PreSeason Outlook (8/10/2010)

Top Stories to Watch

1. Can the projected OL starting unit actually go through camp and make it to the Utah State game?

Here’s the projected lineup. Mensik/Jarvis Jones- RT Tyler Evans – RG Habern- C Stephen Good- LG Stephenson – LT.

Loyal readers who followed last year's Texas All-Garbage Team have no doubt noticed another rash of UT football shenanigans in the past few months. We at TaW thought it was long overdue for an update, a "where are these douchebags now?" segment, if you will.

Recruiting Update 7/9

OU Verbals

• Kameel Jackson 6-1, 195, 4.45 WR Arlington,TX
• Kendal Thompson 6-2, 180, 4.6 QB Southmoore, OK
• Jordan Wade 6-4, 290, 5.0 DT Round Rock, TX
• P.L. Lindley 6-3, 210, 4.5 LB Round Rock, TX
• Danzel Williams 5-9, 190, 4. 45 RB/DB Arlington, TX
• Trey Metoyer 6-3, 200, 4.45 WR Whitehouse, TX
• Brandon Williams 6-1, 190, 4.4 RB Brookshire Royal, TX
• Cooper Washington 6-5, 225, 4.5 DE Muleshoe, TX
• Marquis Anderson 6-3, 280, 4.8 DT Cibolo, TX
• Nathan Hughes 6-5, 260, 4.7 DE Klein, TX
• Max Stevenson, 6-5, 225, 4.6 TE Klein, TX

Verbals since last update (5/9)

• Jordan Phillips 6-6, 290, 4.9 DL/OL Kansas
• Franklin Shannon 6-2, 210, 4.5 DB/OLB Dallas Skyline
• Brandon Carter 6-0, 170, 4.5 CB/ATH Euless, TX
• Dylan Dismuke 6-6, 290, 5.0 OL Duncan, OK
• Derek Farniok 6-8, 320, 5.4 OL South Dakota
• Dan Tapko 6-4, 225, 4.7 TE/DE Rockhurst, KS

So it’s been a while since a recruiting update, so let’s recap OU’s recruiting by position.

Recruiting Update 5/13

OU's Previous Verbals:

• Kameel Jackson 6-1, 195, 4.45 WR Arlington,TX
• Kendal Thompson 6-2, 180, 4.6 QB Southmoore, OK
• Chris Barnett  6-6, 240, 4.6 TE Euless, TX
• Wade Turner 6-4, 290, 5.0 DT Round Rock, TX
• P.L. Lindley 6-3, 210, 4.5 LB  Round Rock, TX
• Danzel Williams 5-9, 190, 4. 45 RB/DB Arlington, TX
• Trey Metoyer 6-3, 200, 4.45 WR Whitehouse, TX
• Brandon Williams 6-1, 190, 4.4 RB Brookshire Royal, TX
• Cooper Washington 6-5, 225, 4.5 DE Muleshoe, TX

New verbals:

• Marquis Anderson 6-3, 280, 4.8 DT Cibolo, TX
• Nathan Hughes 6-5, 260, 4.7 DE Klein, TX
• Max Stevenson, 6-5, 225, 4.6 TE Klein, TX

OU's run of verbals continues with a huge addition in Marquis Anderson the number two DT in Texas. Anderson has been OU's top target at DT since UT grabbed Desmond Jackson (unclear where OU ranked Anderson v Jackson in a DT battle since Jackson really never got any attention from OU). Anderson is the ideal 3 technique DT prospect for OU and could be the next great DT for the Soones Anderson has that level of potential.  Anderson is easily a top 20 talent in Teas depending upon who is doing the ranking. With the verbal of Anderson, OU with limited ships (19 range) is probably done at DT.

The previous week. OU got two more big time additions in Nathan Hughes and Max Stevenson from Klein TX. Hughes is the better known prospect easily Texas top 20. Hughes is expected to stay at DE and play at the 260 range while keeping his speed. OU beat LSU for Hughes, and at one time UT looked like a lock for the kid. UT though wavered offering a ship early (focusing on Cedric Reed), and OU focused on Hughes and grabbed a big lead.  Hughes and Cooper Washington along with the DEs from last year have reloaded that position to the point where only RB is more stocked on the Sooner roster. Stevenson is an excellent pass receiver TE prospect (highlight reel looks very impressive) at 6-5, 225 with excellent speed. The mystery with Stevenson is what does it do to the verbal of Chris Barnett. Now, Barnett has been visiting other colleges while maintaining that he's still an OU verbal.  OU would appear to be fairly scholarship restrained so does OU have room for 2 TE verbals while still having recruiting needs at LB, OL, and DB. It's a story to follow. OU must think Barnett is going to be an elite kid to have not pulled his offer.

