Oklahoma Sooners: K.J. Young
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.
The Sooners are confident they landed a diamond in the rough with K.J. Young (Perris, Calif./Citrus Hill). The receiver signee didn't see his recruiting pick up until the final weeks of the process but was a hot commodity in January.
“K.J. is a guy that everybody kept finding out about a little bit late," OU head coach Bob Stoops said while noting at Oregon and Nebraska were among the schools pursuing Young in January. "He has good size, and an amazing athlete. Everyone started to realize what a great athlete he is. He makes all kind of plays and is a strong kid. A good player who can do a lot of things.”
At 6-foot, 183 pounds, Young appears to have the skills and versatility to play the slot or outside receiver for the Sooners. He flew under the radar until linebackers coach Tim Kish unearthed him for the Sooners after his stellar senior season.
"He really blew up during the course of his senior year," offensive coordinator Josh Heupel said. "He’s a great athlete, explosive and he uses his hands well.”
Once he got a glimpse at his game film, offering Young wasn't a hard decision for receivers coach Jay Norvell. It's easy to see with Young, he has terrific ball skills, open field ability and appears to have a innate ability to make plays.
"It doesn't really matter when you find a guy, when you see the film, the film doesn't lie," Norvell said. "He's a very versatile guy, he has great hands, great body control."
Norvell compared Young to former Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison as a 6-footer with long arms and big hands, allowing him to play bigger and longer than his height. He said it's a unique trait which always intrigues him when he sees it in a receiver.
"There's no doubt he'll fit in perfectly in our offense," Norvell said. "He does a lot of things very well and it's hard to deny a kid like that from coming to your program when he can help your team in so many ways."
The Sooners are confident they landed a diamond in the rough with K.J. Young (Perris, Calif./Citrus Hill). The receiver signee didn't see his recruiting pick up until the final weeks of the process but was a hot commodity in January.
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Tom Hauck for ESPN.comReceiver K.J. Young was pursued by Nebraska and Oregon in January.
Tom Hauck for ESPN.comReceiver K.J. Young was pursued by Nebraska and Oregon in January.At 6-foot, 183 pounds, Young appears to have the skills and versatility to play the slot or outside receiver for the Sooners. He flew under the radar until linebackers coach Tim Kish unearthed him for the Sooners after his stellar senior season.
"He really blew up during the course of his senior year," offensive coordinator Josh Heupel said. "He’s a great athlete, explosive and he uses his hands well.”
Once he got a glimpse at his game film, offering Young wasn't a hard decision for receivers coach Jay Norvell. It's easy to see with Young, he has terrific ball skills, open field ability and appears to have a innate ability to make plays.
"It doesn't really matter when you find a guy, when you see the film, the film doesn't lie," Norvell said. "He's a very versatile guy, he has great hands, great body control."
Norvell compared Young to former Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowl receiver Marvin Harrison as a 6-footer with long arms and big hands, allowing him to play bigger and longer than his height. He said it's a unique trait which always intrigues him when he sees it in a receiver.
"There's no doubt he'll fit in perfectly in our offense," Norvell said. "He does a lot of things very well and it's hard to deny a kid like that from coming to your program when he can help your team in so many ways."
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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LB coach Kish closes strong for Sooners
February, 7, 2013
Feb 7
8:00
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Entering the fall, some Oklahoma fans were wondering what in the world first-year linebackers coach Tim Kish was doing.
Kish had made a big reputation as a solid recruiter during his time at Arizona. Several months into the job at OU, and he hadn’t help land any of the top Arizona recruits, had taken too long with many top Texas prospects and had some fans calling for a change.
Supporters of Kish said give it time, give him an opportunity to build the relationships with recruits and judge him from there.
Kish had made a big reputation as a solid recruiter during his time at Arizona. Several months into the job at OU, and he hadn’t help land any of the top Arizona recruits, had taken too long with many top Texas prospects and had some fans calling for a change.
Supporters of Kish said give it time, give him an opportunity to build the relationships with recruits and judge him from there.
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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.
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: Receiver K.J. Young (Perris, Calif./Citrus Hill) | 6-foot, 183 pounds
Committed: Jan. 13, 2013
Vitals: Receiver K.J. Young (Perris, Calif./Citrus Hill) | 6-foot, 183 pounds
Committed: Jan. 13, 2013
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Perris (Calif.) Citrus Hill football coach Eric Zomalt knew his three-star wide receiver K.J. Young was good enough to play for a top school so he did something about it.
Zomalt sent out senior film for the 6-foot, 183-pound Young to just about every school he could think of, and it was Oklahoma who bit first and bit hard.
The Sooners and Young got in touch late December and Young committed to OU on Jan. 13 following his official visit.
Zomalt sent out senior film for the 6-foot, 183-pound Young to just about every school he could think of, and it was Oklahoma who bit first and bit hard.
