Deion Bonner (Columbus, Ga./Carver) has not made a lot of recruiting noise of late but that could change, as the star defensive back has two major official visits set up over the final two weekends.
“It’s down to Oklahoma and Tennessee,” Bonner said via Facebook message. “I will visit Tennessee this weekend and Oklahoma the next.”
“It’s down to Oklahoma and Tennessee,” Bonner said via Facebook message. “I will visit Tennessee this weekend and Oklahoma the next.”
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Sooner Snapshot: QB Trevor Knight
January, 17, 2012
1/17/12
7:45
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
As National Signing Day approaches on Feb. 1, Brandon Chatmon is breaking down every commitment and signee in the Sooners' 2012 recruiting class. View all of our profiles here.
Name: Trevor Knight
Position: Quarterback
Height, Weight: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
Hometown/School: San Antonio/Reagan
Committed: July 13, 2011
De'Vante Harris commits to Texas A&M 
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
7:51
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Four-star cornerback De'Vante Harris (Mesquite, Texas/Horn) de-committed on Twitter, so why not announce his new commitment to Texas A&M on the social media network?
With one tweet Monday night, Harris became the latest verbal commitment to the Aggies.
Harris tweeted, “Officially committed to Texas A&M University! Joining the #AGGSWAGGMOVEMENT!! Wazzam!! Hollaa10x!!! We finna mob in the SEC!”
With one tweet Monday night, Harris became the latest verbal commitment to the Aggies.
Harris tweeted, “Officially committed to Texas A&M University! Joining the #AGGSWAGGMOVEMENT!! Wazzam!! Hollaa10x!!! We finna mob in the SEC!”
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CB Beaver gives visit to Utah high marks
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
6:00
PM CT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
Defensive back Brandon Beaver (Compton, Calif.) took a visit to Utah this past weekend and said he liked it a lot more than he expected. Are the Utes a serious player now?
“To be honest, I really didn’t see myself going to Utah before the trip,” Beaver said. “I was thinking mostly about Washington and Oklahoma, but Utah is right up there now too. It surprised me how great it was, and I fit in very well with everyone I met. I was comfortable there, that’s the key word for me -- I felt comfortable, and it felt like home.
“I learned a lot about the team and what kind of program they have. I got to know the coaches better, and I got along really well with the players. Ryan Lacy was my host, and he was real cool. We were hoping to go snowmobiling but there wasn’t enough snow, so we just went tubing instead, but that was a lot of fun. Utah is definitely under consideration, and I’m going to give them a strong look.”
“To be honest, I really didn’t see myself going to Utah before the trip,” Beaver said. “I was thinking mostly about Washington and Oklahoma, but Utah is right up there now too. It surprised me how great it was, and I fit in very well with everyone I met. I was comfortable there, that’s the key word for me -- I felt comfortable, and it felt like home.
“I learned a lot about the team and what kind of program they have. I got to know the coaches better, and I got along really well with the players. Ryan Lacy was my host, and he was real cool. We were hoping to go snowmobiling but there wasn’t enough snow, so we just went tubing instead, but that was a lot of fun. Utah is definitely under consideration, and I’m going to give them a strong look.”
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OU offer Nelson Agholor recaps FSU visit
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
4:30
PM CT
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 athlete Nelson Agholor (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep) had great things to say about his official visit to Florida State.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior has his final official scheduled for Jan. 27-28 at USC.
"I had a good trip and a good opportunity to talk with Coach [Jimbo] Fisher and Coach [Lawrence] Dawsey," Agholor said. "They are good coaches and good people."
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior has his final official scheduled for Jan. 27-28 at USC.
"I had a good trip and a good opportunity to talk with Coach [Jimbo] Fisher and Coach [Lawrence] Dawsey," Agholor said. "They are good coaches and good people."
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Oklahoma's assistant coach of the season
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
2:30
PM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
The SoonerNation staff is wrapping up Oklahoma's 10-3 season by answering 10 questions, just like we did during the Sooners' bye week in November. Today:
Who is the Sooners' assistant coach of the season?
Defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright
After he was doused with Gatorade at the Insight Bowl, rumors ran rampant that Wright was retiring from coaching and moving into an administrative position. If that turns out to be the case, Wright will end his long career with a phenomenal coaching season. Under Wright’s tutelage, Frank Alexander and Ronnell Lewis both had breakout seasons, while R.J. Washington and David King turned into viable backups. The talent at the position prompted the Sooners to implement the “Endy” package, using four ends on the field at once in obvious passing situations to great success.
- Jake Trotter
Defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright
Wright did a superb job with the Sooners' defensive ends. Frank Alexander had a breakout season, Ronnell Lewis was a terror at the other defensive end spot, David King’s versatility and talent showed at times and R.J. Washington began to fulfill the potential he showed out of high school. Wright coached up his group to have strong starters and very solid depth.
- Brandon Chatmon
Receivers coach Jay Norvell
Norvell has played a big role in the development of Ryan Broyles. But his biggest accomplishment might have been not to let Jaz Reynolds become another “what might have been” story. He stuck with Reynolds, and it paid off. On the recruiting trail, 2012 has been a banner year for Norvell as he helped land three of the top 17 wide receivers in the nation and OU is still in the hunt for No. 1-ranked WR Dorial Green-Beckham (Springfield, Mo./Hillcrest).
- Bob Przybylo
Interior offensive line coach James Patton
Patton did an outstanding job with his centers and guards in 2012, especially when veteran starter Ben Habern broke his arm early in the season. Guard Gabe Ikard, who made the All-Big 12 first team, slid over to center and performed well, giving freshman Adam Shead a chance to showcase his skills at left guard. Shead was a big reason for the success of the "Belldozer" package as he was an outstanding puller. Patton has four capable players for three positions in 2012 as Habern, Ikard, Shead and starting right guard Tyler Evans return.
- Dane Beavers
What do you think? What was the Sooners' assistant coach of the season?
Who is the Sooners' assistant coach of the season?
Defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright
After he was doused with Gatorade at the Insight Bowl, rumors ran rampant that Wright was retiring from coaching and moving into an administrative position. If that turns out to be the case, Wright will end his long career with a phenomenal coaching season. Under Wright’s tutelage, Frank Alexander and Ronnell Lewis both had breakout seasons, while R.J. Washington and David King turned into viable backups. The talent at the position prompted the Sooners to implement the “Endy” package, using four ends on the field at once in obvious passing situations to great success.
- Jake Trotter
Defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright
Wright did a superb job with the Sooners' defensive ends. Frank Alexander had a breakout season, Ronnell Lewis was a terror at the other defensive end spot, David King’s versatility and talent showed at times and R.J. Washington began to fulfill the potential he showed out of high school. Wright coached up his group to have strong starters and very solid depth.
- Brandon Chatmon
Receivers coach Jay Norvell
Norvell has played a big role in the development of Ryan Broyles. But his biggest accomplishment might have been not to let Jaz Reynolds become another “what might have been” story. He stuck with Reynolds, and it paid off. On the recruiting trail, 2012 has been a banner year for Norvell as he helped land three of the top 17 wide receivers in the nation and OU is still in the hunt for No. 1-ranked WR Dorial Green-Beckham (Springfield, Mo./Hillcrest).
- Bob Przybylo
Interior offensive line coach James Patton
Patton did an outstanding job with his centers and guards in 2012, especially when veteran starter Ben Habern broke his arm early in the season. Guard Gabe Ikard, who made the All-Big 12 first team, slid over to center and performed well, giving freshman Adam Shead a chance to showcase his skills at left guard. Shead was a big reason for the success of the "Belldozer" package as he was an outstanding puller. Patton has four capable players for three positions in 2012 as Habern, Ikard, Shead and starting right guard Tyler Evans return.
- Dane Beavers
What do you think? What was the Sooners' assistant coach of the season?
Oklahoma basketball ranked 5th in Big 12
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
1:10
PM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.com college basketball writer Jason King unveiled his latest Big 12 rankings Monday and ranked the Sooners fifth out of 10 teams. Here's what he wrote on Oklahoma:
Lon Kruger’s team pulled a mild upset Saturday when it defeated Kansas State 82-73 in Norman. The Sooners dominated the game from start to finish. Oklahoma is just 1-3 in the Big 12, but its next two games are against bottom-tier teams Texas Tech (at home on Tuesday) and Texas A&M (Saturday in College Station).
