OU parts ways with commit Manukainiu 
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
5:08
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Defensive end Polo Manukainiu (Euless, Texas/Trinity) wasn’t trying to offend anyone by taking visits to Baylor and Texas A&M during the season, but the result has been Oklahoma rescinding its offer to Manukainiu, he said Thursday.
Manukainiu, 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, verbally committed to the Sooners in early September but was never able to take an unofficial or official visit to the campus. Because of the proximity of Euless Trinity to Baylor, however, Manukainiu saw nearly every Baylor home game this season.
Baylor has former Euless Trinity teammate Suleiman Masumbako on its roster. And Manukainiu visited one of his cousins on a trip to Texas A&M, which turned out to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Sooners.
Manukainiu, 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, verbally committed to the Sooners in early September but was never able to take an unofficial or official visit to the campus. Because of the proximity of Euless Trinity to Baylor, however, Manukainiu saw nearly every Baylor home game this season.
Baylor has former Euless Trinity teammate Suleiman Masumbako on its roster. And Manukainiu visited one of his cousins on a trip to Texas A&M, which turned out to be the straw that broke the camel’s back for the Sooners.
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A lot expected from OU-bound TE Green
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
4:35
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
The Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College coaching staff calls him “Moose.” By the end of Brannon Green’s college career, Oklahoma’s hoping to call him “all-conference.”
Green, a 6-foot-4, 268-pound tight end who committed to the Sooners on Wednesday, is expected to be an immediate impact player as a blocking and pass-catching option. What the Fort Scott coaches are anticipating from Green, however, goes far beyond the football field. Green has the tools to be a true student-athlete and football ambassador.
“He’s the kind of guy you’d want your daughter to marry,” Fort Scott defensive coordinator Rico Cherico said of Green, who originally is from Altamont, Kan. “He’s just a good kid who has an incredible work ethic. He has a tremendous motor, and he was a qualifier coming out of high school. He has a 3.7 GPA. I think he’s going to be able to contribute right away.”
Green, a 6-foot-4, 268-pound tight end who committed to the Sooners on Wednesday, is expected to be an immediate impact player as a blocking and pass-catching option. What the Fort Scott coaches are anticipating from Green, however, goes far beyond the football field. Green has the tools to be a true student-athlete and football ambassador.
“He’s the kind of guy you’d want your daughter to marry,” Fort Scott defensive coordinator Rico Cherico said of Green, who originally is from Altamont, Kan. “He’s just a good kid who has an incredible work ethic. He has a tremendous motor, and he was a qualifier coming out of high school. He has a 3.7 GPA. I think he’s going to be able to contribute right away.”
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
1:41
PM CT
By
Dane Beavers | ESPN.com
SoonerNation has released the latest edition of the Sooner Intel, a sneak peek inside Oklahoma Sooners football recruiting for SoonerNation subscribers only.
As with any good piece of intelligence, everything that is reported in Sooner Intel stays on the There’s Only One forum. Sometimes some of the information is so sensitive and for Sooner fans’ eyes only, that it simply doesn’t need to be passed on beyond this thread.
Some things discussed:
As with any good piece of intelligence, everything that is reported in Sooner Intel stays on the There’s Only One forum. Sometimes some of the information is so sensitive and for Sooner fans’ eyes only, that it simply doesn’t need to be passed on beyond this thread.
Some things discussed:
- More on the Sooners' newest commits, receiver Derrick Woods and tight end Brannon Green
- Where will Dorial Green-Beckham and Mario Edwards be this weekend?
- The latest on linebacker Quanzell Lambert
- Will OU make a late run at an in-state defensive back?
- An update on new basketball signee C.J. Cole
Tight end Taylor McNamara (San Diego, Calif./Westview) took official visit No. 4 this past weekend to check out Cal. He has one more visit left before he’ll have to make a very tough decision.
McNamara has already visited Colorado, Notre Dame and Washington and will check out Oklahoma (Dec. 16). The visit to Cal was one the tight end almost canceled but he’s glad he made it out.
“I really had a good time, it was well worth it,” McNamara said. “There was only a few other players there but that was cool, and I already knew Derrick Woods and KeiVarae Russell really well from being on my GK team in the summer. I’m pretty close with those guys and KeiVarae and I hung out a lot and talked about how fun it would be to play together in college because we each have Cal, Washington and Notre Dame high on our list.
McNamara has already visited Colorado, Notre Dame and Washington and will check out Oklahoma (Dec. 16). The visit to Cal was one the tight end almost canceled but he’s glad he made it out.
“I really had a good time, it was well worth it,” McNamara said. “There was only a few other players there but that was cool, and I already knew Derrick Woods and KeiVarae Russell really well from being on my GK team in the summer. I’m pretty close with those guys and KeiVarae and I hung out a lot and talked about how fun it would be to play together in college because we each have Cal, Washington and Notre Dame high on our list.
