Oklahoma Sooners: Max Browne
Sooners quarterback pursuit taking shape 
March, 18, 2013
Mar 18
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- If you’re waiting for a litany of Oklahoma quarterback offers for the Class of 2014, you’re going to be waiting for a long time.
Sorry, that’s simply just not the way OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel has approached the pursuit of his quarterbacks. He’s patient. He’s deliberate. He’s thorough. And you might even say he’s stingy. He knows how important it is to not miss at the quarterback position.
With spring break this week, it’s a great time to evaluate who exactly are the leading contenders for the OU spot, the story behind the candidates and ultimately and who will be the recruit to pledge to the Sooners:
Sorry, that’s simply just not the way OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel has approached the pursuit of his quarterbacks. He’s patient. He’s deliberate. He’s thorough. And you might even say he’s stingy. He knows how important it is to not miss at the quarterback position.
With spring break this week, it’s a great time to evaluate who exactly are the leading contenders for the OU spot, the story behind the candidates and ultimately and who will be the recruit to pledge to the Sooners:
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Junior quarterback Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah) has no problems admitting it. He is not ashamed to say he had tunnel vision regarding recruiting. His No. 1 choice was Oklahoma. His No. 2? Well, that’s what Scott is trying to determine now.
It has been an eventful couple of months for Scott. He understood his place on the totem pole when it came to OU’s quarterback situation. Four-star prospect Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) was OU’s first choice. When Browne chose USC, it opened the door for Scott and others with the Sooners.
That door closed last Tuesday night when four-star prospect Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas/Heritage) committed to OU.
It has been an eventful couple of months for Scott. He understood his place on the totem pole when it came to OU’s quarterback situation. Four-star prospect Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) was OU’s first choice. When Browne chose USC, it opened the door for Scott and others with the Sooners.
That door closed last Tuesday night when four-star prospect Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas/Heritage) committed to OU.
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No position gets scrutinized more in the recruiting world than quarterback. A prime example of that was Oklahoma’s pursuit to find the perfect signal-caller for its 2013 class. In most years, schools are only looking for one quarterback. It takes time and a lot of effort.
For the Sooners, it wasn’t easy. There were a lot of bumps and turns in the road, but OU landed one of its prime targets in Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas/Heritage). Thomas, a four-star prospect, is ranked No. 11 as a pocket-passing quarterback and verbally committed to the Sooners on Tuesday even though he went public with the news on Thursday.
How did we get here? A timeline of Oklahoma's quarterback search for the class of 2013.
November 2011: Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes (Whitewright, Texas/Whitewright) attends Oklahoma’s victory against Texas A&M. It is on this weekend that Swoopes says his OU offer was implied, and he is clearly one of OU’s top choices.
Feb. 3, 2012: A day before OU’s first junior day, the Sooners make their first known offer at the position to four-star prospect Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline).
Feb. 4: OU’s first junior day brings in two top quarterbacks. Swoopes is joined by top in-state signal-caller Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah). Swoopes is happy with the visit but not blown away by everything. Scott doesn’t receive an offer but is told by OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel they will stay in contact.
Quarterback Kelly Hilinski (Sherman Oaks, Calif./Notre Dame) is invited initially before being asked by Heupel to stay home. Quarterback J.T. Barrett (Wichita Falls, Texas/Rider) is also invited but cannot attend.
Feb. 17: Swoopes, ranked the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the country and coming off a fantastic visit at Texas’ junior day, commits to the Longhorns. He is ranked No. 9 in the ESPN 150.
March 3: On OU’s second junior day, there is not much focus on quarterbacks. Barrett once again is invited but cannot make it. Austin Robinson (Houston/Bellaire Episcopal) is invited, but the distance keeps him from making the trip.
March 9: Browne makes an unofficial visit to OU. He is given the red-carpet treatment by the staff. He is shown the Sooners’ target board. It’s Browne at No. 1 ... and then everybody else. Browne says he could not have had a better time and has OU and USC as his top two choices.