Right now OU has 9 verbals on ESPN's Top 150 watchlist (about 250 overall kids) out of their total 12 verbals.  And ESPN hasn't even evaluated Stevenson or Washington at all yet. Barnett is also outside the watchlist, but who knows if he will even be a Sooner at this point.

OU has elite Texas talents in

• Brandon Williams RB
• Marquis Anderson DT
• Nathan Hughes DE
• Trey Metoyer WR
• Kameel Jackson WR
• And instate - All American candidate QB Kendal Thompson

This class right could be ranked as high as last year's. OU has evaluated a number of players as being top tier (Wade, Lindley, Washington, Stevenson) who have barely been evaluated by the recruiting services.  OU's ranking as always will depend upon how OU finishes up in recruiting. Leading to the ....

Top Eight Targets: With 12 verbals, OU probably at most can take 8 more players so the top Ten list is now 8. (top players that OU has a legitimate shot to land. This list will vary as kids verbal to OU and elsewhere and kids are added. The first top ten last year didn't have Tony Jefferson, Kenny Stills, Austin Haywood, or Brennan Clay)Verbals:  Marquis Anderson, Nathan Hughes

Additions:

Subtractions:  Matt Hegarty to ND

1. Brey Cook 6-7, 300, 5.1 OT Springdale, AR. The best OT on OU's board, and is the best OL available for OU. Cook has been OU a number of times including camping at OU last year (if there's any real trend in recruiting, OU does very well with kids who have camped the previous summer). He's still taking unofficial visits, but looks to be an OU v Pigs battle. Getting Cook would be a huge piece for the OL, and right now OL is the biggest priority in the class.
2. Malcolm Brown 6-1, 210, 4.5 RB Cibolo, TX. Usually Brown would be the number one kid on OU's board, but factoring OU's RB depth versus OL depth/verbals he drops to the number 2 spot. Brown is the best power RB from Texas since AD (Jermie Calhoun is the only other debatable player). Longhorn fans honestly think that Mack Brown is changing the offense this year to more I-formation under the center to seal the deal recruiting Brown. OU has just added Anderson who is friends with Malcolm Brown. If OU didn't have a great group of young RBs on campus/signed I wonder if OU might have already gotten a verbal from Brown.
3. Josh Turner  6-0, 170, 4.5 CB OKC Millwood. Top player in state battle between Turner and Thompson. Has the potential to be an elite CB, OU will fight UT among others for his signature.
4. Aaron Wallace 6-0, 225, 4.6 MLB  Dallas Skyline, TX. Looks amazingly a lot like Curtis Lofton. Might be the best LB in Texas, debate is between Wallace and Steve Edmond. OU has been recruiting Skyline well, and is after Wallace teammate Shannon Franklin.  Wallace will look at most major powers before deciding.
5. DeAnthony Arnett 6-0, 175, 4.5 Michigan. The top national prospect ranking seriously considering OU right now. Arnett has been dominant in combines this spring and would seem to be the ideal 3^rd WR commitment for OU. Big Ten and USC is also involved.
6. OL target number two? Okay I don't have a clear number two OL target after Brey Cook for OU. There's the Kansas kid Jordan Phillips and the Texas OL prospect LeRaven Clark. Both kids have huge upsides but are not elite OL recruits right now (of course Russell Okung/Trent Williams were hardly top flight OL recruits). OU may try and get involved with some national elite OL kids, but there are no clear names that have moved from wish list to legit targets.
7. Avery Walls 5-11, 185, 4.5 Georgia. OU offered Walls early, but now the entire SEC is heavily recruiting the kid. If Walls is still talking about visiting this summer, then new DB coach Willie Martinez' connections to Georgia might help.
8. Franklin Shannon 6-2, 200, 4.5 DB Dallas Skyline. Wallace's teammate who is probably the top strong safety in Texas. He could also be a great OLB hybrid (Keenan Clayton role) in the OU defense.