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OU commit McGee enjoys visit with coach
December, 8, 2011
12/08/11
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Oklahoma verbal commit offensive guard John Michael McGee (Texarkana, Texas/Texas) has talked repeatedly about the intensity of the Texarkana Texas and Texarkana Arkansas rivalry.
OU offensive line coach James Patton can now vouch for the rivalry, too. Patton, who visited McGee on Tuesday, saw firsthand what happens when the teams come together. McGee was playing in a basketball game when the game was stopped at halftime because of fights in the stands.
“It was ridiculous, but I knew something would occur,” McGee said. “They’re our rival school and events of this nature usually occur. However, it was disappointing.”
OU offensive line coach James Patton can now vouch for the rivalry, too. Patton, who visited McGee on Tuesday, saw firsthand what happens when the teams come together. McGee was playing in a basketball game when the game was stopped at halftime because of fights in the stands.
“It was ridiculous, but I knew something would occur,” McGee said. “They’re our rival school and events of this nature usually occur. However, it was disappointing.”
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Ten Sooners named to All-Big 12 team
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
12:05
PM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
The Big 12 coaches voted six Sooners to the All-Big 12 first team and four to the All-Big 12 second team.
All-Big 12 First Team:
FB Trey Millard, WR Ryan Broyles, OL Gabe Ikard, DL Frank Alexander, DL Ronnell Lewis, DB: Jamell Fleming,
All-Big 12 Second Team:
WR Kenny Stills, TE James Hanna, LB Travis Lewis, DB Demontre Hurst
What do you think? Were any Sooners snubbed?
All-Big 12 First Team:
FB Trey Millard, WR Ryan Broyles, OL Gabe Ikard, DL Frank Alexander, DL Ronnell Lewis, DB: Jamell Fleming,
All-Big 12 Second Team:
WR Kenny Stills, TE James Hanna, LB Travis Lewis, DB Demontre Hurst
What do you think? Were any Sooners snubbed?
OKLAHOMA SOONERS
Record: 9-3 (6-3)
Oklahoma embraced the preseason expectations and didn't shy away from any talk of a national title. Before the season, coach Bob Stoops even told an audience of boosters it was "about time" the Sooners nabbed their eighth national title, first since 2000 and second under Stoops. Oklahoma didn't really even come close to making it happen. Texas Tech embarrassed the Sooners on their home field, ending a 39-game win streak at Owen Field, the nation's longest and one that dated back to 2005. That offered the first evidence that the Sooners weren't the juggernaut they looked in the preseason. Tech finished 5-7 and the Sooners got a road win against a then-top 5 Florida State team, but the Seminoles fell to 8-4 and 5-3 in the weak ACC.
Oklahoma was hurt by late-season injuries to Ryan Broyles and Dominique Whaley, as well as a knee injury to Ronnell Lewis, but the Sooners lost two of their three final games and finished basically fourth in the Big 12, since Baylor holds the tiebreak over OU. The late-season swoon made the Sooners rival Texas A&M as one of the Big 12's biggest disappointments.
Offensive MVP: Landry Jones, quarterback. Jones' career, which may be over if he enters the NFL draft, is a bit unfortunate. He's always been undervalued by Oklahoma fans and really, most everyone. That's what happens when you follow Sam Bradford, a Heisman winner and No. 1 draft pick and make a few mistakes in big spots. Jones struggled at times as a freshman (he's the only guy to ever do that, right?), but he's been outstanding the past two years. His numbers regressed this year, but he still threw for 4,302 yards, 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Defensive MVP: Frank Alexander, defensive end. Easy pick here. Alexander's been the Big 12's best defender, and a huge disruptive force for every offense in the Big 12. He led the league with 8.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. He had 51 tackles and also grabbed an interception.
Turning point: Broyles' injury. The FBS leader in career receptions went down with a torn ACL against Texas A&M, and from that moment on, three games and a quarter-plus against Texas A&M, Jones didn't throw another touchdown pass and the Sooners lost two of three games. Broyles was missed in a big way, and though the Sooners improved in the short yardage by bringing in quarterback Blake Bell in the "BellDozer" formation, Oklahoma didn't rebound from the loss of Broyles.
What’s next: In the immediate future, Oklahoma faces Iowa, Bob Stoops' alma mater, in the Insight Bowl. After that, it's decision time. The defense loses Alexander, Ronnell Lewis and Travis Lewis, but brings back a lot of talent with guys like Tony Jefferson, Aaron Colvin and Tom Wort. Offensively, if Jones returns, the Sooners could be in for a 10-win season in 2012 with a bit of upside. If Jones leaves, the Big 12 is wide open in 2012 and Oklahoma will have a quarterback competition between Bell and Drew Allen on tap for the spring. Running back Dominique Whaley will be back with Brennan Clay and Roy Finch, but the Sooners will be without a lot of experience if Jones leaves.
