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Picciotti brings more fireworks for OU

Oklahoma fans are conditioned to expect some recruiting fireworks on July 4, and the 2023 class continues that tradition.

Perkasie (Pa.) Pennridge Upper inside linebacker Phil Picciotti has the honors this year, announcing his commitment to OU on Monday evening.

Picciotti, a four-star prospect, picked OU from a final four of the Michigan, Auburn, Nebraska and the Sooners and is the 11th-ranked inside linebacker for the 2023 class.

It is the fourth year in a row the Sooners have earned at least one commitment on Independence Day/weekend, joining Bryson Washington (2020 class), Caleb Williams and Latrell McCutchin (2021) and Jacob Sexton and Robert Spears-Jennings last year.

When Piciotti was offered by OU in the winter, it didn’t feel like it was going to amount to much with Penn State looking like the clear favorite after taking multiple visits to PSU in a short period of time.

But Picciotti did what head coach Brent Venables has been preaching, come to campus initially to show you’re interested and then return for an official visit.

He visited for a spring practice and narrowed his choices down to the last four schools heading into his visit month. Picciotti saw all four schools for official visits, arriving in Norman for the ChampU Family BBQ event June 3 weekend.

The Sooners felt like the favorite among the quartet as June approached, and nothing seemed to change throughout the four-visit process.

Picciotti becomes the second linebacker commitment in a row for OU as Samuel Omosigho made his OU announcement last Thursday and the 10th overall for OU’s class.

OU fans have been asking for some fireworks on the trail. This should be the week. OU entered at No. 41 in the team rankings, but Picciotti will be the start for what should be a massive week for Venables and the Sooners.

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