Just outside the top 8

• Tobias Singleton 6-2, 185, 4.4 WR Miss
• Tevin Mitchell 6-1, 175, 4.4 CB Mansfield, TX
• Charles Jackson Jackson 5-10, 180, 4.4 CB Klein, TX
• Miles Shuler 5-11, 180, 4.35 CB/WR New Jersey

Recruiting Update 4/24

OU Verbals

1. Kameel Jackson 6-2, 195, 4.45 WR Arlington,TX
2. Kendal Thompson 6-2, 180, 4.6 QB Southmoore, OK
3. Chris Barnett 6-6, 240, 46 TE Euless, TX
4. Wade Turner 6-4, 290, 5.0 DT Round Rock, TX
5. P.L. Lindley 6-3, 210, 4.5 LB Round Rock, TX
6. Danzel Williams 5-9, 190, 4. 45 RB/DB Arlington, TX
7. Trey Metoyer 6-3, 200, 4.45 WR Whitehouse, TX

New verbal

• Brandon Williams 6-1, 190, 4.4 RB Brookshire Royal, TX
• Cooper Washington 6-5, 225, 4.5 DE Muleshoe, TX

OU has gotten a verbal from Texas top ten talent Brandon Williams. Williams has been overshadowed by Aaron Green, Malcolm Brown, and Herschel Sims, but other than Brown might be as talented as anyone. Also, Williams brings a different skill set than OU signees Brennan Clay/Roy Finch. To be honest, I really thought Green/Sims were too similar to Finch/Clay. Williams though is bigger and faster. The Williams news was kind of out of nowhere, he did visit for the OU Spring Game while verbaled to Baylor. His verbal to Baylor though had not seemed very strong, as bigger programs made it clear to Williams that he was elite. Still, the verbal has forced OU to move on from Herschel Sims/Bradley Marquez/and probably Aaron Green as well. Williams has already accepted an invitation to play in ESPN’s Under Armour All American game.

OU’s other new verbal is from Cooper Washington. Washington has been on OU’s recruiting radar and has been near the offer list for DE all spring. Now, Muleshoe is so far in west Texas it’s practically New Mexico. In following recruiting for over 15 years, I cannot recall a single Big 12 caliber prospect from Muleshoe. Being a tall rangy defensive end from a tiny Texas town, the obvious comparisons to Auston English/Dan Cody are going to be made with Washington. However, while OU was projecting English at DE (he was mainly a HS RB), Washington highlight reel is all DE. He shows great explosion off the ball, excellent closing speed, and he’s doing a very good job in run support as well. Now the obvious questions of competition level are going to come up, but OU under Bob has had a history of big time players coming from small schools in OK/Tex. All you can really ask is does Washington dominate on film? From the brief Rivals highlights, he certainly does. Hopefully, Cooper will attend OU’s summer camp sessions so that the recruiting folks can get a look at him in a different setting against better competition.

Chris Barnett is listed as a verbal but there’s all kinds of stories about him looking around and taking other visits. Barnett has massive potential at TE, but if he takes visits OU will drop him as a commitment, and will start to offer other TEs again. It would be a shame to lose Barnett because he’s potentially a Gresham type talent at TE, but OU has to be clear with recruits about their verbal commitments. Barnett’s also had some weird off the field news as well with a transfer to Euless Trinity this offseason, and then he left Euless due to some vaguely hinted school problems. Barnett is probably headed back to his old High School Maceo Smith. I guess there’s a chance that OU could take two TEs. The TE position is vital to OU’s offense in terms of being able to run and pass out of the same personnel in the no huddle. In addition, Wilson/Patton are starting to move TEs to OL. So perhaps OU will take another big frame TE to complement Barnett with the possibility that the kid could end up at OL.

Top Ten Targets: (top players that OU has a legitimate shot to land. This list will vary as kids verbal to OU and elsewhere and kids are added. The first top ten last year didn’t have Tony Jefferson, Kenny Stills, Austin Haywood, or Brennan Clay)

1. Brey Cook 6-7, 300, 5.1 OT Springdale, AR. The best OT on OU’s board, and is the best OL available for OU. Cook has been OU a number of times including camping at OU last year (if there’s any real trend in recruiting, OU does very well with kids who have camped the previous summer). He’s still taking unofficial visits, but looks to be an OU v Pigs battle. Getting Cook would be a huge piece for the OL, and right now OL is the biggest priority in the class.

2. Malcolm Brown 6-1, 210, 4.5 RB Cibolo, TX. Usually Brown would be the number one kid on OU’s board, but factoring OU’s RB depth OL he drops to the number 2 spot. Brown is the best power RB from Texas since AD (Jermie Calhoun is the only other debatable player). Longhorn fans honestly think that Mack Brown is changing the offense this year to more I-formation under the center to seal the deal recruiting Brown.