The Sooners and Young got in touch late December and Young committed to OU on Jan. 13 following his official visit.
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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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The running back position changed for Oklahoma with recruiting ever since Adrian Peterson chose the Sooners for the Class of 2004.
But that was just one position. A move made in the Class of 2010 opened up one of the biggest recruiting areas in the nation, and OU hasn’t slowed down since.
But that was just one position. A move made in the Class of 2010 opened up one of the biggest recruiting areas in the nation, and OU hasn’t slowed down since.
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3-star commit Bennett sticking with OU
January, 17, 2013
Jan 17
6:54
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Things got a little more interesting this week with the recruitment of three-star athlete Austin Bennett (Manvel, Texas/Manvel).
A firm Oklahoma commit since June, the Sooners’ Red River Rival jumped into the picture as Texas offered Bennett on Tuesday.
A firm Oklahoma commit since June, the Sooners’ Red River Rival jumped into the picture as Texas offered Bennett on Tuesday.
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
January, 17, 2013
Jan 17
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.
- The Sooners are right back in the mix with a four-star cornerback
- One target is headed to a junior college
- New receiver commit gets to know his position coach on official visit
- New defensive tackle commits talks official visit, how he and his host bonded
- Breaking down Oklahoma's search for two more offensive tackles
- The Sooners have offered a new defensive tackle
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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WR Cavil reverses course, flips to Sooners
January, 14, 2013
Jan 14
5:28
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
ESPN 300 wide receiver Dannon Cavil (San Antonio/Madison) hasn’t been bashful about saying Oklahoma is his dream school.
When he was committed to Ole Miss in the summer, the Sooners were still No. 1. After flipping to California in the fall, OU was still on his mind.
And now, days away from enrolling early, Cavil is realizing his dream. Cavil tweeted Monday afternoon he has switched his commitment one more time, pledging to the Sooners.
San Antonio Madison coach Jim Streety confirmed Cavil's plans to enroll early at OU.
“Committed to the University of Oklahoma… enroll in the next couple of days,” Cavil tweeted, followed with a picture of him in OU gear.
Cavil is OU’s fourth wide receiver commit and second in as many days. Three-star wide receiver K.J. Young (Perris, Calif./Citrus Hill) pledged to OU on Sunday afternoon.
While Young is considered a deep-play, explosive threat, Cavil brings a much different skill set to the table: size.
None of OU’s three previous receiver commits is as big as Cavil, who is 6-foot-5, 205 pounds and ranked No. 239 in the ESPN 300 and No. 35 at wide receiver. He is OU’s highest-ranked wide receiver commit.
When he was committed to Ole Miss in the summer, the Sooners were still No. 1. After flipping to California in the fall, OU was still on his mind.
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Miller Safrit/ESPN.comFour-star prospect Dannon Cavil is the Sooners' fourth receiver commitment of the Class of 2013.
Miller Safrit/ESPN.comFour-star prospect Dannon Cavil is the Sooners' fourth receiver commitment of the Class of 2013.San Antonio Madison coach Jim Streety confirmed Cavil's plans to enroll early at OU.
“Committed to the University of Oklahoma… enroll in the next couple of days,” Cavil tweeted, followed with a picture of him in OU gear.
Cavil is OU’s fourth wide receiver commit and second in as many days. Three-star wide receiver K.J. Young (Perris, Calif./Citrus Hill) pledged to OU on Sunday afternoon.
While Young is considered a deep-play, explosive threat, Cavil brings a much different skill set to the table: size.
None of OU’s three previous receiver commits is as big as Cavil, who is 6-foot-5, 205 pounds and ranked No. 239 in the ESPN 300 and No. 35 at wide receiver. He is OU’s highest-ranked wide receiver commit.
OU gets back on track on recruiting trail
January, 14, 2013
Jan 14
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
The week started with one head-scratching moment, but it could not have ended any better for Oklahoma on the recruiting trail.
In an odd and almost unprecedented move, OU coaches postponed a previously planned junior day on Saturday so they could instead focus on the eight official visitors for the 2013 class.
In an odd and almost unprecedented move, OU coaches postponed a previously planned junior day on Saturday so they could instead focus on the eight official visitors for the 2013 class.
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Sooners add Young to wideout stockpile
January, 13, 2013
Jan 13
2:19
PM CT
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).
Big-name safety tops OU visitors list
January, 11, 2013
Jan 11
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Certain weekends during the football season stand out as blatant big-time recruiting opportunities. Oklahoma is no stranger to that.
But after the season, there are always one or two weekends that set themselves apart heading into national signing day. The Sooners are having one of those this weekend.
But after the season, there are always one or two weekends that set themselves apart heading into national signing day. The Sooners are having one of those this weekend.
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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.