Record: 9-3 (6-3)
Oklahoma embraced the preseason expectations and didn't shy away from any talk of a national title. Before the season, coach Bob Stoops even told an audience of boosters it was "about time" the Sooners nabbed their eighth national title, first since 2000 and second under Stoops. Oklahoma didn't really even come close to making it happen. Texas Tech embarrassed the Sooners on their home field, ending a 39-game win streak at Owen Field, the nation's longest and one that dated back to 2005. That offered the first evidence that the Sooners weren't the juggernaut they looked in the preseason. Tech finished 5-7 and the Sooners got a road win against a then-top 5 Florida State team, but the Seminoles fell to 8-4 and 5-3 in the weak ACC.
Oklahoma was hurt by late-season injuries to Ryan Broyles and Dominique Whaley, as well as a knee injury to Ronnell Lewis, but the Sooners lost two of their three final games and finished basically fourth in the Big 12, since Baylor holds the tiebreak over OU. The late-season swoon made the Sooners rival Texas A&M as one of the Big 12's biggest disappointments.
Offensive MVP: Landry Jones, quarterback. Jones' career, which may be over if he enters the NFL draft, is a bit unfortunate. He's always been undervalued by Oklahoma fans and really, most everyone. That's what happens when you follow Sam Bradford, a Heisman winner and No. 1 draft pick and make a few mistakes in big spots. Jones struggled at times as a freshman (he's the only guy to ever do that, right?), but he's been outstanding the past two years. His numbers regressed this year, but he still threw for 4,302 yards, 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.
Defensive MVP: Frank Alexander, defensive end. Easy pick here. Alexander's been the Big 12's best defender, and a huge disruptive force for every offense in the Big 12. He led the league with 8.5 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. He had 51 tackles and also grabbed an interception.
Turning point: Broyles' injury. The FBS leader in career receptions went down with a torn ACL against Texas A&M, and from that moment on, three games and a quarter-plus against Texas A&M, Jones didn't throw another touchdown pass and the Sooners lost two of three games. Broyles was missed in a big way, and though the Sooners improved in the short yardage by bringing in quarterback Blake Bell in the "BellDozer" formation, Oklahoma didn't rebound from the loss of Broyles.
What’s next: In the immediate future, Oklahoma faces Iowa, Bob Stoops' alma mater, in the Insight Bowl. After that, it's decision time. The defense loses Alexander, Ronnell Lewis and Travis Lewis, but brings back a lot of talent with guys like Tony Jefferson, Aaron Colvin and Tom Wort. Offensively, if Jones returns, the Sooners could be in for a 10-win season in 2012 with a bit of upside. If Jones leaves, the Big 12 is wide open in 2012 and Oklahoma will have a quarterback competition between Bell and Drew Allen on tap for the spring. Running back Dominique Whaley will be back with Brennan Clay and Roy Finch, but the Sooners will be without a lot of experience if Jones leaves.
Scouts: Sooners strike again in California
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
11:16
AM CT
By
Tom Luginbill | ESPN.com
The best thing about Derrick Woods (Inglewood, Calif.) is his versatility to play on either side of the football.
For Oklahoma the need may be at wide receiver, but Woods is an accomplished corner as well. With Woods you have a savvy route runner with some deceptive physicality due to his compact, but stout frame. He is a guy that can play both in the slot and on the perimeter and also has some return traits.
For Oklahoma the need may be at wide receiver, but Woods is an accomplished corner as well. With Woods you have a savvy route runner with some deceptive physicality due to his compact, but stout frame. He is a guy that can play both in the slot and on the perimeter and also has some return traits.
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OU's Frank Alexander earns Big 12 honors
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
11:16
AM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander was named the Big 12 Conference's Co-Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year Wednesday. He was also named to the All-Big 12 First Team.
Alexander finished the season with 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He shared the Defensive Player of the Year with Iowa State linebacker A.J. Klein.
Selections are made by the league’s 10 head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
Alexander finished the season with 51 tackles, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one interception. He shared the Defensive Player of the Year with Iowa State linebacker A.J. Klein.
Selections are made by the league’s 10 head coaches, who are not permitted to vote for their own players.
Change in position seals deal for Woods
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
10:57
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Wide receiver Derrick Woods (Inglewood, Calif./Inglewood) had felt for the last couple of months that Oklahoma was going to be his school of choice.
He wanted to weigh all of his options, however, before making the decision. And after an official visit to California last weekend, Woods knew all he needed to know and verbally committed to the Sooners late Tuesday night.