3. Josh Turner 6-0, 170, 4.5 CB OKC Millwood. Top player in state battle between Turner and Thompson. Has the potential to be an elite CB, OU will fight UT among others for his signature.

4. Marquis Anderson 6-3, 270, 4.8 DT Cibolo, TX. Only behind Desmond Jackson in terms of DT rankings in Texas. Has the speed/burst to be a 3 technique DT for OU. OU appears to be in the lead. UT appears focused on Quincy Russell instead at DT.

5. Aaron Wallace 6-0, 225, 4.6 MLB Dallas Skyline, TX. Looks amazingly a lot like Curtis Lofton. Might be the best LB in Texas, debate is between Wallace and Steve Edmond. OU has been recruiting Skyline well, and is after Wallace teammate Franklin Shannon. Wallace will look at most major powers before deciding.

6. DeAnthony Arnett 6-0, 175, 4.5 Michigan. The top ranked national prospect seriously considering OU right now. Arnett has been dominate in combines this spring and would seem to be the ideal 3^rd WR commitment for OU. Big Ten and USC is also involved.

7. Avery Walls 5-11, 185, 4.5 Georgia. OU offered Walls early, but now the entire SEC is heavily recruiting the kid. If Walls still talking about visiting this summer. New DB coach Willie Martinez’ connections to Georgia might help.

8. Matt Hegarty 6-5, 270, 5.0 OT New Mexico. Hegarty camped at OU last summer and was very impressive. Hegarty although interested in OU is looking at Stanford, USC, ND among others. OU is still in the picture, but not leading like many had hoped.

9. Nathan Hughes 6-5, 260, 4.75 DE Klein, TX. Hughes is arguably the top DE in Texas (only player in the discussion is Cedric Reed, and Hughes is faster). UT focused on Reed and got a verbal. Hughes seems to really like OU along with LSU.

10. Franklin Shannon 6-2, 200, 4.5 DB Dallas Skyline. Wallace’s teammate who is probably the top strong safety in Texas. He could also be a great OLB hybrid (Keenan Clayton role) in the OU defense.

So where do you start reviewing a Spring practice period that was mostly held in completely secrecy like some NSA black ops project? Well you piece together what you can from videos/interviews/spring game/other reports.  So did anything happen this spring?

Positives

1.     Offensive Line: I know, I know, OU fans are completely unable to buy into any more OL hype until the OL blocks someone consistently this fall.  But there were a number of positive storylines for the OL this spring.

a.     Good winter offseason conditioning for the OL with Corey Brandon, among others taking up a leadership role. Leadership was a massive problem last year for the OL in general leading to a lot of the issues.
b.     Donald Stephenson coming off academic probation had an excellent spring validating Bob's comments that Stephenson might be the most talented OL the Sooners have.
c.      Both Jarvis Jones and Ben Habern were able to return for the bulk of spring much earlier than anticipated for both players. Jones is making a real push at OT to start if Stephenson or Brandon fall back at all. The Sooners monitored Habern closely all spring, but he had a very solid spring game, and looks ready to take back his starting center spot.
d.     Stephen Good and Tyler Evans have seemed to lock down the starting guard positions, and due to the improved depth situation were allowed to focus on those positions all spring.
e.     The move of Gabe Ikard to OL seems like a good fit. Ikard will need to get bigger/stronger to play OL full time, but Ikard provides key depth at OC/OG.
f.      Early enrollee freshman Bronson Irwin and Austin Woods had solid springs according to the coaches, and the full offseason and spring should accelerate their development. Irwin is threat to not redshirt, while OU would like to redshirt Woods to get a little distance between Woods and Habern/Ikard at center.
g.     While not dominating, in both the first scrimmage and the spring game, the OL showed that it could generate some yards rushing and give Landry time needed in the passing game.  The spring game in particular the OL looked significantly better than they did last spring when they pretty much got manhandled by the Sooner defense. Now I realize that Taylor's hurt and McCoy's gone, but that's still Jeremy Beal and Frank Alexander attacking.
h.     Other than an MCL sprain for Eric Mensik, the OL got through spring in relatively good health (Good's spring game injury was simply an ankle sprain).
i.       Starting OL right now is:

• • LT: Donald Stephenson
  • LG: Stephen Good
  • OC: Ben Habern
  • RG: Tyler Evans
  • RT: Corey Brandon/Jarvis Jones

2.     Improved QB play by Landry Jones: Landry had a solid end to the year with an excellent bowl game (if not for his only mistake OU might have blown that game wide open early) and has carried that momentum through spring. Landry had a very solid spring game throwing for over 200 yards and couple of TDs. His completion percentage was lower than you would like (he was victimized by some drops), but Landry also had zero interceptions.  In the highlights, Landry's clearly made progress in extending plays and in avoiding negative plays.  In addition, Landry appears to have improved his accuracy while on the move.  The gap between Landry and Drew appears to be pretty wide, so there's no QB controversy in Norman this spring.  OU's offense this fall will go as far as an improved OL and Landry Jones can take it.

