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Looking for No. 1

Oklahoma currently has three commitments in the class of 2018 led by a pair of Rivals100 offensive pledges, Cameron Rising and Brey Walker. With such highly-rated players already on board it seems only fitting to take a look at the top-rated players at each position that Oklahoma still has a quality opportunity to sign. So we'll go position by position to see where the Sooners have the highest hopes of landing some of the nation's most highly rated talent.

Quarterback

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The Skinny: This one is an easy one to figure with Oklahoma already being set at quarterback. Rising is an elite talent and could push into the five-star conversation if he can put together a big spring and summer along with a healthy senior season. He had a huge junior year, when he was on the field, and if he can put that together for a full year look for his ranking to climb.

Running Back

The Skinny: The momentum on this situation seems to be growing quickly as Oklahoma's Jay Boulware has worked hard to build an early lead and it seems that Pledger is starting to seriously mull over a decision. Oklahoma will look to get him back on campus this spring and if they can do so a decision seems completely possible.

Wide Receiver

The Skinny: The first less than obvious choice on the list. Brennan Eagles is the one that many might look to but Hightower is ranked one spot higher and has quietly expressed some interest in Oklahoma. He is also a part of an IMG roster that, for the first time, Oklahoma looks to have a real chance to plunder. It's going to be about getting Hightower to campus however that seems increasingly likely to happen.

Offensive Tackle

The Skinny: Another freebie here with Oklahoma already having a commitment from one of the nation's top players. Walker is a guy who will need time to develop but has jaw-dropping potential. But it's unlikely that Walker is the final piece of the puzzle at offensive tackle so for those interested in another name to keep track of, how about another IMG product, Reuben Unije.

Interior Offensive Line

The Skinny: It seems as though Dunlap's interest in Oklahoma has gone a bit forgotten in recent months but the big man has a strong relationship with Bill Bedenbaugh. What will be interesting to keep an eye on is how serious Dunlap is about an oceanography degree - something that he has mentioned before and Oklahoma obviously can't give him.

Defensive Tackle

The Skinny: The news today made this seem more real than just the rumors that had swirled around recently. Oklahoma is working Trout hard and he is receptive to the pitch. Now it's about getting the big man down to campus and letting him see that with their new alignment he is not only a good fit but could fill a huge need for the Sooners.

Defensive End

The Skinny: Cherry is a player that, when offered, was seen as an outside linebacker in Oklahoma's 3-4 scheme but with the news that Oklahoma will be using more and more of a four-down front he slides over into a role more familiar to him as a defensive end. He was at Oklahoma's first junior day and definitely appears to have real interest.

Inside Linebacker

The Skinny: Oklahoma hasn't made a lot of offers at the position and frankly it could be argued that the choices at inside and outside linebacker could be reversed based on style of play and future role. But we'll go with the Rivals rankings on this choice. Hobbs went to Oklahoma's second junior day and though he hasn't said much, with that move alone, he has expressed more interest than the rest of Oklahoma's current inside linebacker offers.

Outside Linebacker

The Skinny: Orji has made repeated trips to Norman and seems to have the Sooners near the top of his list. He'll likely be seen as one of the reasonably interchangeable MIKE and WILL roles so listing him as an 'inside linebacker' would have been just as apt in this description. Look for Orji to possibly return to Norman for the spring game.

Cornerback

The Skinny: There are a few other options that may be moving toward more realistic as Cook hasn't made a return to Norman in a little while. However he has been there on several occasions and has a good relationship with Kerry Cooks. As one of Texas' top defenders Cook will be a focus for the Sooners for as long as he wants to be.

Safety

The Skinny: Another one where the odds are being played a bit. Stephens is the type of defender who could factor in as a safety, a nickelback, and probably even corner in a pinch. Stephens is from an area, and school, that Oklahoma has good recent history in and if they can get him to campus this spring or summer they can start to lay the groundwork for another Fresno Sooner.

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