Oklahoma Sooners: Josiah St. John
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.
- OU's top running back target is trying to make it to Norman soon
- Texas running back has OU and Alabama on top
- Have the Sooners contacted an in-state tailback?
- Offensive line signees get acquainted with their new coach
- There's no pressure on one legacy on being a Sooner
- Elite Texas wideout wants to make it to OU junior day
- In-state receiver is staying patient with the process
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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Coaches' corner: OT Josiah St. John
February, 19, 2013
Feb 19
3:15
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
After recruiting them for several months, Oklahoma's coaching staff was finally able to talk publicly about the players the Sooners added to the program on signing day. Over the next week or so, SoonerNation will review some of the key things coaches had to say about the players signed at each position group during their signing day webcast on Soonersports.com.
With Lane Johnson moving on to the NFL, the Sooners needed to bring in some immediate competition at the tackle position. Junior college signee Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley Community College) fits the bill perfectly. At 6-foot-7, 300 pounds, St. John brings size and athleticism to the Sooners offensive line.
"We were looking for an older mature guy who can play tackle and help us at that position," co-offensive coordinator Jay Norvell said. "That was an area of need with Lane Johnson leaving the program. He gives us maturity, gives us length and incredible depth at the position."
Tyrus Thompson, who saw extensive time at right tackle and spot duty at left tackle in 2012, could have stepped right in at left tackle with Daryl Williams at right tackle, but St. John will provide quality competition for both players, making nobody's starting spot secure under new offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh.
"Josiah St. John is a big tackle, all of 6-foot-6, 305 or so pounds and is an excellent athlete at that position," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said.
The Sooners fully expect St. John earn playing time this fall, with Stoops saying the Sooners don't bring in junior college players unless they anticipate immediate impact. Across the board, OU's offensive staff seems to believe St. John, the No. 6 player in the ESPNJC 100, could become a key contributor in 2013.
"Josiah St. John is somebody we expect can come in and help us immediately," running backs coach Cale Gundy said.
With Lane Johnson moving on to the NFL, the Sooners needed to bring in some immediate competition at the tackle position. Junior college signee Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley Community College) fits the bill perfectly. At 6-foot-7, 300 pounds, St. John brings size and athleticism to the Sooners offensive line.
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Tyrus Thompson, who saw extensive time at right tackle and spot duty at left tackle in 2012, could have stepped right in at left tackle with Daryl Williams at right tackle, but St. John will provide quality competition for both players, making nobody's starting spot secure under new offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh.
"Josiah St. John is a big tackle, all of 6-foot-6, 305 or so pounds and is an excellent athlete at that position," Sooners coach Bob Stoops said.
The Sooners fully expect St. John earn playing time this fall, with Stoops saying the Sooners don't bring in junior college players unless they anticipate immediate impact. Across the board, OU's offensive staff seems to believe St. John, the No. 6 player in the ESPNJC 100, could become a key contributor in 2013.
"Josiah St. John is somebody we expect can come in and help us immediately," running backs coach Cale Gundy said.
Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes 
February, 8, 2013
Feb 8
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.
- Why one OU coach 'saved the day' with a signee
- OU's final signee reflects on why he chose the Sooners
- There's still one more 2013 recruit in play for the Sooners
- The Sooners' newest 2014 commit wanted a program that won consistently
- Class of 2014 targets talk more about OU junior day
- Is OU on top for a 2014 athlete?
- What happens now at quarterback for 2014?
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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Roundtable: Grading Oklahoma's class
February, 7, 2013
Feb 7
12:30
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, the SoonerNation staff will answer a roundtable question about OU football. Leave a comment or talk about it in our "There's Only One" forum.
How would you grade Oklahoma's 2013 recruiting class based on the Sooners filling their needs?
How would you grade Oklahoma's 2013 recruiting class based on the Sooners filling their needs?
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Sooners sign impact players for 2013
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
6:03
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Anyone who watched Oklahoma’s defense in the final four games of the season knows that the Sooners were in dire need of help in the secondary and along the defensive line. West Virginia’s Tavon Austin and Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel torched the Sooners’ defense on their way to record-breaking performances, as OU had no answer for the dynamic playmakers.