Joe Lunardi also revealed the latest edition of his projected NCAA tournament bracket on Monday, and he does not include the Sooners. Do you think OU will make the NCAA tournament? Can the Sooners beat Texas Tech and Texas A&M this week to get back to even in the conference?
Lon Kruger’s team pulled a mild upset Saturday when it defeated Kansas State 82-73 in Norman. The Sooners dominated the game from start to finish. Oklahoma is just 1-3 in the Big 12, but its next two games are against bottom-tier teams Texas Tech (at home on Tuesday) and Texas A&M (Saturday in College Station).
Joe Lunardi also revealed the latest edition of his projected NCAA tournament bracket on Monday, and he does not include the Sooners. Do you think OU will make the NCAA tournament? Can the Sooners beat Texas Tech and Texas A&M this week to get back to even in the conference?
Przybylo's Mailbag: Mike Stoops' impact
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Another week, another big announcement regarding Oklahoma recruiting. Following back-to-back disappointing weeks with Mario Edwards (Denton, Texas/Ryan) and De’Vante Harris (Mesquite, Texas/Horn), Mike Stoops' return to the OU coaching staff brings good news for Sooners fans. Bob Przybylo answers your recruiting questions each week. Have a question? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Len in Oklahoma City asks: With Mike Stoops back, how will his presence affect recruiting?
Bob Przybylo: In the long run, I believe the types of players Stoops recruits will end up being different than what former defensive backs coach Willie Martinez was looking at. As all former players who have played for Mike Stoops will attest, you need to be mentally tough just as much as physically tough to survive with him.
Len in Oklahoma City asks: With Mike Stoops back, how will his presence affect recruiting?
Bob Przybylo: In the long run, I believe the types of players Stoops recruits will end up being different than what former defensive backs coach Willie Martinez was looking at. As all former players who have played for Mike Stoops will attest, you need to be mentally tough just as much as physically tough to survive with him.
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Triple option: Venables staying or going?
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
9:30
AM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Three thoughts this morning:
1. A couple of reporters, including yours truly, met Brent Venables at Wiley Post Airport last night flying back from Clemson. Venables declined to make any comment or answer any questions, except to say that he hadn't yet accepted the job to be Clemson's defensive coordinator. From our brief conversation, it was impossible to gather which way Venables is leaning. One thing I noticed though is that Venables' wife made the trip with him. To me, that says Venables isn't just posturing. Instead, he's giving this job serious consideration.
2. When Bob Stoops decided to bring his brother back, he did so with the belief that it wouldn't chase Venables off. But that could be what ends up happening. Underscoring the delicateness of the situation, the Stoopses have expressed anger at at least one outlet that suggested Mike would be taking over the play-calling from Venables. The way I read it? Venables was perfectly OK with Bob bringing Mike back. But he is not OK with the perception that he is being demoted.
3. The ball is now in Bob Stoops' court. Clemson is sure to offer Venables a hefty pay raise, possibly even doubling his salary, which was already second in the Big 12 for defensive coordinators. Can Stoops match that? Probably not. Meaning he will have to convince Venables that the best for his career is staying at OU. That will be a tough sell.
1. A couple of reporters, including yours truly, met Brent Venables at Wiley Post Airport last night flying back from Clemson. Venables declined to make any comment or answer any questions, except to say that he hadn't yet accepted the job to be Clemson's defensive coordinator. From our brief conversation, it was impossible to gather which way Venables is leaning. One thing I noticed though is that Venables' wife made the trip with him. To me, that says Venables isn't just posturing. Instead, he's giving this job serious consideration.
2. When Bob Stoops decided to bring his brother back, he did so with the belief that it wouldn't chase Venables off. But that could be what ends up happening. Underscoring the delicateness of the situation, the Stoopses have expressed anger at at least one outlet that suggested Mike would be taking over the play-calling from Venables. The way I read it? Venables was perfectly OK with Bob bringing Mike back. But he is not OK with the perception that he is being demoted.
3. The ball is now in Bob Stoops' court. Clemson is sure to offer Venables a hefty pay raise, possibly even doubling his salary, which was already second in the Big 12 for defensive coordinators. Can Stoops match that? Probably not. Meaning he will have to convince Venables that the best for his career is staying at OU. That will be a tough sell.