March 28: A new name enters in Cody Thomas. Busy with baseball, Thomas manages to sneak in an unofficial visit on a Wednesday. He is not offered and is told by Heupel they will keep in touch.
For the Sooners, it wasn’t easy. There were a lot of bumps and turns in the road, but OU landed one of its prime targets in Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas/Heritage). Thomas, a four-star prospect, is ranked No. 11 as a pocket-passing quarterback and verbally committed to the Sooners on Tuesday even though he went public with the news on Thursday.
How did we get here? A timeline of Oklahoma's quarterback search for the class of 2013.
November 2011: Quarterback Tyrone Swoopes (Whitewright, Texas/Whitewright) attends Oklahoma’s victory against Texas A&M. It is on this weekend that Swoopes says his OU offer was implied, and he is clearly one of OU’s top choices.
Tom Hauck for ESPN.com
Max Browne chose USC over Oklahoma on April 4.
Max Browne chose USC over Oklahoma on April 4.
Feb. 4: OU’s first junior day brings in two top quarterbacks. Swoopes is joined by top in-state signal-caller Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah). Swoopes is happy with the visit but not blown away by everything. Scott doesn’t receive an offer but is told by OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel they will stay in contact.
Quarterback Kelly Hilinski (Sherman Oaks, Calif./Notre Dame) is invited initially before being asked by Heupel to stay home. Quarterback J.T. Barrett (Wichita Falls, Texas/Rider) is also invited but cannot attend.
Feb. 17: Swoopes, ranked the No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the country and coming off a fantastic visit at Texas’ junior day, commits to the Longhorns. He is ranked No. 9 in the ESPN 150.
March 3: On OU’s second junior day, there is not much focus on quarterbacks. Barrett once again is invited but cannot make it. Austin Robinson (Houston/Bellaire Episcopal) is invited, but the distance keeps him from making the trip.
March 9: Browne makes an unofficial visit to OU. He is given the red-carpet treatment by the staff. He is shown the Sooners’ target board. It’s Browne at No. 1 ... and then everybody else. Browne says he could not have had a better time and has OU and USC as his top two choices.
March 28: A new name enters in Cody Thomas. Busy with baseball, Thomas manages to sneak in an unofficial visit on a Wednesday. He is not offered and is told by Heupel they will keep in touch.
Sooners take a chance on Cody Thomas
May, 17, 2012
5/17/12
12:45
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
The commitment of Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas/Heritage) is a huge get for quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel and Oklahoma.
Thomas has tremendous physical ability, combining solid passing skills with above average athleticism. He fits the mold of the athletic, run-pass threats the Sooners have pursued in recent recruiting classes. A four-star prospect, his long-term upside is among the highest in this class of quarterback recruits.
The Sooners have been very diligent in their evaluation of quarterback prospects for 2013 and it is clear Heupel considered Thomas the best uncommitted quarterback of the bunch over the past few weeks.
Thomas has tremendous physical ability, combining solid passing skills with above average athleticism. He fits the mold of the athletic, run-pass threats the Sooners have pursued in recent recruiting classes. A four-star prospect, his long-term upside is among the highest in this class of quarterback recruits.
The Sooners have been very diligent in their evaluation of quarterback prospects for 2013 and it is clear Heupel considered Thomas the best uncommitted quarterback of the bunch over the past few weeks.
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Josh Heupel watches Brayden Scott workout
April, 29, 2012
4/29/12
7:00
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
If quarterback Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah) doesn’t get an Oklahoma offer, it won’t be because of a lack of effort.
Scott, 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, was the first of OU’s remaining quarterback targets to receive an in-person evaluation by the Sooners. OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel stopped by Sequoyah-Tahlequah Friday afternoon to watch Scott workout with his team and stayed for more than three hours.
“We did everything you can think of when it comes to being a quarterback,” Scott said. “We did three-step, five-step, seven-step drops, throwing on the run, hitting stationary targets. Any and everything.”
