Oklahoma Football Recruiting 2016 – Latest Developments
By Sixto Ortiz
As 2016 National Signing Day approaches, the drama is building as the newest Oklahoma football recruiting class begins to take final form.
There are some late breaking developments that will make Sooner fans quite happy. Here are the latest updates as well as a rundown of prospective players for whom Oklahoma is still in the running.
Key Recruit Flips To Oklahoma
As reported by Gigem 247 and numerous other outlets, Cibolo, Texas, defensive end Mark Jackson, a 6-3, 235-pounder, flipped his commitment from Texas A&M to Oklahoma on Monday. This is fantastic news for Oklahoma’s 2016 class. According to the San Antonio Express News, Jackson will play outside linebacker. Now if the Sooners can just get their hands on other linebacker prospects they’re targeting, this class might just address the dire need at the position and then some.
In Other Linebacking News…
The tale of Bryce Youngquist’s recruitment, an OU committee since late summer, is taking a decidedly different turn: according to the Daily Oklahoman’s Jason Kersey, Youngquist will not sign with Oklahoma on Wednesday, citing “personal reasons”. In his Twitter statement, Youngquist asked for privacy, but emphasized that he is still committed to Oklahoma. Here’s hoping that Youngquist sorts out his situation sooner than later and signs on the dotted line for the Crimson and Cream.
Oklahoma is still considered the front runner for five-star California linebacker Caleb Kelly, although Notre Dame and Oregon are making a strong push for his services. Kelly became irritated, though, at some of the harassing tweets he was receiving from fans apparently irritated by his delay in declaring his recruiting intentions. It has been reported that Kelly does not plan to voice his decision until sometime on National Signing Day.
If Kelly signs with the Sooners, he will definitely be the crown jewel of the 2016 class.
If the Sooners can close on these linebacker commits, 2016 has the makings of a special class that will address a dire defensive need with a flourish.
Wide-Receiver Help Is on the Way
Oklahoma received more positive recruiting news on Sunday, as Southlake, Texas, three-star wide receiver Zach Farrar flipped his commitment from Mississippi State to Oklahoma. Farrar is a 6-3, 210-pound receiver who can go up and grab jump balls, using his long frame to get separation from defensive backs. He is definitely the kind of receiver who can thrive in Lincoln Riley’s high octane offense and take his game to the next level.
The Skinny
The Sooners are closing the 2016 recruiting cycle with a mad dash to the finish line and have the chance to put together a tremendous class. According to Rivals.com, Oklahoma’s class is currently at number fifteen nationwide, but that number will surely rise if the Sooners can close the deal on some key prospects. Hang on tight Sooner Nation, OU is closing fast and furious.