Woods told his mother first and then called wide receivers coach Jay Norvell to let the OU coaching staff know about the good news.
He wanted to weigh all of his options, however, before making the decision. And after an official visit to California last weekend, Woods knew all he needed to know and verbally committed to the Sooners late Tuesday night.
Woods told his mother first and then called wide receivers coach Jay Norvell to let the OU coaching staff know about the good news.
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Q&A: 2013 in-state linebacker T.J. Ponds
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
When thinking of Wagoner, Okla., most focus immediately on senior defensive back Kevin Peterson, who has offers from Iowa State, Arizona and Tulsa and should see interest in him pick up after a tremendous season.
But if you’re looking for the future of Wagoner football, it starts with junior linebacker T.J. Ponds. At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Ponds is cementing himself as one of the top in-state defensive prospects for 2013.
Ponds, Peterson and the rest of the Wagoner team won the Oklahoma 4A state championship with a 23-0 win against Clinton, Okla., last week. It is Wagoner’s first championship.
But if you’re looking for the future of Wagoner football, it starts with junior linebacker T.J. Ponds. At 6-foot and 210 pounds, Ponds is cementing himself as one of the top in-state defensive prospects for 2013.
Ponds, Peterson and the rest of the Wagoner team won the Oklahoma 4A state championship with a 23-0 win against Clinton, Okla., last week. It is Wagoner’s first championship.
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Commit Nelson could contribute in 2012
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
9:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Oklahoma is faced with the prospect of losing both of its starters at defensive end if junior Ronnell Lewis declares for the NFL draft. Senior Frank Alexander won’t return after a All-Big 12 caliber season.
Immediate help could be on the way.
Defensive end commitment Chaz Nelson (Garden City Community College) has the ability to step on campus and make an impact on the field for the Sooners in 2012. He is enrolling for the spring semester and will go through spring practices with OU.
Immediate help could be on the way.
Defensive end commitment Chaz Nelson (Garden City Community College) has the ability to step on campus and make an impact on the field for the Sooners in 2012. He is enrolling for the spring semester and will go through spring practices with OU.
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Scouts: Derrick Woods is a 'gifted athlete'
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
1:16
AM CT
By SoonerNation Staff | ESPN.com
Four-star receiver Derrick Woods committed to Oklahoma tonight. Woods, 5-foot-11 and 185 pounds, is ranked No 140 in the ESPNU 150 and No. 17 at wide receiver.
With Woods’ commitment, the Sooners now have three of the top 17 receivers in the nation. OU also has the verbal commitments of Sterling Shepard (Oklahoma City/Heritage Hall) and Durron Neal (St. Louis/De Smet Jesuit). Shepard is ranked No. 7 at the position, while Neal is No. 8.
Here are a few notes from Woods' scouting report on ESPN.com:
- Is a gifted athlete that seems comfortable in any role and shows versatility in the kicking game.
- Is a physically stout wide receiver with a thick build and a running back-like feel to his game.
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WR Derrick Woods commits to Oklahoma
December, 7, 2011
12/07/11
12:34
AM CT
By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
Derrick Woods (Inglewood, Calif.) had narrowed his choices to Cal and Oklahoma and Tuesday night, the talented athlete pulled the trigger.
“I committed to Oklahoma,” Woods said. “I just really liked it there a lot, and I truly feel that’s the best place for me. I’ve had a good vibe about them for a while and thought about committing for the last month. I wanted to take my visit first and when I was there, it just felt like that was where I belonged."
Woods said a number of factors sold him.
“I committed to Oklahoma,” Woods said. “I just really liked it there a lot, and I truly feel that’s the best place for me. I’ve had a good vibe about them for a while and thought about committing for the last month. I wanted to take my visit first and when I was there, it just felt like that was where I belonged."
Woods said a number of factors sold him.
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DE Kelley to visit Oklahoma next weekend
December, 6, 2011
12/06/11
11:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Oklahoma missed out on one potential defensive end this week, but the Sooners have made up ground on another.
Kyle Kelley (Irvine, Calif./Woodbridge), an Arizona verbal commitment, had an in-home visit with defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright on Monday and Kelley said he is going to make an official visit to Oklahoma next weekend.
“The visit went really well," Kelly said. "Every time I’ve talked to Coach Wright, I just feel more and more like he’s such a great guy."
Kyle Kelley (Irvine, Calif./Woodbridge), an Arizona verbal commitment, had an in-home visit with defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright on Monday and Kelley said he is going to make an official visit to Oklahoma next weekend.
“The visit went really well," Kelly said. "Every time I’ve talked to Coach Wright, I just feel more and more like he’s such a great guy."
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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.