Scott, 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, was the first of OU’s remaining quarterback targets to receive an in-person evaluation by the Sooners. OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel stopped by Sequoyah-Tahlequah Friday afternoon to watch Scott workout with his team and stayed for more than three hours.
“We did everything you can think of when it comes to being a quarterback,” Scott said. “We did three-step, five-step, seven-step drops, throwing on the run, hitting stationary targets. Any and everything.”
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Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every Monday. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Danny in Stillwater, Okla., asks: Not getting Max Browne is a big loss, I think. Where did OU go wrong in pursuit of the quarterback?
Bob Przybylo: I don’t think anybody is at fault for this one. Sometimes a recruit simply likes one school more than the others. Once Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) got a chance to see what the USC culture was all about, there was no turning back.
Danny in Stillwater, Okla., asks: Not getting Max Browne is a big loss, I think. Where did OU go wrong in pursuit of the quarterback?
Bob Przybylo: I don’t think anybody is at fault for this one. Sometimes a recruit simply likes one school more than the others. Once Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) got a chance to see what the USC culture was all about, there was no turning back.
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Hilinski done playing second fiddle at QB
April, 6, 2012
4/06/12
10:45
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
There was a lot of speculation that following the decision of quarterback Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) to commit to USC, the dominoes would start to fall.
The speculation is over. The other quarterbacks considered by Oklahoma for its 2013 class are starting to show their hand.
And one of those quarterbacks is tired of playing the waiting game. Kelly Hilinski (Sherman Oaks, Calif./Notre Dame) said the time for patience is over.
The speculation is over. The other quarterbacks considered by Oklahoma for its 2013 class are starting to show their hand.
And one of those quarterbacks is tired of playing the waiting game. Kelly Hilinski (Sherman Oaks, Calif./Notre Dame) said the time for patience is over.
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Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. After listening to Mike Stoops yesterday, if I had to guess today, OU's starting secondary in the fall: Tony Jefferson at FS, Javon Harris at SS, Aaron Colvin and Demontre Hurst at CB, Joe Ibiloye at NB; with Quentin Hayes and Gabe Lynn the backups at safety, Lamar Harris and Joe Powell the top reserves at CB, and Lynn working in at NB, perhaps even starting, against the faster offenses.
2. It hasn't been the greatest few days for OU's recruiting efforts. First DT Justin Manning criticized how the Sooners have recruited him. Then Max Browne, quite possibly the top QB in the nation, committed to USC over the Sooners. It might feel like the sky is falling, but these things happen. The Sooners have a strong foundation for the '13 class in potential 5-star RBs Keith Ford and Greg Bryant, and are in on a number of blue-chip prospects defensively. Remember, everyone was knocking OU's 2012 class in December. Then the Sooners closed as strong as anyone in the country and finished with a borderline Top 5 class. It hasn't been a great couple of days, but OU will be fine again this year.
1. After listening to Mike Stoops yesterday, if I had to guess today, OU's starting secondary in the fall: Tony Jefferson at FS, Javon Harris at SS, Aaron Colvin and Demontre Hurst at CB, Joe Ibiloye at NB; with Quentin Hayes and Gabe Lynn the backups at safety, Lamar Harris and Joe Powell the top reserves at CB, and Lynn working in at NB, perhaps even starting, against the faster offenses.
2. It hasn't been the greatest few days for OU's recruiting efforts. First DT Justin Manning criticized how the Sooners have recruited him. Then Max Browne, quite possibly the top QB in the nation, committed to USC over the Sooners. It might feel like the sky is falling, but these things happen. The Sooners have a strong foundation for the '13 class in potential 5-star RBs Keith Ford and Greg Bryant, and are in on a number of blue-chip prospects defensively. Remember, everyone was knocking OU's 2012 class in December. Then the Sooners closed as strong as anyone in the country and finished with a borderline Top 5 class. It hasn't been a great couple of days, but OU will be fine again this year.
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Triple Option: Manning speaks out on OU
April, 5, 2012
4/05/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. The fears of several Sooners fans were realized on Wednesday when defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) told HornsNation’s William Wilkerson that he was upset by how the Sooners have recruited him.
“If Oklahoma wouldn’t have waited so long I probably would have committed on the spot,” Manning told Wilkerson.
1. The fears of several Sooners fans were realized on Wednesday when defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) told HornsNation’s William Wilkerson that he was upset by how the Sooners have recruited him.
“If Oklahoma wouldn’t have waited so long I probably would have committed on the spot,” Manning told Wilkerson.
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Brayden Scott: ‘I hope I’m the next guy’
April, 4, 2012
4/04/12
11:13
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Wednesday night wasn’t just a big occasion for quarterback Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline). It was a huge night for anybody who could be considered on Oklahoma’s short list for quarterback in the 2013 class.
One of the top names is Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah). Upon hearing the news of Browne’s commitment to USC, Scott responded in a text message, “Dang!!!”
It wasn’t a message of disappointment but more of excitement about what could potentially happen in the near future for Scott with the Sooners. He has had a great relationship with OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel since he was in eighth grade, but the interest had gone to another level in the last nine months.
One of the top names is Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah). Upon hearing the news of Browne’s commitment to USC, Scott responded in a text message, “Dang!!!”
It wasn’t a message of disappointment but more of excitement about what could potentially happen in the near future for Scott with the Sooners. He has had a great relationship with OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel since he was in eighth grade, but the interest had gone to another level in the last nine months.
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Sooners miss out on 2013 QB Max Browne
April, 4, 2012
4/04/12
10:11
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It didn’t look good for Oklahoma when quarterback Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) said earlier this week he was going to make his commitment announcement Wednesday night.
Coming off a great three-day visit to USC, the writing was on the wall that Browne wanted to become a future Trojan. Those suspicions were confirmed as Browne made it official, committing to Southern California on Wednesday.
OU, Washington and Alabama were the other finalists for Browne, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound prospect who could be a five-star recruit when the ESPNU 150 is released in two weeks.
Coming off a great three-day visit to USC, the writing was on the wall that Browne wanted to become a future Trojan. Those suspicions were confirmed as Browne made it official, committing to Southern California on Wednesday.
OU, Washington and Alabama were the other finalists for Browne, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound prospect who could be a five-star recruit when the ESPNU 150 is released in two weeks.
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Triple Option: Browne announcing tonight
April, 4, 2012
4/04/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Dane Beavers | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. It's a big day in the Sooners' recruiting world as Oklahoma's lone quarterback offer Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) is set to make his college announcement at about 10 p.m. CT. Based on the timing of his decision, Browne -- who is coming off a weekend visit to USC -- is expected to pull the trigger and verbally commit to the Trojans. But it wouldn't be surprising if he chose OU because of his outstanding relationship with quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel. If he chooses USC, the OU coaches are sure to get the ball rolling soon on one of their other signal-caller targets.
2. The forgotten man in Oklahoma's backfield received some praise from after last night's practice. Redshirt freshman Danzel Williams, who sat out all of last season with a shoulder injury, has been progressing nicely, according to his teammate Tyler Evans. Can Williams, who was the No. 64 recruit in the 2011 ESPNU 150, make an impact next season? It seems unlikely at this point, but no one was talking about a walk-on named Dominique Whaley at this time last year.
1. It's a big day in the Sooners' recruiting world as Oklahoma's lone quarterback offer Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) is set to make his college announcement at about 10 p.m. CT. Based on the timing of his decision, Browne -- who is coming off a weekend visit to USC -- is expected to pull the trigger and verbally commit to the Trojans. But it wouldn't be surprising if he chose OU because of his outstanding relationship with quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel. If he chooses USC, the OU coaches are sure to get the ball rolling soon on one of their other signal-caller targets.
2. The forgotten man in Oklahoma's backfield received some praise from after last night's practice. Redshirt freshman Danzel Williams, who sat out all of last season with a shoulder injury, has been progressing nicely, according to his teammate Tyler Evans. Can Williams, who was the No. 64 recruit in the 2011 ESPNU 150, make an impact next season? It seems unlikely at this point, but no one was talking about a walk-on named Dominique Whaley at this time last year.