3.     The Californians are coming. If Brennan Clay can have the kind of impact that his San Diego teammates have had already, then OU should definitely keep recruiting San Diego. Kenny Stills has taken advantage of OU's relatively thin numbers at WR and OU's new double practice scheme to really jump start his Sooner career. Stills looks like he might be the WR playmaker to take advantage of the massive attention Ryan Broyles is sure to receive this fall.  Tony Jefferson was battling a more crowded field at safety this spring, but Willie Martinez is already talking up his potential at SS/SAM Nickel LB. From the buzz on both kids this spring, I'd be stunned if either kid redshirted.

4.     Willie Martinez at DB coach: OU's defenses were always at their best when Brent was roaming the sidelines with Mike. OU's never really found a real DB coach to replace Mike that synced with Brent. Early signs indicate that OU may have found that guy.  Martinez really became the scapegoat at UGA for a team with a lot of different issues inconsistent offense giving up a lot of turnovers,  3 years of OL problems, no pass rush from the DEs, talented but underperforming DTs, and finally average LBs.  He may end up being an excellent DB coach who is just not a defensive coordinator.

5.     LB Core: BV now has 6 LBs who can play a nice interchangeable mix of positions. Travis Lewis looks ready to take over the mantle of leadership on defense, and perhaps take his LB game to the next level. The Sooners have been using Ronnell Lewis in a variety of roles, and it's doubtful that you will see Ronnell leave the field. Tom Wort is back from his knee injury early, and should be ready this fall to prove why he almost played at LB last year. Joseph Ibiloye has carried over the momentum of his freshman year and looks to start in the Clayton role or at SS depending upon what type of offense OU is facing. Finally, Jayden Bird, Daniel Franklin and Austin Box are providing depth and competition.  Despite the loss of Reynolds and Clayton, it's entirely possible that the LB position could be better than last year.

6.     Defensive Backs: At this point, Jamell Fleming is playing CB at a level that is letting OU leave Jonathan Nelson at Safety. So OU has a starting backfield of Hurst, Fleming, Nelson, and Carter. Fleming might continue what has become an annual trend of late blooming DBs in recent years, players essentially written off or thought to be recruited over (Quinton Carter, Brian Jackson, Jonathan Nelson). Marcus Trice spent most of spring at CB where he's an ideal nickel/dime CB to counter slot WRS/4 WR looks. Javon Harris, Tony Jefferson, Gabe Lynn, Kevin Brent, and Lamar Harris are all providing depth at DB. Along with the flexibility at LB, OU's secondary appears to have the necessary pieces to matchup with a variety of offenses.  Considering OU had to replace 2 starting CBs, the secondary appeared to be in good shape.

Neutral

1.     Defensive End: Beal and Alexander are holding down this position. Not much noise here at all. David King was hurt. RJ Washington didn't seem to take advantage of King's absence and lock down the 3^rd DE spot.

2.     Running Back: OU was very cautious using Demarco Murray at all this spring. Jermie Calhoun had a big first scrimmage, but has been bothered by an ankle injury since then. Marshal Musil had a very good spring game in a big back role (he played Toby Gerhart on the scout team for OU's bowl game), and walk on former Lawton HS product Dominique Whaley had some nice runs.

3.     Jaz Reynolds and Dejuan Miller had moments this spring, but didn't have big spring games.  Both kids improved but not to the degree that they won't be tested by the influx of WR talent.

4.     TE position: This position started spring in the negative column, but there were signs of life in the scrimmages and in the spring game. James Hanna's been making plays in the scrimmages as a receiver, and in the spring game James Ratterree had a couple of nice catches. Lane Johnson massive frame at TE is still a work in progress, but he looks like he could be a factor down the road.  Still to steal a quote from a message board thread, there's no Jermaine Gresham's out there. This position is still wide open for Austin Haywood this fall.

5.     Defensive Tackle: OU misses Adrian Taylor inside, so let's hope that his rehab from injury goes well. Jamarkus McFarland had a great early part of spring, and had a good spring game. Casey Walker provides some run defense, but not much playmaking. Stacey McGee shows some pass rush ability but still needs to get stronger versus the run. Justin Chaisson's move to DT will pay off for OU but for it to be this fall he's going to have to add some size and strength, he got kind of worked in the spring game at times by the OL. Walk on Drew Serruto got a bunch of reps in spring, not sure if he will be a factor this fall or not. Defensive tackle is definitely a place where a motivated in great shape freshman can provide some competition and depth. Best guess to repeat my recruiting wrap up, Eric Humphrey at 3 technique or Torrea Peterson who can play either DT spot.

Negatives

1.     Kicking Game. This is purely based on the spring game due to the other scrimmages being closed. FG kicking looked awful in the spring game. O'Hara had a FG blocked, then missed a mulligan attempt. Stevens hit 3 FGs, one bounced off the upright to be good, and the other two were low wobbly, hooking left kicks. I seriously doubt if any of them would have good in a real game they were so low, I'd imagine every one of them would have been blocked. Easley was doing kickoffs and having a hard time getting it beyond the 15 yard line.  OU's woes here have cost OU badly the last two years. It's like Garrett Hartley stole every once of kicking skill away from Norman to make that overtime kick for the Saints.

2.     Bob's draconian blackout policy in spring is hurting interest in the program. OU barely had 16k at their spring game. Now the weather plays a role, but so does Bob locking out fans from attending scrimmages, not putting up videos of practices on Soonersports.com, and limiting the press' access to practices. Without access, the press is just going to write about something else.  If he had his choice, I bet Bob would kill the spring game outright.  Now, I'll be honest our offense in spring games is usually so vanilla that it's hard for me to imagine that any rivals can really gain any real insight from the game being on TV. If Saban can allow his game to be on ESPN, then why won't Bob let the game be televised or at the very least streamed over the net if he is worried about someone having a copy of the game for scouting purposes. I just don't see how this secrecy is leading to any real competitive advantage on the field.

It's not often that Women's Hoops is the front headline on TaW.

Then again Excellence has to be acknowledged and lauded.

OU came into this year picked to be 5^th in the Big 12 after losing the Paris twins. As if those graduations losses weren't enough, the season had barely started when OU would lose top scorer and outside threat in Whitney Hand to a season ending knee injury. At that point, reloading this year didn't seem possible, and rebuilding seemed tough, and just surviving was the main goal. OU was down to 8 scholarship players with no depth at shooting guard at all.

I'll be honest when Whitney Hand got hurt, I thought that Sherri would be lucky to get this team into the tourney. That was the only goal, maintaining the Sooners NCAA tourney streak.  To be even more honest, I really thought that Sheri's inability to fill her roster (small classes in 2008/2007) was finally going to come back and haunt the Sooners.

And they were signs that this year was going to get away from OU. There was the terrible loss at home to an average Texas squad.

Once again though, Sherri regrouped her roster/team (Jeff Capel please take note) and other than a home loss to Nebraska during a bad shooting night the team had a great finish to Big 12 play (ranked 2^nd in the conference only behind Nebraska).  How did Sherri accomplish this? It's really been a four player team with role players beyond that;

1.     DRob- Best PG in the Big 12. The games where OU struggled always were the games that DRob is in foul trouble.

2.     Nyeshia Stevenson- When Ny struggled to score, OU often struggled.

3.     Abi Olajuwon - 10.8 points a game and 7 rebounds. Unreal final year production from a player stuck on the bench for her first 3 seasons.

4.     Amanda Thompson - Really the most consistent best player for OU throughout this year. Averaged a double/double for the season. Ranked second in the league in rebounding.

5.     The fifth Sooner sometimes was Carlee Roethlisberger, Jasmine Hartman, and post play support from Joanna McFarland off the bench.  These players provided depth and minutes.  Sherri subbed Jasmine Hartman for a struggling Carlee and used McFarland effectively when Abi was struggling.

That was the regular season. OU made a great run in the Big 12 Tourney beating Oklahoma State and Baylor before losing to ATM in the final (Sooners depth issues may have finally caught up with them. They looked gassed). Sherri had done the impossible, and rallied the team to a  2^nd place finish in the Big 12 in regular season and conference tournament. A good NCAA tourney seed was earned and OU's tourney streak preserved. To steal a quote from a fellow Sooner fan, OU was playing with "House Money", a Sweet Sixteen spot was achieved with a great home draw in Norman, the "House Money" just doubled.  Again, I'll be honest, I figured OU that was just about done. No way that this overachieving roster could put together two huge wins back to back (Nyeshia's been streaky all year long), but there were signs of things to come (huge game by Abi versus UALR).