Courtesy of Trinity Valley Community CollegeBob Stoops is expecting a big immediate impact from juco defensive tackle Quincy Russell.The Sooners hope they’ve addressed those needs with their defensive line and secondary signees in the Class of 2013 and will see immediate dividends on the field this fall.
“You’re never going to get everyone you want but we feel like we’ve helped ourselves in some critical areas,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said.
Cornerback Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) joins safeties Ahmad Thomas (Miami, Fla./Central) and Hatari Byrd (Fresno, Calif./Central East) as signees who appear poised to step right in and play in the secondary. Taylor, in particular, drew a lot of praise from Mike Stoops while drawing comparisons to All-Big 12 cornerback Aaron Colvin from OU head coach Bob Stoops on signing day.
“We’re projecting him to come in and solidify that corner position for us,” Mike Stoops said. “I can’t say enough about this guy, he has all the qualities you want in a superstar.”
Yet those impact signees in the secondary won’t mean much if the Sooners cannot solidify their defensive front. To that end, OU signed seven defensive linemen (four defensive tackles, three defensive ends) on Wednesday, with junior college transfer Quincy Russell (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley) looming as the biggest potential impact player along the defensive interior.
Courtesy of Trinity Valley Community CollegeBob Stoops is expecting a big immediate impact from juco defensive tackle Quincy Russell.“You’re never going to get everyone you want but we feel like we’ve helped ourselves in some critical areas,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said.
Cornerback Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) joins safeties Ahmad Thomas (Miami, Fla./Central) and Hatari Byrd (Fresno, Calif./Central East) as signees who appear poised to step right in and play in the secondary. Taylor, in particular, drew a lot of praise from Mike Stoops while drawing comparisons to All-Big 12 cornerback Aaron Colvin from OU head coach Bob Stoops on signing day.
“We’re projecting him to come in and solidify that corner position for us,” Mike Stoops said. “I can’t say enough about this guy, he has all the qualities you want in a superstar.”
Yet those impact signees in the secondary won’t mean much if the Sooners cannot solidify their defensive front. To that end, OU signed seven defensive linemen (four defensive tackles, three defensive ends) on Wednesday, with junior college transfer Quincy Russell (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley) looming as the biggest potential impact player along the defensive interior.
Four-star cornerback L.J. Moore (Fresno, Calif./Central East) was never the No. 1 target on Oklahoma’s board. And he was never the No. 1 favorite among Sooners fans.
But a little after 5 p.m. CT, Moore saved the Sooners day by signing with OU.
But a little after 5 p.m. CT, Moore saved the Sooners day by signing with OU.
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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
| OU class
Follow the live blog after the jump.
Sooner Snapshot: OT Josiah St. John
January, 29, 2013
Jan 29
4:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Leading up to signing day, 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.
Vitals: Offensive tackle Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley Community College) | 6-foot-7, 300 pounds
Committed: Dec. 19, 2012
Vitals: Offensive tackle Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley Community College) | 6-foot-7, 300 pounds
Committed: Dec. 19, 2012
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Recruiting faceoff: Biggest disappointment
January, 25, 2013
Jan 25
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo and
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Each week SoonerNation recruiting writers Bob Przybylo and Brandon Chatmon will face off on one issue regarding Oklahoma recruiting.
This week’s question: OU has some work to do to close out its 2013 class, and some of it might not have a fix with this year’s cycle. Where have the Sooners made the most mistakes in 2013 recruiting?
Bob Przybylo: Offensive tackles coach Bruce Kittle cannot catch a break. He has put the Sooners in great position for several top prospects only to see every single one of them commit to other schools here down the stretch. But his inability to seal the deal is worrisome because it was the exact same scenario for the 2012 class when looking at names like Zach Banner. Four-star offensive tackle Aaron Cochran (Atwater, Calif./Buhach) is the latest to have OU in the mix but ended up committing to California. Kittle has a unique life story that appeals to recruits and their families, but it has yet to really garner the positive results on the trail needed for the Sooners at the position.
This week’s question: OU has some work to do to close out its 2013 class, and some of it might not have a fix with this year’s cycle. Where have the Sooners made the most mistakes in 2013 recruiting?
