No. 4 on the Fourth
Oklahoma is on a three year roll of recruiting that looks set to cap with it's third consecutive top 10 finish in the Rivals class rankings. But their start in the class of 2020 may be the most noticeable of all, particularly after today's commitment from Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei Rivals100 cornerback Darion Green-Warren.
The 6-foot, 173-pound Green Warren-announced his decision just moments ago via Twitter and it's a big one for the Sooners in their first commitment from the state of California in what is already looking like another special class.
Green-Warren, the nation's No. 80 overall player, visited Oklahoma on their already near mythological 2018 Red-White weekend and says he left campus with little doubt about his college home. In fact, it sounds like once Oklahoma offered everyone may well have been playing for second place.
"I was born and raised in Edmond, Okla. I've always been an Oklahoma fan since watching Jason White and it has always been a dream of mine to play at Oklahoma," Green-Warren said. "(Playing at Oklahoma) is what I worked for and strived for. Once Coach (Kerry) Cooks offered and I came down and saw the school and met coach (Lincoln) Riley and talked it was over. I just needed time to make sure that's what I wanted.
"When I was in coach Riley's office and speaking with him and coach Cooks, I knew this is where I wanted to be."
But even so, how could Green-Warren, who hasn't yet started his first day of junior school year, be so certain of his choice?
"Although I have two years left I never believe in wasting someone's time. And now I can just focus on school and football. I've never been a huge me guy so the marriage is perfect, there was no need to wait.
"They love me and I love them."
Though such an illustrious recruit heading to Norman from Southern California might seem strange to the uninitiated it's become standard operating procedure for those in the recruiting world. And though Green-Warren is the latest rendition of the story, he is well aware of those preceding him.
He also has no intention of being the last.
"I've always been aware of the #CaliSooner movement from Grant Calcaterra and Kenny Stills, etc. and I plan to keep it alive starting with Bryce Young. I know his decision is coming up and he is a priority. I'm sure (fellow 2020 cornerback offer) Elias (Ricks) will be a signing day decision so I have time with him but he will also be a priority. We will definitely keep the #CaliSooners alive."
One of the most famous #CaliSooners is one that actually signed with the Sooners in Florida. That same player, Brendan Radley-Hiles, is also a prospect that continues to have a huge impact on Oklahoma's recruiting from coast to coast. And with players at every position from every state all claiming to know 'Bookie' it's safe to say that a star corner from Radley-Hiles's backyard is well acquainted with the Oklahoma freshman.
"Bookie is like a big brother to me, always calling, giving me insight, he never steered me toward OU but was helpful in my process. Also Jonathan Perkins is a good friend," he said.
Green-Warren's decision, to outsiders, could be seen as a star player being caught up in Oklahoma's momentum but while he appreciates Oklahoma's current high tide in recruiting he says he is much more about the right choice for himself and will now focus on simply keeping that momentum going.
And he, again, left no doubt where he will start his own recruiting work.
"I love the wave that they have created and the direction that they have taken. (But) my decision was mostly based on fit and comfort level with the staff. I love the momentum and plan to keep it going. My first order of business will be Bryce Young."
But again, the chance to play for Oklahoma, in some of it's biggest moments, was an opportunity that Green-Warren is already eagerly anticipating.
"I can't wait, the opportunity play in the Red River Rivalry is something I've watched since I was seven years old," he admitted.
"It's a dream come true to play for OU."