Oklahoma Sooners: Mailbag
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
Apr 27
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.
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.
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
Apr 6
9:30
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.
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
Mar 30
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
Mar 23
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
Mar 19
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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Trotter's Mailbag: Who gets drafted first?
March, 16, 2012
Mar 16
12:05
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.
Rick in Owasso, Okla., writes: Which OU player will be drafted first in the 2012 NFL draft and why?
Jake Trotter: There’s no doubt that defensive end/outside linebacker Ronnell Lewis is OU’s top NFL prospect this year. Lewis had a productive junior season, tore up the combine and is in fabulous shape. A source told me that the Dallas Cowboys are courting Lewis hard, and could target Lewis with their 40th overall selection. New England, Pittsburgh and Baltimore have all shown interest as well. Cornerback Jamell Fleming, who also lit up the combine, is rising up draft boards and could end up being a second day selection. Ryan Broyles could slide into the third round, as well, if he proves the ACL injury is behind him on his personal pro day.
Rick in Owasso, Okla., writes: Which OU player will be drafted first in the 2012 NFL draft and why?
Jake Trotter: There’s no doubt that defensive end/outside linebacker Ronnell Lewis is OU’s top NFL prospect this year. Lewis had a productive junior season, tore up the combine and is in fabulous shape. A source told me that the Dallas Cowboys are courting Lewis hard, and could target Lewis with their 40th overall selection. New England, Pittsburgh and Baltimore have all shown interest as well. Cornerback Jamell Fleming, who also lit up the combine, is rising up draft boards and could end up being a second day selection. Ryan Broyles could slide into the third round, as well, if he proves the ACL injury is behind him on his personal pro day.
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Przybylo's Mailbag: Manning taking time
March, 12, 2012
Mar 12
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
With Oklahoma’s second junior day in the books, things are starting to become more clear in regards to how OU is approaching its 2013 class. 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.
Jeff in San Antonio asks: Junior day was progress with defensive tackle Justin Manning. But is he a big of a lock as people think?
Bob Przybylo: That’s a question that has been on the minds of a lot of people in the last week. OU wanted to make the offer special with defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) by doing it in person, but the relationship before then wasn’t that strong.
Jeff in San Antonio asks: Junior day was progress with defensive tackle Justin Manning. But is he a big of a lock as people think?
Bob Przybylo: That’s a question that has been on the minds of a lot of people in the last week. OU wanted to make the offer special with defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) by doing it in person, but the relationship before then wasn’t that strong.
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Jake Trotter answers readers’ questions about Oklahoma football in his mailbag every Friday. Got a question for Jake? Submit it here.
Jake Trotter: Whaley (who fractured his ankle last season) isn’t fully recovered, but he has been doing some light jogging in practice, which is an excellent sign he’ll be ready to go for next season. Initially, I was skeptical about how big of an impact Whaley would be able to make next season coming back from such a horrific injury. That skepticism is washing away.
A.J. in Long Beach, Calif., writes: I saw that Torrea Peterson is on the spring roster. Does that mean he is officially reinstated to the team?
Jake Trotter: I’ve been led to believe that this is the case. Peterson has some work to do before his status is completely solidified. But for now, he remains a member of the team.
Chad in Edmond, Okla., writes: Prediction on starting TE first game? Will Latu at LT? If so, does he start? If not, where does he play and does he start?
Jake Trotter: I think there’s little question that Brannon Green will be OU’s opening day tight end. Tony Jefferson remarked this week that Green has been most impressive of all the newcomers. Lane Johnson is going to be the starting left tackle. Latu could play right tackle if he proves to be better than Daryl Williams or Tyrus Thompson, but my guess is that he’ll start out backing up Johnson on the left side.
Carter in Oklahoma City writes: With the decision of Kellen Jones to transfer, what does this do to OU's depth chart not only this spring but going into the fall at LB?
Jake Trotter: It does very little to the immediate depth chart. Senior Jaydan Bird was going to back up Tom Wort at middle linebacker either way. Kellen Jones could have emerged as No. 2 at weak-side linebacker behind Corey Nelson, but he would have played very little. Where Jones’ transfer hurts is 2014. Wort and Nelson will be gone, and Jones seemed like the most promising of all the young linebackers.
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Oklahoma prepares for its 2012 season.
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Jake Trotter: Whaley (who fractured his ankle last season) isn’t fully recovered, but he has been doing some light jogging in practice, which is an excellent sign he’ll be ready to go for next season. Initially, I was skeptical about how big of an impact Whaley would be able to make next season coming back from such a horrific injury. That skepticism is washing away.
A.J. in Long Beach, Calif., writes: I saw that Torrea Peterson is on the spring roster. Does that mean he is officially reinstated to the team?
Jake Trotter: I’ve been led to believe that this is the case. Peterson has some work to do before his status is completely solidified. But for now, he remains a member of the team.
Chad in Edmond, Okla., writes: Prediction on starting TE first game? Will Latu at LT? If so, does he start? If not, where does he play and does he start?
Jake Trotter: I think there’s little question that Brannon Green will be OU’s opening day tight end. Tony Jefferson remarked this week that Green has been most impressive of all the newcomers. Lane Johnson is going to be the starting left tackle. Latu could play right tackle if he proves to be better than Daryl Williams or Tyrus Thompson, but my guess is that he’ll start out backing up Johnson on the left side.
Carter in Oklahoma City writes: With the decision of Kellen Jones to transfer, what does this do to OU's depth chart not only this spring but going into the fall at LB?
Jake Trotter: It does very little to the immediate depth chart. Senior Jaydan Bird was going to back up Tom Wort at middle linebacker either way. Kellen Jones could have emerged as No. 2 at weak-side linebacker behind Corey Nelson, but he would have played very little. Where Jones’ transfer hurts is 2014. Wort and Nelson will be gone, and Jones seemed like the most promising of all the young linebackers.
Przybylo's Mailbag: Junior day a success?
March, 5, 2012
Mar 5
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
With Oklahoma’s second junior day in the books, things are starting to become more clear in regards to how OU is approaching its 2013 class. 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.
Lenny in Tulsa, Okla., asks: I was doing a happy dance with getting Keith Ford. But in only getting Ford, is that enough to classify the weekend as a success?
Bob Przybylo: It’s all about expectations. Fans were no doubt hyped about Saturday’s junior day and hoping for at least a few commits. However, it became apparent from early talks with the attendees that two things were going to happen.
Lenny in Tulsa, Okla., asks: I was doing a happy dance with getting Keith Ford. But in only getting Ford, is that enough to classify the weekend as a success?
Bob Przybylo: It’s all about expectations. Fans were no doubt hyped about Saturday’s junior day and hoping for at least a few commits. However, it became apparent from early talks with the attendees that two things were going to happen.
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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 the University of Oklahoma and Big 12. Trotter lives in Edmond, Okla., with his wife. Email him at trotterjake@gmail.com.
Brandon Chatmon
Brandon Chatmon joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending eight years with The (Oklahoma City) 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 (Oklahoma City) Oklahoman covering high schools and recruiting. Przybylo lives in Oklahoma City. Email him at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Dane Beavers
Dane Beavers joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending two years as a web editor with NewsOK.com. Beavers lives in Oklahoma City with his wife and dog. Email him at danebeavers12@gmail.com.