Oklahoma Sooners: Jordan Smallwood
In Mike Stoops' first year back as defensive backs coach, OU got exactly who it wanted at safety for the Class of 2013.
The same can be said so far for the Class of 2014, as OU secured the commitment of three-star safety Vontre McQuinnie (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) three months ago at the Sooners' first junior day.
Since then, there has been no question about the level of McQuinnie’s commitment. The question now is who is going to join him in Norman?
Stoops has made sure OU has options. He hasn’t offered any safeties so far during the spring evaluation period. Instead he and the Sooners have focused on maintaining a tight bond with these top targets:
The same can be said so far for the Class of 2014, as OU secured the commitment of three-star safety Vontre McQuinnie (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster) three months ago at the Sooners' first junior day.
Since then, there has been no question about the level of McQuinnie’s commitment. The question now is who is going to join him in Norman?
Stoops has made sure OU has options. He hasn’t offered any safeties so far during the spring evaluation period. Instead he and the Sooners have focused on maintaining a tight bond with these top targets:
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes 
March, 29, 2013
Mar 29
9:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every Friday, SoonerNation releases the Sooner Intel, a sneak peek inside Oklahoma Sooners football recruiting with news and notes on the latest happenings around the program. Talk about it on our forum. A few things discussed in this week's update:
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
- Could the Sooners add a top receiver at their spring game?
- A Texas wideout is hoping to visit Oklahoma soon.
- Texas athlete is focused on a handful of schools.
- Will an in-state linebacker make another visit to OU?
- A Sooners signee is "like a big brother" to a 2014 target.
- What's next for ESPN Watch List safety Steven Parker?
- A Florida wideout has a connection to a new OU assistant coach.
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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Sooners working hard within state for 2014
March, 25, 2013
Mar 25
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma essentially got every in-state product it had its eyes on for the Class of 2013. And the Sooners swept up the state's two ESPN 300 prospects early.
There was never a question about defensive end D.J. Ward coming to OU, and he committed at the spring game. The same was true for cornerback Stanvon Taylor. Once the Sooners were content with his health, the offer came and he committed in May.
The 2014 class of Oklahoma high school products offers a challenge and an opportunity. The state has six ESPN Watch List prospects, and OU has offered five recruits from the Sooner State.
The early offers from prospects in their backyard are normally unheard of, but the Sooners realized they weren’t going to be the only name in town for these prospects. Get in early or get left out later.
Here is a look at how OU is faring with its five in-state offers as the Sooners prepare to kick off the second portion of spring practices:
There was never a question about defensive end D.J. Ward coming to OU, and he committed at the spring game. The same was true for cornerback Stanvon Taylor. Once the Sooners were content with his health, the offer came and he committed in May.
The 2014 class of Oklahoma high school products offers a challenge and an opportunity. The state has six ESPN Watch List prospects, and OU has offered five recruits from the Sooner State.
The early offers from prospects in their backyard are normally unheard of, but the Sooners realized they weren’t going to be the only name in town for these prospects. Get in early or get left out later.
Here is a look at how OU is faring with its five in-state offers as the Sooners prepare to kick off the second portion of spring practices:
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Watch List S ready to see state of Texas
March, 11, 2013
Mar 11
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
This is what Oklahoma fans were afraid might happen. This is why OU fans wanted ESPN Watch List safety Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) to commit to the Sooners by this point.
It was close to happening on a couple of occasions, but Parker stayed patient. And last Wednesday is exactly why he has chosen this path.
It was close to happening on a couple of occasions, but Parker stayed patient. And last Wednesday is exactly why he has chosen this path.
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Coaches' corner: WR Jordan Smallwood
February, 15, 2013
Feb 15
5:30
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Jordan Smallwood made a major impression when he participated in Oklahoma's one-day camp last spring. The Jenks (Okla.) receiver displayed great body control, ball skills and competitiveness in front of the Sooners' coaching staff. A few days later, the Sooners offered.
Bob Przybylo/ESPN.comCould freshman wideout Jordan Smallwood play immediately for the Sooners in 2013?Smallwood brings unusual polish as a high school receiver who played at one of the most prestigious schools in Oklahoma.
“We love his work ethic," receivers coach Jay Norvell said. "He knows how to win and brings that to this program. We’re trying to add strength to our receiving corps and he adds that. Jordan has the same type of abilities as Justin [Brown], strong, physical and can make plays in traffic.”
Norvell reiterated the Sooners desire to get stronger at receiver several times on signing day. Brown brought a physical presence to OU's receiving corps during his only year in Norman after transferring from Penn State. And it's made a lasting impression at OU, with the Sooners looking to make it a consistent trait of their receiving corps.
"I think he’s just scratching the surface of what he’s going to be," offensive coordinator Josh Heupel said. "We feel like he can be one of those outside guys that’s a great slant runner and red-zone threat.”
