2013 prospect Collins enjoys OU visit 
February, 8, 2012
2/08/12
4:20
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Athlete Chevoski Collins (Livingston, Texas/Livingston) is in a familiar spot for a lot of recruits his size. Schools are undecided if he is better suited at wide receiver or at defensive back.
Following a visit to Oklahoma’s junior day last weekend, the question has not been answered for the Sooners regarding the junior.
Collins spent all of his time with OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell, but he did not receive an offer.
Following a visit to Oklahoma’s junior day last weekend, the question has not been answered for the Sooners regarding the junior.
Collins spent all of his time with OU wide receivers coach Jay Norvell, but he did not receive an offer.
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OU fills needs with junior college players
February, 8, 2012
2/08/12
2:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Under Bob Stoops, the Sooners have relied on junior-college players from time to time.
Nothing, however, like this.
Seeking immediate impact at various positions, OU added a Stoops-high six juco players to this year’s signing class in wideout Courtney Gardner (Reno, Nev./Sierra College), defensive end Chaz Nelson (Columbus, Ohio/Garden City CC), cornerback Kasseim Everett (Philadelphia/Pierce College), offensive tackle Will Latu (St. Petersburg, Fla./College of the Canyons), tight end Brannon Green (Altamont, Kan./Fort Scott CC) and running back Damien Williams (San Diego/Arizona Western College).
“I felt we had more immediate needs this year than maybe at some other times,” Stoops said. “I feel these guys all really fit what we need and are special players.”
Which ones could compete for starting jobs next season?
Nothing, however, like this.
Seeking immediate impact at various positions, OU added a Stoops-high six juco players to this year’s signing class in wideout Courtney Gardner (Reno, Nev./Sierra College), defensive end Chaz Nelson (Columbus, Ohio/Garden City CC), cornerback Kasseim Everett (Philadelphia/Pierce College), offensive tackle Will Latu (St. Petersburg, Fla./College of the Canyons), tight end Brannon Green (Altamont, Kan./Fort Scott CC) and running back Damien Williams (San Diego/Arizona Western College).
“I felt we had more immediate needs this year than maybe at some other times,” Stoops said. “I feel these guys all really fit what we need and are special players.”
Which ones could compete for starting jobs next season?
In this episode of RecruitingNation 411, we focus on the offensive side of the ball in the 2013 recruiting class. Our experts tell you which prospects are primed to be the stars of the 2013 class, and which ones have already given a verbal commitment.
2013 RB Greg Bryant 'stuck on Oklahoma'
February, 8, 2012
2/08/12
11:35
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma’s foray into Florida continues.
The Sooners are in hot pursuit of running back Greg Bryant Jr. (Delray Beach, Fla./Armerican Heritage-Boca-Delray), widely regarded as one of the top junior running back prospects. The Sooners signed three recruits from Florida in the class of 2012 and already have offered four other Florida prospects in the class of 2013.
“My son is really loving Oklahoma,” said Greg Bryant Sr., Bryant’s father. “I talk to him a lot about different schools, and he doesn’t know where he wants to go, but he definitely likes Oklahoma.
The Sooners are in hot pursuit of running back Greg Bryant Jr. (Delray Beach, Fla./Armerican Heritage-Boca-Delray), widely regarded as one of the top junior running back prospects. The Sooners signed three recruits from Florida in the class of 2012 and already have offered four other Florida prospects in the class of 2013.
“My son is really loving Oklahoma,” said Greg Bryant Sr., Bryant’s father. “I talk to him a lot about different schools, and he doesn’t know where he wants to go, but he definitely likes Oklahoma.
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Q&A: Basketball signee Je'lon Hornbeak
February, 8, 2012
2/08/12
10:15
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
No one is more excited about playing for the Oklahoma men’s basketball team than 2012 signee Je’lon Hornbeak (Arlington, Texas/Grace Prep).
And with almost all of the Sooners' contests televised, he has been able to watch most of the games. That’s been both good and bad as he said he is seeing the potential for greatness, but it’s not being reached yet.
Hornbeak, 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, is a three-star shooting guard ranked No. 16 in Texas.