Bob Przybylo: Offensive tackles coach Bruce Kittle cannot catch a break. He has put the Sooners in great position for several top prospects only to see every single one of them commit to other schools here down the stretch. But his inability to seal the deal is worrisome because it was the exact same scenario for the 2012 class when looking at names like Zach Banner. Four-star offensive tackle Aaron Cochran (Atwater, Calif./Buhach) is the latest to have OU in the mix but ended up committing to California. Kittle has a unique life story that appeals to recruits and their families, but it has yet to really garner the positive results on the trail needed for the Sooners at the position.
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New interest for OU juco commit St. John
January, 23, 2013
Jan 23
3:04
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
ESPN Junior College 100 offensive tackle Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley Community College) committed to Oklahoma on Dec. 19 and is expected to sign with the Sooners next month. In the meantime, schools are still trying relentlessly to sway him -- and rightfully so.
St. John, the No. 6 junior college prospect in the country, said the newest school to show interest has been Florida State. The 6-foot-7, 300-pound tackle said the Seminoles would offer him if he were interested in flipping his commitment, but he doesn’t see that happening.
“I would love to go to school in Florida,” St. John said, “but I like what I’m getting at OU.”
St. John, the No. 6 junior college prospect in the country, said the newest school to show interest has been Florida State. The 6-foot-7, 300-pound tackle said the Seminoles would offer him if he were interested in flipping his commitment, but he doesn’t see that happening.
“I would love to go to school in Florida,” St. John said, “but I like what I’m getting at OU.”
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Team needs: For the first time in a long time, the quarterback position is up for debate in 2013. With Landry Jones graduating, there isn’t a clear-cut favorite, although it appears Blake Bell has been pegged as the guy. As for the rest of the offense, the Sooners are in pretty good shape. If you’re looking for OU’s real issues, though, it’s on defense. OU knew it was losing cornerback Demontre Hurst and safety Javon Harris, but with safety Tony Jefferson opting to not come back for his senior season, OU doesn’t have either of its safeties returning for 2013. Linebacker became a sore spot for the program during the latter half of 2012, culminating in linebacker Tom Wort declaring for the NFL draft because the scheme isn’t really tailored for him.
Help is on the way: OU fans can debate whether Josh Heupel is the guy to run OU’s offense, but you cannot question his ability to recruit. Heupel has landed yet another top quarterback in ESPN 300 prospect Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas/Heritage, ranked No. 178). OU needs help in the secondary, and Mike Stoops attacked the position hard during the spring. Three-star safety Ahmad Thomas (Miami/Central) is enrolling early, and ESPN 300 safety Hatari Byrd (Fresno, Calif./Central East) said he is ready to replace Jefferson. Corner shouldn’t be hurting either with the pledge of ESPN 300 athlete Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central).
Other key commits: Cannot talk OU’s 2013 class without mentioning running back Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Ranch). Ranked No. 27 in the ESPN 150, Ford is the top-ranked recruit for OU’s class. OU is also getting help from the juco ranks with the commitment of four-star ESPN JC 100 offensive tackle Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley). Defensive end was locked up in April with two ESPN 300 commits in D.J. Ward (Moore, Okla./Southmoore) and Matt Dimon (Katy, Texas/Katy).
Other key targets: OU is still seeking help in the secondary and is looking at ESPN 300 athlete Adrian Baker (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna) and four-star cornerback L.J. Moore (Fresno, Calif./Central East). The Sooners are still keeping tabs on several offensive tackles after four-star tackle Aaron Cochran (Atwater, Calif./Buhach) committed to Cal earlier this week.
Help is on the way: OU fans can debate whether Josh Heupel is the guy to run OU’s offense, but you cannot question his ability to recruit. Heupel has landed yet another top quarterback in ESPN 300 prospect Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas/Heritage, ranked No. 178). OU needs help in the secondary, and Mike Stoops attacked the position hard during the spring. Three-star safety Ahmad Thomas (Miami/Central) is enrolling early, and ESPN 300 safety Hatari Byrd (Fresno, Calif./Central East) said he is ready to replace Jefferson. Corner shouldn’t be hurting either with the pledge of ESPN 300 athlete Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central).
Other key commits: Cannot talk OU’s 2013 class without mentioning running back Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Ranch). Ranked No. 27 in the ESPN 150, Ford is the top-ranked recruit for OU’s class. OU is also getting help from the juco ranks with the commitment of four-star ESPN JC 100 offensive tackle Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley). Defensive end was locked up in April with two ESPN 300 commits in D.J. Ward (Moore, Okla./Southmoore) and Matt Dimon (Katy, Texas/Katy).
