of a defensive back come at a premium. And for Oklahoma to pull one of the nation's best out of Miami is a major coups.
The Tape: