Oklahoma Sooners: Mailbag
Chatmon's mailbag: Any help on the way? 
September, 7, 2012
9/07/12
8:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma was, um, less than dominant in its 24-7 win over UTEP on Sept. 1. And yet Friday's mailbag is recruiting heavy with questions and answers about the Sooners recruiting along the offensive and defensive lines as well as a couple of basketball inquires. If you have any questions email Brandon Chatmon at bchatmonespn@gmail.com. So without further ado...
ZackD18 (via Twitter) asks: What are the chances the Sooners get some legit OL and DL commits? Maybe the UCLA commits?
Brandon Chatmon: There’s a pretty decent chance the Sooners land defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball), the younger brother of Demarcus Granger. Manning would be a great get for an OU defense that continues to search for difference makers in its interior.
ZackD18 (via Twitter) asks: What are the chances the Sooners get some legit OL and DL commits? Maybe the UCLA commits?
Brandon Chatmon: There’s a pretty decent chance the Sooners land defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball), the younger brother of Demarcus Granger. Manning would be a great get for an OU defense that continues to search for difference makers in its interior.
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Przybylo's Mailbag: 2014 recruiting pace
August, 10, 2012
8/10/12
9:30
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every week. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Randy in Norman, Okla., asks: You keep mentioning how Texas offering all those kids last week is a good thing. Can you explain what you mean by that?
Bob Przybylo: Sure, no problem, Randy. What I believe more than anything is it will accelerate the 2014 recruiting class across the board. A lot of the drama that might be there between February and April should now disappear.
Randy in Norman, Okla., asks: You keep mentioning how Texas offering all those kids last week is a good thing. Can you explain what you mean by that?
Bob Przybylo: Sure, no problem, Randy. What I believe more than anything is it will accelerate the 2014 recruiting class across the board. A lot of the drama that might be there between February and April should now disappear.
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Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every week. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Brandon Ward in Texarkana, Texas, asks: Pumped about the signing of Ahmad Thomas. Who are the next three defensive backs we’re in the running for?
Bob Przybylo: That's an appropriate use of the number three. OU defensive backs coach Mike Stoops said he is looking for five defensive backs in the class. Thomas (Miami/Central) is the second one as the Sooners already have the commitment of four-star athlete Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) who will play cornerback at OU.
Brandon Ward in Texarkana, Texas, asks: Pumped about the signing of Ahmad Thomas. Who are the next three defensive backs we’re in the running for?
Bob Przybylo: That's an appropriate use of the number three. OU defensive backs coach Mike Stoops said he is looking for five defensive backs in the class. Thomas (Miami/Central) is the second one as the Sooners already have the commitment of four-star athlete Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) who will play cornerback at OU.
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Przybylo's Mailbag: Thomas worth the risk
May, 18, 2012
5/18/12
10:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every week. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Bill in Tulsa, Okla., asks: We got Cody Thomas! Yes! Is he going to stay with football, or do you see him playing baseball?
Bob Przybylo: You ran through the gamut of emotions there, Bill. It remains to be seen if Thomas is going to up in a crimson and cream uniform, but it is worth the risk.
Bill in Tulsa, Okla., asks: We got Cody Thomas! Yes! Is he going to stay with football, or do you see him playing baseball?
Bob Przybylo: You ran through the gamut of emotions there, Bill. It remains to be seen if Thomas is going to up in a crimson and cream uniform, but it is worth the risk.
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Przybylo's Mailbag: QB favorite for 2013
May, 11, 2012
5/11/12
2:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every week. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Dean in Oklahoma City asks: I just want to know what’s going on with the quarterback spot. Who is the favorite?
Bob Przybylo: The favorite, in my opinion, looks like a recruit who wasn’t even being spoken about at this time last month, four-star prospect Hayden Rettig (Los Angeles/Cathedral).
Dean in Oklahoma City asks: I just want to know what’s going on with the quarterback spot. Who is the favorite?
Bob Przybylo: The favorite, in my opinion, looks like a recruit who wasn’t even being spoken about at this time last month, four-star prospect Hayden Rettig (Los Angeles/Cathedral).
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Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every week. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Tony in Tulsa, Okla., asks: We had the best wide receiver class in the nation last year. I haven’t heard a thing about this year’s group. What is Jay Norvell doing?
Bob Przybylo: OU receivers coach Jay Norvell is taking his time, and like all Sooners coaches, evaluating and determining which recruits deserve offers.
Tony in Tulsa, Okla., asks: We had the best wide receiver class in the nation last year. I haven’t heard a thing about this year’s group. What is Jay Norvell doing?
Bob Przybylo: OU receivers coach Jay Norvell is taking his time, and like all Sooners coaches, evaluating and determining which recruits deserve offers.
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Przybylo's Mailbag: Approach not changing
April, 27, 2012
4/27/12
12:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every week. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Jerry in Tulsa, Okla., asks: I see we have been very active in California this week. I get the approach, but I feel like we’re going to be missing out on some top kids in Oklahoma and Texas if things continue this way. What do you think?
Bob Przybylo: This non-regional approach by the Sooners brings out strong emotion from both sides of the fan base. Some love going national like this, while others are afraid of not protecting the usual territories.
Jerry in Tulsa, Okla., asks: I see we have been very active in California this week. I get the approach, but I feel like we’re going to be missing out on some top kids in Oklahoma and Texas if things continue this way. What do you think?
Bob Przybylo: This non-regional approach by the Sooners brings out strong emotion from both sides of the fan base. Some love going national like this, while others are afraid of not protecting the usual territories.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every Monday. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Jack in Oklahoma City asks: We now have two defensive end commits, but we’ve offered so many more. Are we done at this spot for this class?
Bob Przybylo: Most likely not. It believe Oklahoma's target has been to get three defensive ends for the class of 2013. D.J. Ward (Lawton, Okla./Lawton) and Matt Dimon (Katy, Texas/Katy) are a great start and OU is in good position with a number of quality ends.
Jack in Oklahoma City asks: We now have two defensive end commits, but we’ve offered so many more. Are we done at this spot for this class?
Bob Przybylo: Most likely not. It believe Oklahoma's target has been to get three defensive ends for the class of 2013. D.J. Ward (Lawton, Okla./Lawton) and Matt Dimon (Katy, Texas/Katy) are a great start and OU is in good position with a number of quality ends.
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Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every Monday. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Danny in Stillwater, Okla., asks: Not getting Max Browne is a big loss, I think. Where did OU go wrong in pursuit of the quarterback?
Bob Przybylo: I don’t think anybody is at fault for this one. Sometimes a recruit simply likes one school more than the others. Once Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) got a chance to see what the USC culture was all about, there was no turning back.
Danny in Stillwater, Okla., asks: Not getting Max Browne is a big loss, I think. Where did OU go wrong in pursuit of the quarterback?
Bob Przybylo: I don’t think anybody is at fault for this one. Sometimes a recruit simply likes one school more than the others. Once Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) got a chance to see what the USC culture was all about, there was no turning back.
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Trotter's Mailbag: OU's crowded backfield
April, 6, 2012
4/06/12
9:30
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By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Jake Trotter answers readers’ questions about Oklahoma football in his mailbag every Friday. Got a question for Jake? Submit it here.
Bret in Reno, Nev., writes: Have you heard anything about Courtney Gardner's arrest affecting his status with the Sooners?
Jake Trotter: Bret, I don’t believe Gardner’s “misdemeanor” arrest will affect his status with the Sooners. He might have to run a few stadium steps when he gets to campus, but that’s about it. If it had been a felony arrest, things might be different. Obviously, Gardner has academic hurdles to clear before enrolling at OU, and I view that as a bigger obstacle to him getting to Norman than the arrest.
Bret in Reno, Nev., writes: Have you heard anything about Courtney Gardner's arrest affecting his status with the Sooners?
Jake Trotter: Bret, I don’t believe Gardner’s “misdemeanor” arrest will affect his status with the Sooners. He might have to run a few stadium steps when he gets to campus, but that’s about it. If it had been a felony arrest, things might be different. Obviously, Gardner has academic hurdles to clear before enrolling at OU, and I view that as a bigger obstacle to him getting to Norman than the arrest.
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It wasn't expected to be a big weekend for Oklahoma, but the Sooners picked up a huge commitment from running back Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage-Boca Delray) on Saturday. Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every Monday. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Ben in San Antonio asks: How surprising was Bryant’s commitment? I hoped he would commit but never thought it would happen.
Bob Przybylo: It was very surprising, Ben. Few could have seen it coming. Heck, not even Bryant saw it coming. After spending less than two days in Norman, Okla., Bryant had a feeling that OU was the right spot for him.
Ben in San Antonio asks: How surprising was Bryant’s commitment? I hoped he would commit but never thought it would happen.
Bob Przybylo: It was very surprising, Ben. Few could have seen it coming. Heck, not even Bryant saw it coming. After spending less than two days in Norman, Okla., Bryant had a feeling that OU was the right spot for him.
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Trotter's Mailbag: Bob Stoops' successor
March, 30, 2012
3/30/12
1:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Jake Trotter answers readers’ questions about Oklahoma football in his mailbag every Friday. Got a question for Jake? Submit it here.
Charles in Idabel, Okla., writes: Landry probably has to be the first off the board for next year’s draft. After him, who do you see getting drafted in next year's NFL draft?
Jake Trotter: If you’re talking quarterbacks, Landry Jones likely won’t be off the board before USC’s Matt Barkley. But if you’re talking Sooners, I wouldn’t be stunned if Lane Johnson were next off the board. Left tackles are always in high demand and Johnson has some natural ability and a ton of upside. Cornerback Demontre Hurst and safety Tony Jefferson -- if he went pro -- would be in the mix, too.
Charles in Idabel, Okla., writes: Landry probably has to be the first off the board for next year’s draft. After him, who do you see getting drafted in next year's NFL draft?