Other key targets: OU is still seeking help in the secondary and is looking at ESPN 300 athlete Adrian Baker (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna) and four-star cornerback L.J. Moore (Fresno, Calif./Central East). The Sooners are still keeping tabs on several offensive tackles after four-star tackle Aaron Cochran (Atwater, Calif./Buhach) committed to Cal earlier this week.
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Mother knows best for Russell, Sooners
January, 8, 2013
Jan 8
10:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It didn’t matter that much that Oklahoma could offer junior college defensive tackle Quincy Russell (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley) immediate playing time.
It didn’t really matter that playing at OU would give Russell a chance to go against Texas in the Red River Rivalry. Russell originally signed with the Longhorns in 2011.
It didn’t matter that his juco teammate four-star ESPN JC 100 offensive tackle Josiah St. John has committed to the Sooners.
It didn’t really matter that playing at OU would give Russell a chance to go against Texas in the Red River Rivalry. Russell originally signed with the Longhorns in 2011.
It didn’t matter that his juco teammate four-star ESPN JC 100 offensive tackle Josiah St. John has committed to the Sooners.
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Recruiting faceoff: Biggest news of week?
December, 21, 2012
12/21/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo and
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Each week SoonerNation recruiting writers Bob Przybylo and Brandon Chatmon face off on one issue regarding Oklahoma recruiting.
This week’s question: It was a huge week for OU on the trail, but what was the biggest news from the last seven days?
Brandon Chatmon: Trinity Valley Community College defensive tackle Quincy Russell's decision to sign with Oklahoma was an early Christmas present for the Sooners. Landing a junior college standout at a position of major need should provide an energy boost for the recruiting class and give OU plenty of momentum heading into January. Several great things happened for OU in recent days, but none better than Russell's signing.
This week’s question: It was a huge week for OU on the trail, but what was the biggest news from the last seven days?
Brandon Chatmon: Trinity Valley Community College defensive tackle Quincy Russell's decision to sign with Oklahoma was an early Christmas present for the Sooners. Landing a junior college standout at a position of major need should provide an energy boost for the recruiting class and give OU plenty of momentum heading into January. Several great things happened for OU in recent days, but none better than Russell's signing.
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Recapping Oklahoma's big recruiting week
December, 20, 2012
12/20/12
7:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
OK, Oklahoma fans, take a deep breath and try to digest the last seven days in OU recruiting. The Sooners have gone from having 14 commits to 18 commits.
And it wasn’t just getting four pledges in seven days, it was where OU picked up the slack. It’s almost as if the coaches heard the cries of the fanbase asking for some tackles. The Sooners have delivered with two offensive tackles and two defensive tackles.
It started last Friday when three-star defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins (Dallas/Skyline) flipped from Texas A&M to OU.
And it wasn’t just getting four pledges in seven days, it was where OU picked up the slack. It’s almost as if the coaches heard the cries of the fanbase asking for some tackles. The Sooners have delivered with two offensive tackles and two defensive tackles.
It started last Friday when three-star defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins (Dallas/Skyline) flipped from Texas A&M to OU.
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OT Christian Daimler is the ideal fit for OU
December, 19, 2012
12/19/12
8:50
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
What a day for Oklahoma.
Offensive tackle Christian Daimler (Houston/Stratford) committed to OU on Wednesday night, becoming the Sooners' third commitment of the day joining tackle Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley Community College) and defensive tackle Quincy Russell (San Antonio/Trinity Valley Community College).
As recently as a week ago, some Sooners fans were up in arms because OU had zero combined commitments at defensive tackle and offensive tackle. The Sooners now have four combined commitments at the two positions. It’s a subtle reminder that nothing is set in stone until recruits officially sign with the school of their choice.
Offensive tackle Christian Daimler (Houston/Stratford) committed to OU on Wednesday night, becoming the Sooners' third commitment of the day joining tackle Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley Community College) and defensive tackle Quincy Russell (San Antonio/Trinity Valley Community College).
As recently as a week ago, some Sooners fans were up in arms because OU had zero combined commitments at defensive tackle and offensive tackle. The Sooners now have four combined commitments at the two positions. It’s a subtle reminder that nothing is set in stone until recruits officially sign with the school of their choice.
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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.