Smiles and Cries
In recruiting there may be no adage more true than 'one man's sorrow is another man's joy'. And on Tuesday night that phrase took life as Oklahoma landed a commitment from Rivals250 running back Isaiah Spiller. It isn't simply sadness for all of the schools, including Missouri, Oregon, TCU, and Baylor amongst others, but one in particular.
That school, Texas A&M, was the home of his father, Fred Spiller, during his college football career as a tight end in College Station. And with that reality many had expected his son, the nation's No. 14 running back, to end up an Aggie but according to the younger Spiller that just couldn't happen at the moment.
"Well A&M's future is uncertain right now and I made up my mind after the TCU game," Spiller said.
So when did he know what his choice should be?
"After talking with coach (Lincoln) Riley and coach (Jay) Boulware after the game I was sold."
And in spite of that A&M following for Spiller there has always been one player that he truly looked up to and it was another Texas transplant.
"I’ve always idolized (Adrian Peterson) so naturally OU was my dream school. Then when we went down there and meet the coaches and the game atmosphere was awesome."
Oklahoma's first year head coach, and experienced running backs coach, pitched Spiller on his fit within Oklahoma's program and after he and his father had a chacne to see the Sooners numerous times this year - both felt it was a fit for the nation's No. 168 overall player's talents.
"How I fit in their system as a back that can catch out of the backfield as well as run. Me and my dad have watched every game this year and we love how they use their running backs," he admitted.
And though Spiller has now made his choice, he admits that he will still be listening ot see what other schools have to offer. If for no other reason than to help him sleep at night following his Norman decision.
"I feel good to have made my choice and now I can focus on the rest of the season and school," he said. "I'm pretty solid on my commitment. I may still take my five official visits just to see other schools just so there is no doubt that I made the right choice."