And with almost all of the Sooners' contests televised, he has been able to watch most of the games. That’s been both good and bad as he said he is seeing the potential for greatness, but it’s not being reached yet.
Hornbeak, 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds, is a three-star shooting guard ranked No. 16 in Texas.
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Triple Option: Stoops' weekend adventure
February, 8, 2012
2/08/12
9:00
AM CT
By
Dane Beavers | ESPN.com
Three thoughts this morning:
1. We've still not gotten official word from five-star athlete Davonte Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral) on whether he's visiting Oklahoma this weekend or if he has eliminated the Sooners. But we do know where coach Bob Stoops will be this weekend. He's playing in the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am until at least Saturday, paired with professional golfer Hunter Haas. If they do well in the tournament, they'd stay and play on Sunday, too. Wouldn't it be weird if Neal did decide to visit OU and the head coach wasn't in town to host him? Among the other "celebrities" at the tournament: Bill Belichick, Jim Harbaugh, Nick Saban and -- wait for it -- Kenny G!
2. Lon Kruger and the Sooners offered junior point guard Stevie Clark (Oklahoma City/Douglass) on Monday night. Clark is ranked No. 58 in the ESPNU Super 60 and, according to my pal Bob Przybylo, the best player in the state regardless of class. It seems like Kruger is attempting to lock down Oklahoma with offers out to two other 2013 prospects, Jordan Woodard (Edmond, Okla./Memorial) and Juwan Parker (Tulsa, Okla./Washington). Will it work? I don't know. But at least he's trying.
3. I'm always interested to see which prospects don't get invited to the NFL combine. Oklahoma had seven players invited to the combine, which is at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from Feb. 22-28. Among the Sooners on last year's two-deep that weren't invited: Receiver Dejuan Miller, tight end Trent Ratterree, guard Stephen Good, safety Sam Proctor and kicker Jimmy Stevens. But the most intriguing name that wasn't invited has to be former Tennessee and Kansas State running back Bryce Brown, who declared early even though he hadn't played football for the last two years. Brown was ranked No. 8 in the 2008 ESPNU 150 and was recruited by every school in the country.
1. We've still not gotten official word from five-star athlete Davonte Neal (Scottsdale, Ariz./Chaparral) on whether he's visiting Oklahoma this weekend or if he has eliminated the Sooners. But we do know where coach Bob Stoops will be this weekend. He's playing in the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am until at least Saturday, paired with professional golfer Hunter Haas. If they do well in the tournament, they'd stay and play on Sunday, too. Wouldn't it be weird if Neal did decide to visit OU and the head coach wasn't in town to host him? Among the other "celebrities" at the tournament: Bill Belichick, Jim Harbaugh, Nick Saban and -- wait for it -- Kenny G!
2. Lon Kruger and the Sooners offered junior point guard Stevie Clark (Oklahoma City/Douglass) on Monday night. Clark is ranked No. 58 in the ESPNU Super 60 and, according to my pal Bob Przybylo, the best player in the state regardless of class. It seems like Kruger is attempting to lock down Oklahoma with offers out to two other 2013 prospects, Jordan Woodard (Edmond, Okla./Memorial) and Juwan Parker (Tulsa, Okla./Washington). Will it work? I don't know. But at least he's trying.
3. I'm always interested to see which prospects don't get invited to the NFL combine. Oklahoma had seven players invited to the combine, which is at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis from Feb. 22-28. Among the Sooners on last year's two-deep that weren't invited: Receiver Dejuan Miller, tight end Trent Ratterree, guard Stephen Good, safety Sam Proctor and kicker Jimmy Stevens. But the most intriguing name that wasn't invited has to be former Tennessee and Kansas State running back Bryce Brown, who declared early even though he hadn't played football for the last two years. Brown was ranked No. 8 in the 2008 ESPNU 150 and was recruited by every school in the country.
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E.J. Levenberry has a temporary top 3
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
5:44
PM CT
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
E.J. Levenberry has a trio of schools to focus on and two schools that have fallen by the wayside.
