With yesterday's huge commitment of Jacob Phillips the Sooners now stand at 22 commitments for the class of 2017. But things seem far from done as the Sooners staff is sending out new offers and identifying new prospects. So it seems a perfect time for SoonerScoop.com to take a look at what kind of numbers are available at various positions. With positions like quarterback, running back, Tight End, and kicker largely settled, we'll instead just break down the positions that seem to have players still truly in play.
Wide Receiver
Commitments: 3 - Cedarian Lamb, Charleston Rambo, Jalen Reagor
Expected Signees: 3-4
Still in Play: Joseph Lewis, Omar Manning, James Robinson
Analysis: This is a position that still seems a bit undecided about it's future. There is a clear possibility that Oklahoma could sign another receiver but it may be reliant on what happens at a few other positions and if there are any receivers that decide to look for greener pastures in the offseason. That being said, Oklahoma's three remaining primary targets are all different than their already impressive 2017 commitments and could bring something unique to the class if Oklahoma can both find the space as well as reel one of them in. Of the group, Robinson seems the most possible with Manning seeming to be increasingly locked in to staying in-state and Lewis being an always tough five-star grab from California.
Offensive Line
Commitments: 3 - Marquis Hayes, Creed Humphrey, Tyrese Robinson
Expected Signees: 4
Still in Play: Adrian Ealy, Chuck Filiaga, Stephan Zabie
Analysis: With three standout interior commitments already on the board it doesn't take a recruiting savant to figure out that Oklahoma would like to round out their class with a high quality tackle and more and more that focus seems to be on Ealy. The big Louisiana native has been very open about the Sooners being on top of his list but expect official visits to Tennessee and Miami to give him something to think about before he makes a decision - expected by the end of this month. Ealy, who will enroll early, could be the final piece of the class but if Filiaga wanted to come along as well it might prove tough for the Sooners to say no to such a talented lineman. With Zabie, who due to Texas high school rules, isn't playing this year there is something of a feeling of a wait and see approach from both sides.
Defensive End
Commitments: 1 - Isaiah Thomas
Expected Signees: 2-3
Still in Play: Joshua Paschal, Joshua Rodgers
Analysis: This is without a doubt one of the more interesting positions as Oklahoma seems to only be focused on landing one more player - though if both wanted to commit it would be interesting to see if Oklahoma could actually say no. And with Paschal rumored to be zeroing in on a decision between Oklahoma and Maryland it seems that they may have to come to a verdict on Rodgers and their standing at some point. Paschal's home team is entering a rough stretch of play and if they struggle like some think they might it may be tough for him to stay close to home over an Oklahoma team that could be surging.
Defensive Tackle
Commitments: 0
Expected Signees: 1-2
Still in Play: Corey Bethley, Elijah Conliffe, Greg Rogers, Marvin Wilson
Analysis: The lone position in the class that is, as of yet, unaccounted for. However, by the list above you see plenty of lengthy offer lists and in each situation the Sooners are contenders - to varying degrees. You have to start at the top of the rankings, Wilson, who didn't seem blown away by his visit for the Ohio State weekend but things didn't go nearly as badly as some have chosen to believe. With the wheels falling off of several of his top choices if Oklahoma can stabilize they have a better chance than some think. Rogers, who was on campus the same weekend, appeared to have loved his visit and Oklahoma and UCLA seem to be in a dogfight with USC lurking - somewhat dependent on continuing to right the ship. With Conliffe there is some mystery though most feel Alabama will be tough to beat. Finally for Bethley Oklahoma can be patient as he seems in no rush to make a choice and may even be waiting to see what a few of the others listed may do as he is looking at several of the same programs.
Inside Linebacker
Commitments: 2 - Levi Draper, Jacob Phillips
Expected Signees: 3
Still in Play: Jordan Anthony, Anthony Hines, Tyler Taylor
Analysis: Prior to the unfortunate retirement of Tay Evans it looked as though Oklahoma was angling for Phillips and then would likely call it a day at linebacker. However, that news changed the situation and the Sooners are now after another inside linebacker to bolster a truly depleted unit - just three inside linebackers are set to return to the roster next year. Anthony has long been thought of as a heavy Michigan lean but has also been adamant about wanting to see Norman up close. With Hines Oklahoma was the one-time clear leader but now things seem far more muddled with Texas and Texas A&M probably more likely. Finally is Taylor, who visited for the Ohio State weekend, and the Sooners may well be sitting close to the lead - though Auburn is still the betting favorite. Oklahoma may be forced to look at a few other options if they can't turn their current fortunes with one of these three.
Outside Linebacker
Commitments: 3 - K'Jakyre Daley, Addison Gumbs, Kenneth Murray
Expected Signees: 3-4
Still in Play: K'Lavon Chaisson
Analysis: Honestly this feels like a situation where the case is probably about closed. Chaisson visited Dallas last weekend for OU-Texas and from all indications enjoyed himself but it seems unlikely that Oklahoma has room to take another outside linebacker considering they've got three quality ones committed and no one graduating until after the 2017 season. Chaisson could be good enough that they just can't pass but that begins a question of whether it's a situation he would want to enter into as he has seemed a bit gun shy about commitment numbers before.
Cornerback
Commitments: 1 - Tre Brown
Expected Signees: 2-3
Still in Play: Kobe Boyce, Latavious Brini, Jaylon Johnson
Analysis: Oklahoma's cornerback recruiting is short on current numbers but things look as almost as positive as they could for a team clearly still wanting at least one, and possibly two, more cornerbacks. Boyce seems to be considering backing away from his commitment to Texas. If that happens the Sooners would seem to move into a position as a favorite. The reality is though that may not be the only story to follow as Oklahoma's offer to Brini this week clearly indicates they aren't about to sit and rest and may well want a third corner in the class. Brini and Johnson are cut from a similar mold and though Brini just recently backed away from his Georgia commitment there is still some though the Dogs will be tough to beat. With Johnson, how can you argue against Oklahoma in the Fresno area?
Safety
Commitments: 2 - Robert Barnes, Justin Broiles
Expected Signees: 3
Still in Play: Bubba Bolden, DeAngelo Gibbs, Jeffrey Okudah, Isaiah Pryor
Analysis: So here you have Oklahoma chasing after not only some of the premier safeties in the country but doing so at arguably the most premier high school programs in the country. With Bolden the Sooners just recently threw their hat in the ring and though it won't be an easy sell a visit seems possible and from there, things can change quickly. For Gibbs, who has already been to Norman multiple times Oklahoma will be very hard pressed to turn him away from the SEC. The nation's No. 1 safety, Okudah, could also be seen as a cornerback, which could throw the last two position groups into a weird flux. But regardless the Sooners would love to have him and his relationship with Oklahoma's 2017 commits, particularly Barnes, is very strong. However, Ohio State is thought to have a clear lead and it'll be a tough, tough sell. What is interesting is that if Okudah were to choose the Buckeyes there is some chance it could open the door for Pryor, a long-time Ohio State pledge, with the Sooners. For those who have forgotten Pryor's father, Richard, played at Iowa with Mike Stoops, and worked under a young assistant by the name of Bob Stoops as well.
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