Sooners Heating Up in March?
Oklahoma's month of February was quiet, in regards to 2018 commitments, but it looks as though March could have several big moments ahead. In our new monthly feature we take a look at where things stand, position by position, for the class of 2018. Who could join the Sooners current trio of commitments; Jordon Austin, Cameron Rising, and Brey Walker.
Quarterback
Commitments: 1 - Cameron Rising
2018 Returning Players: 3
Spots Remaining: 0
Key Targets: Cameron Rising
The Skinny: Oklahoma's lone position that is already in place and put to bed. Rising is one of the nation's really elite quarterbacks and has a chance to be a five-star. He also has begun to work on many of the Sooners top targets in hopes of becoming a leader of another high-quality class. He'll look to make headway in the Sooners 2018 recruiting class when he is in Norman for Oklahoma's April 8 spring game.
Running Backs
Commitments: 0
2018 Returning Players: 6
Spots Remaining: 2
Key Targets: Lyn-J Dixon, Asa Martin, T.J. Pledger
The Skinny: Oklahoma's running back class is off to a strong start in spite of not having any commitments. Pledger looks to be a guy that is nearing a decision and if that is correct then it's almost certainly good news for Oklahoma. The question remains, will Oklahoma take another running back? Do they take another fullback/h-back type after signing Jeremiah Hall last year? Plenty of questions exist and with Martin coming in this weekend and Dixon talking about visiting later this spring, the Sooners, again, look to be in good shape at running back.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
Commitments: 0
2018 Returning Players: 11
Spots Remaining: 3
Key Targets: Brennan Eagles, Jalen Hall, Joshua Moore
The Skinny: At receiver there seem to be a bevy of good options but it still seems that no one seems to be leaning heavily in the Sooners direction just yet. With Eagles and Moore Oklahoma has two players from Texas - even though Moore is heading to IMG Academy - who have either already visited. Eagles seems high on Oklahoma but as a, relatively, quiet guy there isn't a lot known on exactly where he has things. A new name to keep an eye on is Kundarrius Taylor, whose talent is just starting to get the notice it deserves.
Offensive Line
Commitments: 1 - Brey Walker
2018 Returning Players: 14
Spots Remaining: 3
Key Targets: Chasen Hines, Darrell Simpson, Reuben Unije, Brey Walker
The Skinny: Oklahoma couldn't have started this group off with a bigger bang than Walker, one of the nation's most physically gifted left tackle prospects. The Sooners now begin to look around to try and fill out the class with him. The group figures to be heavy on tackles with maybe only one interior player being a real option based on strong numbers in the younger classes. One of the interesting questions if the Sooners seek out a junior college offensive tackle like Anthony McKinney or Badara Traore. If the Sooners could make that one player Curtis Dunlap or Hines, one might think it could open the door for the highly talented Unije.
Defensive Line
Commitments: 0
2018 Returning Players: 11
Spots Remaining: 4
Key Targets: Calvin Avery, Jalen Redmond, Ron Tatum, Trevor Trout
The Skinny: With Oklahoma's future defensive alignment set to change there is still some volatility in how things are going to be viewed for positional roles. However Oklahoma has the benefit of an early start with several high-quality prospects. Inside Avery seems to be big on Oklahoma and may even be pondering a commitment. After that you get a lot of variation on the type of player the Sooners might focus on but in-state stars like Redmond and Tatum could be key. Also, don't sleep on Trout who seems a good possibility to visit Oklahoma at some point this spring or summer.
Linebackers
Commitments: 0
2018 Returning Players: 9
Spots Remaining: 3
Key Targets: Byron Hobbs, Alston Orji, Solomon Tuliaupupu
The Skinny: Oklahoma's class of 2017 was a huge success on nearly every front but there is no question that the Sooners need to address their shortage of inside linebackers. Orji seems the top option for one of those, likely two, spots right now but who else could fit in there is a bit unclear. However like defensive line the potential change of alignment could throw some things into flux right now.
Defensive Backs
Commitments: 1 - Jordon Austin
2018 Returning Players: 14
Spots Remaining: 3
Key Targets: Starrland Baldwin, Patrick Fields, Jalen Green, Josh Proctor
The Skinny: Oklahoma's class of 2018 at defensive back has a chance to be a special group with some truly elite prospects from the state of Texas as well as a potential stars in in-state stars Fields and Proctor. Meanwhile the Houston area boasts the two listed corners for two players both of whom visited Norman for the No. 2 junior day.