The ESPN 150 Watch List linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) C.D. Hylton's father, E.J. Levenberry Sr., said his son has a tentative top trio: Florida, Florida State and Michigan.
“Those are the three schools he's focusing on right now but things change,” Levenberry Sr. said.
The ESPN 150 Watch List linebacker from Woodbridge (Va.) C.D. Hylton's father, E.J. Levenberry Sr., said his son has a tentative top trio: Florida, Florida State and Michigan.
“Those are the three schools he's focusing on right now but things change,” Levenberry Sr. said.
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Mike Stoops discusses 2012 OU defense
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
4:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Defensive coordinator Mike Stoops discussed the Oklahoma defense he is inheriting for the first time last week. Stoops, who hit the recruiting trail hard since been hired a couple of weeks ago, has spent some time studying last year’s defense on film.
[+] Enlarge
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireOklahoma's Joseph Ibiloye could see more time at nickelback in 2012.
“With Jamell (Fleming), we had a very good cover guy there. I think we dropped off a little bit when he was out, and I think we’ve got to have somebody that can hold down that spot. And that’s where most teams put their best player,” Stoops said. “That’s what we’ll determine throughout spring. I don’t see that position working its way out (then). We can move Demontre (Hurst) over there, too. Gabe Lynn played there. We’ll see throughout spring.”
Another area where Stoops will have to make some decisions is nickelback. The Sooners played Tony Jefferson there for much of the season, but then moved him to back safety after OU got torched with the deep ball against Baylor. Stoops said one option would be to leave Jefferson at back safety and play Joseph Ibiloye at nickelback.
“Joe did some good things in the bowl game, and he gives us some flexibility as well,” he said. “So that’s a possibility there as well. Because, again, that boundary side, we need to make sure we’re strong over there, and in games we didn’t play as well as we’d like, I think we got hurt a lot on that side, and that’s something we have to be conscious of.”
Chat leftovers: Evaluating the line play
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
3:30
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
SoonerNation writer Jake Trotter chatted with readers Monday. Here's the full transcript. If you didn't get your question answered, send it to Jake's mailbag to be published on Friday.
Here are a few highlights from the chat:
Courtney (Little Wing, NM): Could this be the best class of WR recruits in CFB history? At least on paper, so far.
Jake Trotter: Since the advent of recruiting services, it's up there. At least on paper. OU basically is bringing in 4 of the Top 20 WRs, arguably the No. 1 WR from last year, and perhaps the No. 1 juco WR. Remember though, we were calling the 2008 haul the best WR class in OU history. The best of that group turned out to be Dejuan Miller, and he was a career backup. I like the potential of this group much better. But let's wait and see what happens.
Sooners receiver ready for breakout year?
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
3:00
PM CT
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
KC Joyner of ESPN Insider named his five receivers in college football poised for a breakout season 
, and a Sooner was in his No. 1 spot.
His criteria for "breakout" players: The first is to rule out anyone who was a first- or second-team all-conference selection or had 1,000 or more receiving yards. Next, a set of criteria was used to identify potential upside: yards per reception, receptions per game, yards per attempt, vertical yards per attempt (productivity on passes thrown 11 or more yards downfield), schedule strength and strength of quarterback (as determined by passer rating).
No. 1?
Jaz Reynolds.
Here's what Joyner had to say:
I could see him having a big year, but it's hard to imagine him playing at a Biletnikoff Award-winning level. Reynolds and Kenny Stills showed there were big questions about their ability to carry the passing game after Broyles' injury late in the 2011 season, but both are physically gifted players with loads of potential.
What do you think Reynolds has in store for 2012?
, and a Sooner was in his No. 1 spot.
His criteria for "breakout" players: The first is to rule out anyone who was a first- or second-team all-conference selection or had 1,000 or more receiving yards. Next, a set of criteria was used to identify potential upside: yards per reception, receptions per game, yards per attempt, vertical yards per attempt (productivity on passes thrown 11 or more yards downfield), schedule strength and strength of quarterback (as determined by passer rating).
No. 1?
Jaz Reynolds.
Here's what Joyner had to say:
Everything looks to be lining up for Reynolds to have a fantastic 2012 season. His above numbers are augmented by a superb 8.9 YPA on short passes (aerials thrown 10 or fewer yards downfield).