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As National Signing Day approaches on Feb. 1, Brandon Chatmon is breaking down every commitment and signee in the Sooners' 2012 recruiting class. View all of our profiles here.
Name: Laith Harlow
Position: Tight End
Height, Weight: 6-foot-3, 235 pounds
Hometown/School: Tallahassee, Fla./Godby
Committed: May 31, 2011
Scout grade: 78. Three star prospect.
Scout rankings: No. 25 tight end, No. 277 in Southeast Region, No. 93 in Florida
Picked OU over: Alabama, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Arkansas, Miami (Fla.), UCLA and others
State of the position: The tight end spot is wide open with the departure of seniors James Hanna and Trent Ratterree. The Sooners like to use two tight ends often and Harlow will join Taylor McNamara and Brannon Green at the position. The only thing between those three players and seeing the field immediately is themselves.
Pros: “Harlow comes across as a fiery kid who enjoys playing the game and is going to give maximum effort. He has good size for a tight end and looks to have the frame to be able to pack on some more good weight as he physically matures.” - ESPN analyst
Cons: “He is best suited as a short range and potentially intermediate target. He needs to develop as a blocker but as he does he can be a solid productive in-line tight end.” - ESPN analyst
Similar to/potential role: Trent Ratterree. If he gets healthy, Harlow, who is overcoming a back injury, could develop into a pass catching version of Ratterree. He’s not the blocker that Ratterree is but should develop that part of his game and be a solid option in the middle of the field in time.
Expected impact: 2013. Getting healthy is Harlow’s No. 1 priority. Even though tight end is a major need, don’t be surprised if OU tells Harlow to get his body right first with a redshirt season. Once healthy, Harlow could be a valuable redzone and short yardage receiving threat with his hands and size.
Name: Laith Harlow
Position: Tight End
Height, Weight: 6-foot-3, 235 pounds
Hometown/School: Tallahassee, Fla./Godby
Committed: May 31, 2011
Scout grade: 78. Three star prospect.
Scout rankings: No. 25 tight end, No. 277 in Southeast Region, No. 93 in Florida
Picked OU over: Alabama, Notre Dame, South Carolina, Arkansas, Miami (Fla.), UCLA and others
State of the position: The tight end spot is wide open with the departure of seniors James Hanna and Trent Ratterree. The Sooners like to use two tight ends often and Harlow will join Taylor McNamara and Brannon Green at the position. The only thing between those three players and seeing the field immediately is themselves.
Pros: “Harlow comes across as a fiery kid who enjoys playing the game and is going to give maximum effort. He has good size for a tight end and looks to have the frame to be able to pack on some more good weight as he physically matures.” - ESPN analyst
Cons: “He is best suited as a short range and potentially intermediate target. He needs to develop as a blocker but as he does he can be a solid productive in-line tight end.” - ESPN analyst
Similar to/potential role: Trent Ratterree. If he gets healthy, Harlow, who is overcoming a back injury, could develop into a pass catching version of Ratterree. He’s not the blocker that Ratterree is but should develop that part of his game and be a solid option in the middle of the field in time.
Expected impact: 2013. Getting healthy is Harlow’s No. 1 priority. Even though tight end is a major need, don’t be surprised if OU tells Harlow to get his body right first with a redshirt season. Once healthy, Harlow could be a valuable redzone and short yardage receiving threat with his hands and size.
Venables denies accepting Clemson job
January, 15, 2012
1/15/12
10:59
PM CT
By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
BETHANY, Okla. -- After flying back from Clemson, S.C., on Sunday night Brent Venables denied a report that he has accepted a job with the Tigers.
Beyond that, the Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator didn’t offer much.
Venables declined to comment about his trip to Clemson, whether he had been offered the defensive coordinator job there, or what his timetable was for making a decision.
Earlier Sunday, an independent Clemson fan site cited unnamed sources indicating that Venables had accepted the job and an announcement would be forthcoming this week.
The Tulsa World, however, reported that Clemson coach Dabo Swinney wants to interview former Miami Hurricanes head coach Randy Shannon before making a final decision.
