Sooner Commits Shine
CEDAR HILL, Texas - No school was more well represented during the Dallas Rivals Camp than Oklahoma with six commitments taking part. And it was far beyond simply being on hand, the half dozen future Sooners made their presence known with all three defensive backs finishing in the top four of 'Illspeed' and booking a trip to Baltimore. Meanwhile the player they'll soon face in practice, quarterback commitment Chris Robison, took home his position MVP award.
It's time to breakdown each of Oklahoma's commitments and their performance on Saturday in Southwest Dallas.
The Skinny: For Barnes there was a lot of interest to see how he'd hold up in coverage and for the most part the long safety commitment was very strong, surprising many. He isn't going to be confused for a cornerback anytime soon but at 6-foot-3 and nearly 200-pounds he doesn't have to be. What Barnes did show is that he can be comfortable in coverage and after a truly surprising performance in 'illspeed' he showed just how quick he can be in short area - something one might not expect at his size.
The Skinny: Broiles admitted after the camp that as a 'committed player' he didn't feel that he was there as much to compete as he was to recruit, and in the latter there can be no doubt that he was a success. As for the reps when he did take part Broiles showed much of what people have come to expect from him - physicality and a desire to mess up a route before things ever get started. Broiles is a better turn and run corner than he gets credit for but thanks to his ability at the line of scrimmage quarterbacks rarely get the chance to challenge him vertically anyway.
The Skinny: Brown is a player that you may miss for one rep or another and then you'll see something happen and in a flash he's made a play. It was, again, that kind of day for Brown who was never bad but seemed to go through the motions a bit and then would truly do something exceptional before repeating the entire cycle again. What stands out when you watch Brown is how few defensive backs can do anything with short slant routes and then watch Brown stick his foot in the ground and drive on passes in front of him to break up one short throw after another. It's a rare gift and speaks to Brown's ability in short space and just how explosive he is.
The Skinny: Even Draper would likely admit this was a day to forget. After the camp it emerged that on Friday the talented Tulsa area linebacker had come down with an illness and looking back at the tape it's clear he didn't look himself at any point during the proceedings. On the positive side Draper has put on some good weight and looks like he will physically have the ability to hold up on the inside of a defensive alignment.
The Skinny: Robinson was said to have performed well at The Opening regional event in Dallas a week before and he kept that momentum going at Cedar Hill a week later. Robinson worked primarily at right tackle in one on ones and in spite of facing some strong performers he more than looked the part of a player who could work on the edge. Robinson has made it clear that he'll provide the Sooners with a nice problem, wherever their need may be greater he can fit in and be a guy that competes for playing time early on.
The Skinny: The talented quarterback, who has been committed to Oklahoma since early last summer, threw the ball as well as any of the five times the SoonerScoop staff has been around him since he was just a young quarterback going into his sophomore campaign. Robison showed high-level arm strength and accuracy and touch at all levels and all areas of the field. He more than earned the position MVP and Five-Star Challenge invitation.