The Sooners' schedule is somewhat in limbo, but the Big 12 secondaries as a whole are weak against the pass, so the schedule strength should remain as good or better than this no matter how it pans out. Add in a Heisman Trophy contender in quarterback Landry Jones and an increased workload now that wide receiver Ryan Broyles is no longer in the Oklahoma picture, and it should equal a possible Biletnikoff Award-caliber season for Reynolds.
I could see him having a big year, but it's hard to imagine him playing at a Biletnikoff Award-winning level. Reynolds and Kenny Stills showed there were big questions about their ability to carry the passing game after Broyles' injury late in the 2011 season, but both are physically gifted players with loads of potential.
What do you think Reynolds has in store for 2012?
OU, 2013 QB Brayden Scott on same page
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
1:21
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
College coaches will do a lot of things to make a recruit feel at home. For 2013 quarterback Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah), it was seeing an Oklahoma Sooners jersey ready for him to wear at OU’s junior day last Saturday.
But the good vibes between Scott and the Sooners started well before that gesture. They started when he arrived on campus. Despite not wearing a name tag, Scott said OU coach Bob Stoops asked him how he was doing.
“That’s Bob Stoops, and he knows my name," Scott said. "That was cool."
But the good vibes between Scott and the Sooners started well before that gesture. They started when he arrived on campus. Despite not wearing a name tag, Scott said OU coach Bob Stoops asked him how he was doing.
“That’s Bob Stoops, and he knows my name," Scott said. "That was cool."
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No questioning Ben Habern's toughness
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
12:25
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Offensive line coach James Patton said last week he expects center Ben Habern to be ready for the summer. Habern underwent neck surgery over the weekend.
“I don’t hope about Ben, he’ll be there. I’ve got no question about Ben,” Patton said. “Once we start spring ball, (trainer) Scott Anderson will be able to give you guys updates on it, but you look at Ben Habern, seriously now, the kid has overcome some injuries. He came back, probably two weeks early from that broken forearm this year and played every snap.”
Habern suffered the break when Missouri defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson came down on his forearm the third game of the season.
“Yeah, that was a weird deal,” Patton said. “I talked to their d-line coach and he said Richardson got a couple of other guys and did the same thing. I don’t know if it broke them, but he just had that club move down. It caught him right when Ben was snapping and he put that left hand out and bam, it just caught him right there.”
Patton said that Habern showed plenty of toughness by playing through the neck issue and coming back early from the forearm break last season.
“There’s no question about his toughness,” Patton said. “I think everything will check out good for Ben. I think he’ll have confidence and he won’t have some issues that maybe he had in the past with stingers and stuff like that. I’ve got no question with him. He’s as tough as they get.”
“I don’t hope about Ben, he’ll be there. I’ve got no question about Ben,” Patton said. “Once we start spring ball, (trainer) Scott Anderson will be able to give you guys updates on it, but you look at Ben Habern, seriously now, the kid has overcome some injuries. He came back, probably two weeks early from that broken forearm this year and played every snap.”
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“Yeah, that was a weird deal,” Patton said. “I talked to their d-line coach and he said Richardson got a couple of other guys and did the same thing. I don’t know if it broke them, but he just had that club move down. It caught him right when Ben was snapping and he put that left hand out and bam, it just caught him right there.”
Patton said that Habern showed plenty of toughness by playing through the neck issue and coming back early from the forearm break last season.
“There’s no question about his toughness,” Patton said. “I think everything will check out good for Ben. I think he’ll have confidence and he won’t have some issues that maybe he had in the past with stingers and stuff like that. I’ve got no question with him. He’s as tough as they get.”
Seven Sooners invited to NFL combine
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
11:10
AM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
Seven Oklahoma players have been invited to participate in the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine from Feb. 22-28 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Here's the list:
- DE Frank Alexander
- WR Ryan Broyles (won't participate in drills due to injury)
- CB Jamell Fleming
- TE James Hanna
- DE/LB Ronnell Lewis
- LB Travis Lewis
- OT Donald Stephenson
OU offers in-state point guard Stevie Clark
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
10:21
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It has been a special junior season for point guard Stevie Clark (Oklahoma City/Douglass). There were a lot of questions about how he would transition from a natural scorer into a more complete point guard.