Even though Smallwood is relatively polished out of high school, OU believes there is plenty of room for improvement from the 6-foot-2, 190-pound pass catcher.
Bob Przybylo/ESPN.comCould freshman wideout Jordan Smallwood play immediately for the Sooners in 2013?“We love his work ethic," receivers coach Jay Norvell said. "He knows how to win and brings that to this program. We’re trying to add strength to our receiving corps and he adds that. Jordan has the same type of abilities as Justin [Brown], strong, physical and can make plays in traffic.”
Norvell reiterated the Sooners desire to get stronger at receiver several times on signing day. Brown brought a physical presence to OU's receiving corps during his only year in Norman after transferring from Penn State. And it's made a lasting impression at OU, with the Sooners looking to make it a consistent trait of their receiving corps.
"I think he’s just scratching the surface of what he’s going to be," offensive coordinator Josh Heupel said. "We feel like he can be one of those outside guys that’s a great slant runner and red-zone threat.”
Even though Smallwood is relatively polished out of high school, OU believes there is plenty of room for improvement from the 6-foot-2, 190-pound pass catcher.
Damon Sayles/ESPNCornerback Dakota Austin committed to the Sooners over the weekend and signed on Wednesday.Watch live coverage on ESPNU | Talk signing day on our SoonerNation forum
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Sooner Snapshot: WR Jordan Smallwood
January, 15, 2013
Jan 15
4:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Each week SoonerNation will take a closer look at the Class of 2013 prospects currently committed to Oklahoma. The in-depth analysis pieces will take a look at the ranking, estimated year of impact and potential role of each future Sooner.
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Sooners add Young to wideout stockpile
January, 13, 2013
Jan 13
2:19
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
For the second time in a matter of hours, Oklahoma has secured a commitment from a player with terrific upside.
Receiver K.J. Young (Perris, Calif./Citrus Hill) picked the Sooners over offers from Colorado State, Boise State, UTEP and UNLV. A relatively unknown prospect until recently, Young joins Austin Bennett (Manvel, Texas/Manvel) and Jordan Smallwood (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) to give OU three receiver commitments for the class of 2013.
And Young could be the most explosive of the bunch.
Receiver K.J. Young (Perris, Calif./Citrus Hill) picked the Sooners over offers from Colorado State, Boise State, UTEP and UNLV. A relatively unknown prospect until recently, Young joins Austin Bennett (Manvel, Texas/Manvel) and Jordan Smallwood (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) to give OU three receiver commitments for the class of 2013.
And Young could be the most explosive of the bunch.
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Three-star WR Young makes call for OU
January, 13, 2013
Jan 13
1:25
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Three weeks ago, the name K.J. Young didn’t mean much in recruiting circles. That’s how quickly things can change.
Following a stellar senior season at Perris (Calif.) Citrus Hill High, Young, a three-star wide receiver, became a sought after commodity the last couple of weeks.
But one school was ahead of the pack -- Oklahoma. The Sooners reached out to Young on Dec. 27, and Young confirmed he has committed to the Sooners on Sunday. Initially Young was going to wait. But at the airport, Young called OU coach Bob Stoops and said he was ready to be a Sooner.
“I know this is where I want to go,” Young said. “I didn’t need to wait.”
A move to the slot position paid huge dividends for Young this season and his high school coach, Eric Zomalt, gave OU linebackers coach Tim Kish a call. Kish developed a relationship with Zomalt from Kish’s time at Arizona.
If Zomalt was wrong, then it was just a short period of time for Kish to relay his Sooners' level of interest. But if Zomalt was right, then Kish has just found one of the better under-the-radar prospects nationally.
Zomalt was right and OU believes it has found a gem.
Young had interest regionally and had taken official visits to UNLV and Boise State. But when OU entered the picture, every other school was in an uphill battle.
Schools such as Washington, Washington State, Iowa State and Texas Tech reached out to Young, but every time he was on the phone with Kish, he said he felt like committing.
Young is OU’s 19th commit and third at wide receiver, joining three-star prospects Austin Bennett (Manvel, Texas/Manvel) and Jordan Smallwood (Jenks, Okla./Jenks). He is the second of the weekend, joining three-star defensive tackle Charles Walker (Garland, Texas/South Garland).
Following a stellar senior season at Perris (Calif.) Citrus Hill High, Young, a three-star wide receiver, became a sought after commodity the last couple of weeks.
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Tom Hauck for ESPN.comThree-star receiver K.J. Young is the Sooners' 19th commit for the Class of 2013.
Tom Hauck for ESPN.comThree-star receiver K.J. Young is the Sooners' 19th commit for the Class of 2013.“I know this is where I want to go,” Young said. “I didn’t need to wait.”
A move to the slot position paid huge dividends for Young this season and his high school coach, Eric Zomalt, gave OU linebackers coach Tim Kish a call. Kish developed a relationship with Zomalt from Kish’s time at Arizona.