Venables actually interviewed for the head job at Clemson in 2008 before the Tigers eventually settled on Swinney.
Venables has been with the Sooners since Bob Stoops was hired in 1999 and took over defensive coordinator in 2004 after Mike Stoops was hired by Arizona.
But since the Sooners brought Mike Stoops back to help run the defense, Venables has been entertaining offers from other schools, reportedly also talking with West Virginia about the defensive coordinator job there.
Before the Clemson visit, Venables actually went on a recruiting trip with Mike Stoops to Florida, then came back to Norman and flew to South Carolina.
Clemson is expected to offer a competitive salary to Venables, who made $440,000 plus incentive bonuses last season. It’s unclear how high the Tigers will go, but first-year offensive coordinator Chad Morris got a huge raise this season, going from a salary of $450,000 to $1.3 million.
Beyond that, the Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator didn’t offer much.
[+] Enlarge
Brett Davis/US PresswireBrent Venables has been on Bob Stoops' staff at Oklahoma since 1999.
Brett Davis/US PresswireBrent Venables has been on Bob Stoops' staff at Oklahoma since 1999.Earlier Sunday, an independent Clemson fan site cited unnamed sources indicating that Venables had accepted the job and an announcement would be forthcoming this week.
The Tulsa World, however, reported that Clemson coach Dabo Swinney wants to interview former Miami Hurricanes head coach Randy Shannon before making a final decision.
Venables actually interviewed for the head job at Clemson in 2008 before the Tigers eventually settled on Swinney.
Venables has been with the Sooners since Bob Stoops was hired in 1999 and took over defensive coordinator in 2004 after Mike Stoops was hired by Arizona.
But since the Sooners brought Mike Stoops back to help run the defense, Venables has been entertaining offers from other schools, reportedly also talking with West Virginia about the defensive coordinator job there.
Before the Clemson visit, Venables actually went on a recruiting trip with Mike Stoops to Florida, then came back to Norman and flew to South Carolina.
Clemson is expected to offer a competitive salary to Venables, who made $440,000 plus incentive bonuses last season. It’s unclear how high the Tigers will go, but first-year offensive coordinator Chad Morris got a huge raise this season, going from a salary of $450,000 to $1.3 million.
2013 Texas A&M commit weighing options
January, 15, 2012
1/15/12
2:53
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
ESPNU Watch List quarterback Kohl Stewart (Houston, Texas/St. Pius X) recently accepted an invitation to play in the 2013 Under Armour All-American Game. That’s one less thing to scratch off his “things to do” list before he graduates.
One of the next goals is to find a college home. While Stewart is verbally committed to Texas A&M, he said he is planning to visit other schools just to make sure he made the right choice. A 6-foot-2, 190-pound gunslinger, Stewart said he’s supposed to meet with both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State this week.
“I’m still talking to a few schools. The whole process is kind of restarting for me,” Stewart said. “I’m still committed to A&M, but I want to see what else is out there.”
One of the next goals is to find a college home. While Stewart is verbally committed to Texas A&M, he said he is planning to visit other schools just to make sure he made the right choice. A 6-foot-2, 190-pound gunslinger, Stewart said he’s supposed to meet with both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State this week.
“I’m still talking to a few schools. The whole process is kind of restarting for me,” Stewart said. “I’m still committed to A&M, but I want to see what else is out there.”
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2013 QB Scott picks up Missouri offer
January, 15, 2012
1/15/12
2:17
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Fresh off a solid combine performance, ESPN Watch List quarterback Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah) is riding confidence and looking to build his recruiting status even further.
A 6-foot-2, 200-pound quarterback with great speed, Scott looked good at the U.S. Army National Combine last week in San Antonio. He also earned a quarterback leadership award at the combine.
To put icing on the cake, Scott also picked up his seventh offer, as Missouri extended a scholarship for next year.
A 6-foot-2, 200-pound quarterback with great speed, Scott looked good at the U.S. Army National Combine last week in San Antonio. He also earned a quarterback leadership award at the combine.
To put icing on the cake, Scott also picked up his seventh offer, as Missouri extended a scholarship for next year.
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Everett ready to meet new position coach
January, 15, 2012
1/15/12
1:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
During his recruitment process, junior college cornerback Kass Everett (Philadelphia/Pierce College) kept using one term to describe how he would make his college choice: business decision.
