Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma football: Elite 2024 in-state DB puts Sooners in final four

By Chip Rouse

NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 29: Oklahoma Sooners fans wait to enter the east side of the stadium before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks October 29, 2016 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
NORMAN, OK - OCTOBER 29: Oklahoma Sooners fans wait to enter the east side of the stadium before the game against the Kansas Jayhawks October 29, 2016 at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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The Oklahoma football program has been criticized over the years for placing more recruiting emphasis in the Lone Star State and elsewhere missing out on top talent in its home state.

Head coach Brent Venables would like to change that perception and efforts in the 2024 recruiting cycle reflect that intention.

While the Sooners certainly have recruited in the Sooner State, they have often missed out on the best high-profile prep prospects the state has to offer. Some have ended up with in-state rival Oklahoma State. Others have been lured outside of the state.

In an effort to change that, Venables and his staff have made a special point of attracting quality home-grown talent.

Earlier this week, Oklahoma received a commitment from running back Xavier Robinson from Carl Albert High School in Oklahoma City, the same school that now has 2025 OU QB commit in the Kevin Sperry in the fold. With those two operating in the same offense this fall, Carl Albert is a favorite to win a state title.

Robinson is the No. 5 prospect in the state, according to 247Sports.

Safety Mykel Patterson-McDonald is the rated as the No. 2 prospect in the state of Oklahoma, and this week he narrowed his list of finalists to four schools: Oklahoma, Missouri, UNLV and Houston. Several college recruiting analysts have already issued projections for Oklahoma winning out for Robinson-McDonald’s commitment. Michigan State, Iowa State and Indiana are among the teams who missed out in the cutdown.

It doesn’t hurt that Patterson-McDonald’s father played for Oklahoma. Moreover, the younger Paterson-McDonald may have signaled his preference when he wore a pair of OU gloves at Westmoore High School’s spring game.

The talented defensive-back prospect announced via Twitter he will publicly disclose his commitment decision on July 31.

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