If Zomalt was wrong, then it was just a short period of time for Kish to relay his Sooners' level of interest. But if Zomalt was right, then Kish has just found one of the better under-the-radar prospects nationally.
Zomalt was right and OU believes it has found a gem.
Young had interest regionally and had taken official visits to UNLV and Boise State. But when OU entered the picture, every other school was in an uphill battle.
Schools such as Washington, Washington State, Iowa State and Texas Tech reached out to Young, but every time he was on the phone with Kish, he said he felt like committing.
Young is OU’s 19th commit and third at wide receiver, joining three-star prospects Austin Bennett (Manvel, Texas/Manvel) and Jordan Smallwood (Jenks, Okla./Jenks). He is the second of the weekend, joining three-star defensive tackle Charles Walker (Garland, Texas/South Garland).
Semper Fi Bowl a blessing for Smallwood
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
1:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
For years Oklahoma wide receiver commit Jordan Smallwood (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) has felt like he is one of the better receivers in the nation.
His selflessness at Jenks never really let him get the chance to shine the way some receivers in pass-happy offense get the opportunity.
Because of Jenks’ run-first approach, it almost makes Smallwood’s senior season stand out more. He had 48 catches for 835 yards and 11 touchdowns. And last week he really got to see what he can do.
His selflessness at Jenks never really let him get the chance to shine the way some receivers in pass-happy offense get the opportunity.
Because of Jenks’ run-first approach, it almost makes Smallwood’s senior season stand out more. He had 48 catches for 835 yards and 11 touchdowns. And last week he really got to see what he can do.
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
10:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, SoonerNation releases the Sooner Intel, a sneak peek inside Oklahoma Sooners football recruiting with news and notes on the latest happenings around the program. Talk about it on our forum. A few things discussed in this week's update:
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
- Stock soaring for recent Sooners offer who's visiting this weekend
- Breaking down OU's big recruiting weekend
- Former in-state star looking at visiting soon
- More on the Sooners canceling junior day and the impact it has
- DE D.J. Ward, who sat out his senior season, is ready to enroll early.
- ESPN 300 safety staying true to OU
- Three-star defensive back, once thought to be an OU lock, isn't hearing from the Sooners
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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State of the program: Receiver/Tight end
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
4:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
After grading the performance of the Sooners pass catchers in 2012, it is the perfect time to take a closer look at the receivers and tight ends on the roster or the commitment list as SoonerNation evaluates the future at the receiver and tight end position for Oklahoma.
Here’s a look at one player who could be next in line to make a major impact, one player to keep an eye on and one current commitment who could be the future at the wide receiver/tight end positions.
Next in line: Trey Metoyer. He had an up-and-down freshman season, beginning the season as a starter and seeing his playing time gradually diminish despite the Sooners going to a four-receiver package midway through the season.
Here’s a look at one player who could be next in line to make a major impact, one player to keep an eye on and one current commitment who could be the future at the wide receiver/tight end positions.
Next in line: Trey Metoyer. He had an up-and-down freshman season, beginning the season as a starter and seeing his playing time gradually diminish despite the Sooners going to a four-receiver package midway through the season.
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Offensive tackles remain OU's focus
December, 10, 2012
12/10/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Oklahoma’s last offensive commit for its 2013 class was three-star athlete Austin Bennett (Manvel, Texas/Manvel) on June 20.
June 20? The Sooners have gone nearly six months without a commit on that side of the ball. Heading into the final two months until national signing day, that will obviously have to change.
Here is a position-by-position breakdown of who OU is looking at to close out the class.
June 20? The Sooners have gone nearly six months without a commit on that side of the ball. Heading into the final two months until national signing day, that will obviously have to change.
Here is a position-by-position breakdown of who OU is looking at to close out the class.
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What if ... Jay Norvell left Oklahoma?
December, 7, 2012
12/07/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It’s going to be an annual struggle. How long can Oklahoma keep a wide receivers coach as good as Jay Norvell before another program offers him an offensive coordinator or head coaching position?
It was right around this time last year when rumors started circulating Norvell was thinking about leaving. Wisconsin and Florida were the two schools thought to have a shot at Norvell.
It's only the beginning of December and Norvell’s name is already being thrown around again for coaching vacancies.
It was right around this time last year when rumors started circulating Norvell was thinking about leaving. Wisconsin and Florida were the two schools thought to have a shot at Norvell.
It's only the beginning of December and Norvell’s name is already being thrown around again for coaching vacancies.
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OU commit Smallwood goes out on top
December, 3, 2012
12/03/12
4:30
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
If ever a play was a microcosm of a player, it happened Friday night for Oklahoma wide receiver commit Jordan Smallwood (Jenks, Okla./Jenks).
Smallwood, a three-star recruit whose only other offer was to Wyoming, played with that chip on his shoulder throughout his senior season.
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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.