He has answered those questions and then some, turning into an all-around threat and arguably the best player in the state, regardless of class. Clark is a four-star prospect ranked No. 58 in the ESPNU Super 60.
His list of offers has been more than impressive as Connecticut, Missouri, Florida State and Memphis are among his 15 scholarship choices.
He has answered those questions and then some, turning into an all-around threat and arguably the best player in the state, regardless of class. Clark is a four-star prospect ranked No. 58 in the ESPNU Super 60.
His list of offers has been more than impressive as Connecticut, Missouri, Florida State and Memphis are among his 15 scholarship choices.
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Triple Option: Loads of in-state talent
February, 7, 2012
2/07/12
9:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Three thoughts this morning:
1. Expect Oklahoma to look at a lot more in-state products in 2013. Leading the way is defensive end D.J. Ward (Lawton, Okla./Lawton), who was offered before his junior season. Quarterback Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah), however, is in a great spot because of his four-year relationship with OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel. And a sleeper in the class might be athlete Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central). He was injured his whole junior season so he is not getting the attention that most likely will come his way here shortly. Taylor and Scott were both at OU’s junior day last weekend. Offensive lineman Rob Boyd (Vian, Okla./Vian) has already been invited to the March 3 junior day and is one of OU's top linemen targets.
2. Don’t look for the national recruiting focus to go away anytime soon. OU has made a dent in California the last couple of years and this was a banner year in terms of going into Florida. If some of the Florida products can succeed at OU, it will open up that pipeline even more. Now OU is targeting the home base of the Stoops family, Ohio. The Sooners recently offered a pair of top products in the state in linebacker Mike McCray II (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison) and offensive lineman Evan Lisle (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville). The Sooners were able to nab tight end Sam Grant (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Edward) from the Buckeye State for the 2012 class.
3. Another tough home loss for the OU men’s basketball team in the 71-68 setback to Missouri on Monday. You hate to use the term moral victory, but the Sooners have shown they can compete against quality teams like Iowa State and Missouri. Now they have to learn how to finish. OU’s first half of conference play was to top-heavy that as long as the players aren’t discouraged, the Sooners should be able to pick up some wins down the stretch of conference season. Either way, the 2012 signees have all expressed how excited they are about what Lon Kruger is doing.
1. Expect Oklahoma to look at a lot more in-state products in 2013. Leading the way is defensive end D.J. Ward (Lawton, Okla./Lawton), who was offered before his junior season. Quarterback Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah), however, is in a great spot because of his four-year relationship with OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel. And a sleeper in the class might be athlete Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central). He was injured his whole junior season so he is not getting the attention that most likely will come his way here shortly. Taylor and Scott were both at OU’s junior day last weekend. Offensive lineman Rob Boyd (Vian, Okla./Vian) has already been invited to the March 3 junior day and is one of OU's top linemen targets.
2. Don’t look for the national recruiting focus to go away anytime soon. OU has made a dent in California the last couple of years and this was a banner year in terms of going into Florida. If some of the Florida products can succeed at OU, it will open up that pipeline even more. Now OU is targeting the home base of the Stoops family, Ohio. The Sooners recently offered a pair of top products in the state in linebacker Mike McCray II (Trotwood, Ohio/Trotwood-Madison) and offensive lineman Evan Lisle (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville). The Sooners were able to nab tight end Sam Grant (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Edward) from the Buckeye State for the 2012 class.
3. Another tough home loss for the OU men’s basketball team in the 71-68 setback to Missouri on Monday. You hate to use the term moral victory, but the Sooners have shown they can compete against quality teams like Iowa State and Missouri. Now they have to learn how to finish. OU’s first half of conference play was to top-heavy that as long as the players aren’t discouraged, the Sooners should be able to pick up some wins down the stretch of conference season. Either way, the 2012 signees have all expressed how excited they are about what Lon Kruger is doing.
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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.