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Triple Option: Browne sets decision date
April, 3, 2012
4/03/12
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. The waiting is over and the stage is set. Oklahoma's only quarterback offer, Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline), said Monday that he is going to make his college decision Wednesday night after his team’s workout. Provided everything goes as planned, that would put his announcement around 9 p.m. CT. His four finalists are OU, USC, Washington and Alabama. Browne had an incredible visit to OU in March, and it sounds like he had as equally good of a visit to USC last weekend. Browne said he will not do any interviews until after his announcement. It feels like a battle between the Sooners and Trojans at this point.
2. The Sooners needed a ninth-inning rally to take last weekend’s series against Kansas State but better late than never. Evan Mistich drove in the series-winning run to help OU to a 4-3 win Sunday afternoon. OU (18-11, 4-5 in Big 12) hopes to ride that wave of momentum into a crucial three-game set at sixth-ranked Texas A&M (22-6, 4-2). Unlike every other weekend series, OU will play the Aggies on Thursday through Saturday. The final game of the series will be televised on ESPNU.
1. The waiting is over and the stage is set. Oklahoma's only quarterback offer, Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline), said Monday that he is going to make his college decision Wednesday night after his team’s workout. Provided everything goes as planned, that would put his announcement around 9 p.m. CT. His four finalists are OU, USC, Washington and Alabama. Browne had an incredible visit to OU in March, and it sounds like he had as equally good of a visit to USC last weekend. Browne said he will not do any interviews until after his announcement. It feels like a battle between the Sooners and Trojans at this point.
2. The Sooners needed a ninth-inning rally to take last weekend’s series against Kansas State but better late than never. Evan Mistich drove in the series-winning run to help OU to a 4-3 win Sunday afternoon. OU (18-11, 4-5 in Big 12) hopes to ride that wave of momentum into a crucial three-game set at sixth-ranked Texas A&M (22-6, 4-2). Unlike every other weekend series, OU will play the Aggies on Thursday through Saturday. The final game of the series will be televised on ESPNU.
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It wasn't expected to be a big weekend for Oklahoma, but the Sooners picked up a huge commitment from running back Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage-Boca Delray) on Saturday. Bob Przybylo answers readers' questions about Oklahoma football and basketball recruiting in his mailbag every Monday. Got a question for Bob? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com.
Ben in San Antonio asks: How surprising was Bryant’s commitment? I hoped he would commit but never thought it would happen.
Bob Przybylo: It was very surprising, Ben. Few could have seen it coming. Heck, not even Bryant saw it coming. After spending less than two days in Norman, Okla., Bryant had a feeling that OU was the right spot for him.
Ben in San Antonio asks: How surprising was Bryant’s commitment? I hoped he would commit but never thought it would happen.
Bob Przybylo: It was very surprising, Ben. Few could have seen it coming. Heck, not even Bryant saw it coming. After spending less than two days in Norman, Okla., Bryant had a feeling that OU was the right spot for him.
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When you’re as talented as quarterback Brayden Scott (Tahlequah, Okla./Sequoyah), it can be tough to hear that you’re second choice. But Scott, joined by a small group of other signal-callers, is a secondary option for Oklahoma when it comes recruiting quarterbacks for the class of 2013.
The Sooners have made it clear that it's potential five-star QB Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) ... and then everybody else.
Scott, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and on the ESPNU Watch List, wasn’t familiar with the OU campus at this time last year. He was, however, familiar with OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel as he had been talking with Heupel since Scott was in the eighth grade.
The Sooners have made it clear that it's potential five-star QB Max Browne (Sammamish, Wash./Skyline) ... and then everybody else.
Scott, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds and on the ESPNU Watch List, wasn’t familiar with the OU campus at this time last year. He was, however, familiar with OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel as he had been talking with Heupel since Scott was in the eighth grade.
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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.