After graduating from high school in Philadelphia, spending one year at the University of Delaware and then playing a season at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., Everett brings perspective that high school graduates simply don't have.
So when Everett, an Oklahoma signee who is arriving on campus this weekend, heard about Mike Stoops coming back to OU to be the co-defensive coordinator, he didn’t bat an eye.
After graduating from high school in Philadelphia, spending one year at the University of Delaware and then playing a season at Pierce College in Woodland Hills, Calif., Everett brings perspective that high school graduates simply don't have.
So when Everett, an Oklahoma signee who is arriving on campus this weekend, heard about Mike Stoops coming back to OU to be the co-defensive coordinator, he didn’t bat an eye.
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Sooner Snapshot: DE Charles Tapper
January, 15, 2012
1/15/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
As National Signing Day approaches on Feb. 1, Brandon Chatmon is breaking down every commitment and signee in the Sooners' 2012 recruiting class. View all of our profiles here.
Name: Charles Tapper
Position: Defensive end
Height, Weight: 6-foot-3, 235 pounds
Hometown/School: Baltimore/City College High School
Committed: July 23, 2011
Scout grade: 78. Three star prospect.
Scout rankings: No. 73 defensive end, No. 466 in Southeast Region, No. 13 in Maryland
Picked OU over: Rutgers, San Diego State, Penn State, Miami (Fla.), West Virginia
State of the position: Despite losing starters Ronnell Lewis and Frank Alexander, the Sooners are in pretty good shape with R.J. Washington and David King returning. Washington looked great in the Insight Bowl and could be poised for a breakout senior season. The opportunity to earn a spot in OU’s four-man rotation is there for the taking.
Pros: “Has ideal height and size, particularly in his lower half, with room to add bulk. Possesses long arms and strong hands. Shows good speed but does not have elite closing burst. Exhibits good up-field edge speed. As a pass rusher, can collapse pocket with good edge speed.” - ESPN analyst
Cons: “Uses active hands, working the outside shoulder of the OT but we would like to see more separation. Will need to gain a wider arsenal of ways to beat blockers and become more sound in his movements.” - ESPN analyst
Similar to/potential role: Ronnell Lewis. Tapper was recruited to fill Lewis’ role in the Sooners defense and has great athleticism for a player his size. He could become a athletic defensive end similar to Lewis.
Expected impact: 2013. A basketball player by trade, Tapper will probably need a redshirt season to get used to college football and even longer to get comfortable with his technique at defensive end. He’ll probably make a special teams impact and see spot duty on defense in 2013.
Name: Charles Tapper
Position: Defensive end
Height, Weight: 6-foot-3, 235 pounds
Hometown/School: Baltimore/City College High School
Committed: July 23, 2011
Scout grade: 78. Three star prospect.
Scout rankings: No. 73 defensive end, No. 466 in Southeast Region, No. 13 in Maryland
Picked OU over: Rutgers, San Diego State, Penn State, Miami (Fla.), West Virginia
State of the position: Despite losing starters Ronnell Lewis and Frank Alexander, the Sooners are in pretty good shape with R.J. Washington and David King returning. Washington looked great in the Insight Bowl and could be poised for a breakout senior season. The opportunity to earn a spot in OU’s four-man rotation is there for the taking.
Pros: “Has ideal height and size, particularly in his lower half, with room to add bulk. Possesses long arms and strong hands. Shows good speed but does not have elite closing burst. Exhibits good up-field edge speed. As a pass rusher, can collapse pocket with good edge speed.” - ESPN analyst
Cons: “Uses active hands, working the outside shoulder of the OT but we would like to see more separation. Will need to gain a wider arsenal of ways to beat blockers and become more sound in his movements.” - ESPN analyst
Similar to/potential role: Ronnell Lewis. Tapper was recruited to fill Lewis’ role in the Sooners defense and has great athleticism for a player his size. He could become a athletic defensive end similar to Lewis.
Expected impact: 2013. A basketball player by trade, Tapper will probably need a redshirt season to get used to college football and even longer to get comfortable with his technique at defensive end. He’ll probably make a special teams impact and see spot duty on defense in 2013.
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.