Jake Trotter: If you’re talking quarterbacks, Landry Jones likely won’t be off the board before USC’s Matt Barkley. But if you’re talking Sooners, I wouldn’t be stunned if Lane Johnson were next off the board. Left tackles are always in high demand and Johnson has some natural ability and a ton of upside. Cornerback Demontre Hurst and safety Tony Jefferson -- if he went pro -- would be in the mix, too.
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The Oklahoma football team was on spring break, but it was a busy weekend in the recruiting world. The Elite 11 regional quarterback camp and the Nike Football Training Camp featured plenty of Sooners targets this weekend. Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every Monday. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Scott in Oklahoma City asks: Sounds like a real fun weekend. Who was the best Elite 11 quarterback and who was the best Nike camp recruit?
Bob Przybylo: I went into the Nike camp Sunday really wanting to see what the big deal was about cornerback Maurice Smith (Sugar Land, Texas/Dulles). I understand now.
Scott in Oklahoma City asks: Sounds like a real fun weekend. Who was the best Elite 11 quarterback and who was the best Nike camp recruit?
Bob Przybylo: I went into the Nike camp Sunday really wanting to see what the big deal was about cornerback Maurice Smith (Sugar Land, Texas/Dulles). I understand now.
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Trotter's Mailbag: Where will Fleming go?
March, 23, 2012
3/23/12
11:20
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Jake Trotter answers readers’ questions about Oklahoma football in his mailbag every Friday. Got a question for Jake? Submit it here.
Brandon in Texarkana, Texas, writes: In the past 5 years OU has gone 52-16 with three conference titles, while Texas has gone 48-17 with a much weaker out-of-conference schedule, and one conference title. While we do bring in quality and very talented players, and I know you can’t base a recruit purely on what they are ranked, Texas has really dominated Big 12 recruiting, with the exception of 2008. Texas has 53 players in the NFL, while OU has 31. Do you think this is a case of Texas not maximizing talent, or OU just doing more and developing their players at a better rate?
Jake Trotter: Brandon, to your first point, it’s always easier to recruit out of your own backyard. If all the players in Texas were in Oklahoma, you’d seen the Sooners dominate the recruiting rankings the way the Longhorns have. To your second point, I don’t think there’s any question OU has done a better job than Texas of maximizing its talent, at least going back to the advent of the Mack Brown/Bob Stoops eras. OU has won a lot of games with players that Texas didn’t want, like Derrick Strait and Brandon Everage, who grew up in the Austin area.
Brandon in Texarkana, Texas, writes: In the past 5 years OU has gone 52-16 with three conference titles, while Texas has gone 48-17 with a much weaker out-of-conference schedule, and one conference title. While we do bring in quality and very talented players, and I know you can’t base a recruit purely on what they are ranked, Texas has really dominated Big 12 recruiting, with the exception of 2008. Texas has 53 players in the NFL, while OU has 31. Do you think this is a case of Texas not maximizing talent, or OU just doing more and developing their players at a better rate?
Jake Trotter: Brandon, to your first point, it’s always easier to recruit out of your own backyard. If all the players in Texas were in Oklahoma, you’d seen the Sooners dominate the recruiting rankings the way the Longhorns have. To your second point, I don’t think there’s any question OU has done a better job than Texas of maximizing its talent, at least going back to the advent of the Mack Brown/Bob Stoops eras. OU has won a lot of games with players that Texas didn’t want, like Derrick Strait and Brandon Everage, who grew up in the Austin area.
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Przybylo’s Mailbag: Next in line for OU
March, 19, 2012
3/19/12
9:45
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
In the last two weeks, Oklahoma has picked up its first two verbal commits for the 2013 class, easing the minds of some of its fans. Will a third one be coming to the Sooners this week? Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every Monday. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Matt in Oklahoma City asks: I’m liking the early direction of this class. Is there a chance the Sooners pick up another commit this week?
Bob Przybylo: There’s always a chance, but is it likely? No. Heading into OU’s March 3 junior day, running back Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Ranch) and defensive end Matt Dimon (Katy, Texas/Katy) were on the short list of potential commits. It wasn’t a huge shock to see either of them give their pledge.
Matt in Oklahoma City asks: I’m liking the early direction of this class. Is there a chance the Sooners pick up another commit this week?
Bob Przybylo: There’s always a chance, but is it likely? No. Heading into OU’s March 3 junior day, running back Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Ranch) and defensive end Matt Dimon (Katy, Texas/Katy) were on the short list of potential commits. It wasn’t a huge shock to see either of them give their pledge.
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ABOUT SOONER NATION
Jake Trotter
Jake Trotter joined ESPN.com in 2011 after four years with The (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman, covering OU and Big 12 football. He's a graduate of Washington and Lee (Va.) University and lives in Oklahoma City with his wife. Email him at trotterjake@gmail.com.
Brandon Chatmon
Brandon Chatmon joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending eight years with The Oklahoman, covering Oklahoma State University, high schools and recruiting. Chatmon lives in Norman, Okla. Email him at bchatmonespn@gmail.com.
Bob Przybylo
Bob Przybylo joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years with The Oklahoman, covering high schools and recruiting. Przybylo lives in Oklahoma City. Email him at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.