Sep 7, 2013; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops (right) linebacker coach Tim Kish (center) and defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery during the game against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The Oklahoma Sooners recruiting efforts the past few years has been lacking. The Sooners have brought in some solid players, but they seemed to be dropping year by year in the recruiting rankings. It looks like that might be changing. Thanks in large part to their new assistant coaches recruiting experience, the Sooners this weekend alone are bringing in some big-time recruits for the Oklahoma vs. TCU game.
Here are the kids who will be visiting OU this weekend to watch the Sooners take on the Horned Frogs.
- Tashon Smallwood (three-star DT, Fresno, California)
- Ainuu Taua (four-star DT, Lompoc. California)
- Adoree’ Jackson (five-star RB, Gardena, Calif.)
- Joe Mixon (five-star RB, Oakley, Calif.)
- Michiah Quick (four-star athlete, Fresno, Calif.)
Think about it like this. Not only is that two five-star and two four-star recruits – but all five of those players are from California. Of those players, Taua and Smallwood both have offers from OU, and Smallwood is predicted to end up with the Sooners.
Jackson has offers on the table from Florida and USC and OU will want to woo him this weekend. Mixon is actually leading towards OU, but also has Cal and South Carolina knocking on his door. Quick has plenty of choices, including Notre Dame and Oregon.
In other words, this is a big weekend for the Sooners when it comes to impressing the young players that are coming to Norman to watch the TCU game. And, they might not even have come if not for the new assistants on OU’s staff.
New defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery brought in the two defensive tackles. Offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh and special teams coordinator/tight ends coach Jay Boulware have been hustling as well.
“These guys are all experienced recruiters,” Jay Norvell said. “They’ve all recruited at great programs, and they’ve all had reputations of really hustling. You’ve gotta be a hustler. You’ve gotta get from school to school, stay in contact with your connections, because your connections are the guys who get it done for you.”
This weekend is big for the Oklahoma Sooners recruiting efforts, but honestly, it looks like the best is yet to come.
Follow Shawn S. Lealos on Twitter @sslealos