But in next round of the NCAA tourney, more amazing things happened.  Against, ND who had previously beaten OU back in December (right after Hand's knee injury), Abi played an awesome game looking like the previously unknown Paris triplet. Ny also played an awesome game hitting the clutch game winning 3. OU perhaps caught another break with Kentucky running Nebraska out of the gym. Kentucky looked a lot like the Ole Miss team that bounced OU three years ago, and the ATM team which has given Sherri's Sooners the most problems the last 4 years.  After a horrible start, the veteran trio of DRob, Ny, and Amanda just dominated the game. In addition, OU's bench provided quality minutes.  OU was back in the Final Four again with a team no one could have predicted would be there.

This is easily Sherri's best coaching job ever.  If the "House Money" was doubled previously, then it's increased ten fold with a Final Four visit. The free world is picking UConn to beat Stanford in the final, so OU goes in with no pressure. Stanford brings great post depth, but OU might have the edge at guard with DRob and Ny. If OU gets to a final game, then who knows what could happen. Ny probably holds the key to OU's chances in San Antonio. If she continues playing like she did v ND/Kentucky, then OU can beat anyone. Although just once I wish an OU Final Four appearance didn't coincide with a nigh unbeatable UConn team.

Sherri in her PC after the Kentucky win made a great point with 3 Final Four appearances this decade, OU has entered a new territory in terms of national prominence. OU might not be UConn or Tenn, but is now in that next tier of schools like (Duke and Stanford).  Sherri does lose 3 great seniors, but next year's Sooners will return two huge pieces in DRob and Whitney Hand (as good a 1-2 punch that returns anywhere in the nation). Joanna McFarland had a solid freshman year and Carlee/Jasmine provide key depth at the 2/3 positions.  OU also brings in Sherri's top recruiting class with an elite PG to mentor behind DRob (McDonald's All American Aaryn Ellenberg from Bishop Gorman), OU's best center prospect since CP and potential Griner counter in 6-6 Nicole Griffen (Parade All American), combo guard Morgan Hook (Arkansas Player of the Year), and super athletic 6-4 PF Jacqueline Jeffcoat (Ranked in the top 50 players in the country by ESPN),  and shooting guard Alexann Yancey (walk-on??).  At this point, what Sooner fan would bet against Sherri combining two great returning players, developing underclassman and her best overall recruiting class into another Final Four team? TaW won't be taking that bet at all.

Spring Practice Update #2

Well OU returned from Spring Break and actually held their first scrimmage of spring. Unfortunately, the event was locked down better than a Black Ops mission, so I don’t have stats or actual full reports. But gleaned from message board traffic and scrimmage highlights here goes.

1. The improved buzz on the OL continues to stay strong. OL apparently provided running room and time for Landry during the scrimmage. Starting OL was

• LT: Donald Stephenson- so far proving Bob right that last year he was as talented as anyone other than NFL top 20 pick Trent Williams
• LG: Stephen Good- healthy again.
• OC: Brian Lepak (but Habern is back from foot injury and looks good. Just a matter of health stopping Habern from retaking the Center job)
• RG: Tyler Evans- great offseason
• RT: Eric Mensik – clearly has added weight to his frame (Corey Brandon was basically first team as well)

2. Taking advantage of said improved OL blocking was Jermie Calhoun who had a number of nice runs. All reports indicate Calhoun is having a great spring, and with Jonathan Miller’s absence due to injury is doing his best job to lock down the number two RB spot.

3. Starting front seven on defense appeared to be

• DTs: Jamarkus McFarland, Stacey McGee (Walker and Chaisson were in there as well. Heavy rotation of DTs)
• DEs: Frank Alexander and Jeremy Beal (but saw RJ Washington in with the 1s as well)
• LBs: Mike: Ronnell Lewis, Will: Travis Lewis, SAM: Joseph Ibiloye (Wort is fully back from injury. He was in there with the first team defense as well)
• CBs: Demontre Hurst and Jamell Fleming (2nd team CBs were Lamar Harris, Gabe Lynn, and Marcus Trice)
• Safeties: Quinton Carter and Jonathan Nelson (2^nd team hard to tell but Kevin Brent, Tony Jefferson, and Javon Harris were all getting reps)

4. Signs of life at TE finally. Lane Johnson looked solid in the blocking game, matched up against Beal and Alexander. In addition, James Hanna had the play of the scrimmage with a 70 yard TD catch and run. Until this scrimmage, the news on the TE position had been non-existent.

5. Kenny Stills continues to impress at WR, and is a real threat for major playing time this fall. If anyone breaks the Sun Bowl trio of Miller, Broyles, and Reynolds it will be Stills. It was a pretty windy day for the scrimmage so the passing game was hampered a little. Some drops by Dejuan Miller and Cam Kenney, overall Jaz Reynolds probably had the most consistent day from the WRs. (It’s not clear how much Broyles played if at all).

6. It’s really impossible to tell anything on how well Landry Jones and Drew Allen are doing. All I can say is that the word that I’m hearing is that Landry looks to have built off the momentum of bowl practice and his bowl performance to end any thought that he won’t start at QB. He looks improved in his reads/timing, and is leading the offense.

7. I’ve got nothing on the FG kickers or punters or return game guys.

OU Men's Hoops WTF Now

OU's worst season in forever is merciful over now, and rather than assess what went wrong. What's next??

Question 1

Is Willie Warren gone to the NBA?    All signs point to yes, but his ankle surgery and the moved up date for players to pull themselves out of the draft early (May instead of in June are new variables). If Warren is unable to workout for NBA teams before the pull out date, would he return to OU if he has not received a first round guarantee from a team? Warren's draft stock has just plummeted from Lottery lock to fringe first round pick. Warren pretty much needs great workouts to rehab his image.

Question 2

Who else might be leaving?

Well let's review the potential suspects:

• Tiny Gallon: Has publicly said that he is staying.
• TMG: Leaning towards staying, but says he needs to talk to Capel about some "stuff". UPDATE: 3/16 Capel was interviewed in KREF and when talking about the future players in the program mentioned Gallon, Pledger, Fitz. No mention of TMG at all in the interview.
• Pledger: No word that his shoplifting brain freeze will lead to his exit.
• Ray Willis: Best bet for transferring. He's been recruited over.
• Orlando Allen: No buzz that he is leaving
• Kyle Hardrick: 2^nd best bet for transferring. Chances of playing time are pretty slim right now
• Fitz: Not going anywhere.
• Cade: Not going anywhere

Question 3

How many players will OU sign in the spring?

OU signed two players in October (combo guard TJ Taylor 6-3, wing Cam Clark 6-6). If WW leaves, then OU will have 3 ships available. A class of 5 is likely if the right prospects can be found.

Question 4

What is needed and who is on the recruiting board?

Recruiting needs in order of priority

1. Post player/Center
2. Post player
3. Big wing
4. Point guard

There are only two clear players on the board who have officially visited OU.

• Terrence Jones 6-9 PF/SF Oregon (McDonald's All American. OU probably trails Kentucky and Washington)
• Aziz N'Diaye 7-1 C JUCO Southern Idaho (Top JUCO center. OU fighting Washington and Oregon State)

If OU could land these two players that would be the best result. However, it's not clear that OU leads for either player. And right now there are no other post players on the recruiting board.

Other prospects according to OUHoops.com

• Terrence Ross 6-5, SF Oregon (Teammate of Jones)
• Daniel West 6-1, PG JUCO Pensacola JUCO
• Marquise Carter 6-4, Combo Guard JUCO Three Rivers JUCO (brother of Nate Carter)

Questions 5

Can you try and guess what a starting five looks like?

Starring deep into the TaW Prediction Crystal Ball

PG: TMG

SG: Cade Davis

Wing: Cam Clark

Posts: Tiny Gallon, JUCO C/PF

Bleacher Report recently is posting a series of speculative articles about programs that will struggle in the future.  Now TaW let the article about the top 15 programs that will dominate future recruiting pass by without comment,  even though the article didn't mention OU.  However, now Bleacher Report has decided that OU will be a program that will struggle to recruit in the future. The argument is laughable at best.

Listing OU here is not just speculative but shows how writer Bryan Kelly has done no homework whatsoever. OU consistently over at least the last 25 years has recruited regionally/nationally and had many great players from in state. No matter how much evidence is presented, the myth that OU is totally reliant upon Texas players won't go away. OU has always had great players from Texas and will continue to recruit well in Texas. Under Bob, OU has always made their living on recruiting top Texas talent, and those players have not always been the Top 10 in Texas five star kids (Derrick Strait, Jimmy Wilkerson, Jonathan Jackson, Jeremy Beal, Clint Ingram, Trent Williams, Adrian Taylor, Travis Lewis, Brandon Everage). A small amount of research would show that OU while recruiting heavily in Texas, also gets their top players from other locations.