Oklahoma Sooners: Mike Mitchell
The Nike Football Training Camp series will continue outside of Dallas on Sunday. Athletes will trek to Allen, Texas, the home of one of the most impressive high school stadiums in the country. Allen Eagles Stadium, a $60-million facility, opened last year and featured nearly 22,000 fans watching Texas powers Allen and Southlake Carroll clash.
Here are five storylines to watch on Sunday.
Talented DBs aplenty
It’s been said on multiple occasions that the 2014 class may be one of the strongest in years at producing big-time defensive backs in the region. The battle for defensive back MVP has the potential of being extremely competitive with players such as Laurence Jones (Monroe, La./Neville), Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Texas/Hebron), Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen), Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) and Arrion Springs (San Antonio/Roosevelt) expected to be in attendance. Chris Hardeman (Houston/Alief Taylor) has committed to LSU, while Dylan Sumner-Gardner (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and Armani Watts (Forney, Texas/North Forney) have pledged to Texas A&M. Deionte Thompson (Orange, Texas/West Orange-Stark), a 2015 prospect, has verbally committed to Alabama. All of the DBs will have their shots in one-on-one drills against equally talented ESPN Watch List receivers such as Malachi Dupre (River Ridge, La./John Curtis), K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant) and Texas commit Lorenzo Joe (Abilene, Texas/Cooper).
Here are five storylines to watch on Sunday.
Talented DBs aplenty
It’s been said on multiple occasions that the 2014 class may be one of the strongest in years at producing big-time defensive backs in the region. The battle for defensive back MVP has the potential of being extremely competitive with players such as Laurence Jones (Monroe, La./Neville), Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Texas/Hebron), Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen), Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) and Arrion Springs (San Antonio/Roosevelt) expected to be in attendance. Chris Hardeman (Houston/Alief Taylor) has committed to LSU, while Dylan Sumner-Gardner (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and Armani Watts (Forney, Texas/North Forney) have pledged to Texas A&M. Deionte Thompson (Orange, Texas/West Orange-Stark), a 2015 prospect, has verbally committed to Alabama. All of the DBs will have their shots in one-on-one drills against equally talented ESPN Watch List receivers such as Malachi Dupre (River Ridge, La./John Curtis), K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant) and Texas commit Lorenzo Joe (Abilene, Texas/Cooper).
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Loss of Mastrogiovanni a big blow to OU 
January, 6, 2013
Jan 6
7:31
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
The first trickledown effect of Texas A&M’s thrashing of Oklahoma has occurred, and it’s a major blow for the Sooners.
ESPN 300 linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni (Dallas/Jesuit) confirmed via text message on Sunday night that he has flipped his commitment from OU to the Aggies, giving Texas A&M 35 pledges for its 2013 class.
Mastrogiovanni, who is 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, was the first commit for OU’s linebackers coach Tim Kish, and the Mastrogiovanni family has numerous ties to the Sooners program.
ESPN 300 linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni (Dallas/Jesuit) confirmed via text message on Sunday night that he has flipped his commitment from OU to the Aggies, giving Texas A&M 35 pledges for its 2013 class.
Mastrogiovanni, who is 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, was the first commit for OU’s linebackers coach Tim Kish, and the Mastrogiovanni family has numerous ties to the Sooners program.
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Treadwell, Mitchell top OU Christmas list
December, 23, 2012
12/23/12
12:00
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Christmas felt like it came early for Oklahoma in the last two weeks with commitments of offensive tackles Christian Daimler (Houston/Stratford) and ESPN JC 100 prospect Josiah St. John (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley).
Add in the commitment of three-star defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins (Dallas/Skyline) and the signing of ESPN JC 100 defensive tackle Quincy Russell (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley), and it has been a banner couple of weeks for the Sooners.
But OU isn’t done yet. OU coach Bob Stoops said the Sooners weren’t done -- not by a longshot. So in the spirit of the season, here is OU’s recruiting Christmas list to close out the 2013 class.
Add in the commitment of three-star defensive tackle Kerrick Huggins (Dallas/Skyline) and the signing of ESPN JC 100 defensive tackle Quincy Russell (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley), and it has been a banner couple of weeks for the Sooners.
But OU isn’t done yet. OU coach Bob Stoops said the Sooners weren’t done -- not by a longshot. So in the spirit of the season, here is OU’s recruiting Christmas list to close out the 2013 class.
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Mike Mitchell's OSU visit was 'awesome'
December, 9, 2012
12/09/12
2:54
PM CT
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Ken Mitchell didn’t hear anything about a commitment to Ohio State from his son, ESPN 150 outside linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian), following an official visit to Columbus, Ohio, over the weekend.
What he did hear was how much fun the 6-foot-4, 216-pound senior had this weekend.
“His first two words were 'crazy' and 'awesome,' ” Ken Mitchell said. “The first thing he did when he got there was spend time with Coach [Urban] Meyer. Then he went to the OSU basketball game. He said it was a great time.”
What he did hear was how much fun the 6-foot-4, 216-pound senior had this weekend.
“His first two words were 'crazy' and 'awesome,' ” Ken Mitchell said. “The first thing he did when he got there was spend time with Coach [Urban] Meyer. Then he went to the OSU basketball game. He said it was a great time.”
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
December, 6, 2012
12/06/12
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:
- It's decision day for DT target Justin Manning
- Has OU fallen behind on recruiting an ESPN 150 LB?
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Breaking down the board: Linebacker
November, 28, 2012
11/28/12
8:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Each week, "Breaking down the board" will take a deeper, position-by-position look at the prospects Oklahoma is target. SoonerNation will rank five players at each position with No. 1 being the player who should be OU’s top priority of the five recruits listed.
To be clear, this ranking has nothing to do with the Sooners' actual recruiting board/priority list. It's simply our ranking list compiled of the recruits at the position who have expressed legitimate interest in the Sooners and who could be the best fits for OU’s system. Today we look at Oklahoma's linebacker board:
1. Raaquan Davis, Heath, Texas/Rockwall-Heath
To be clear, this ranking has nothing to do with the Sooners' actual recruiting board/priority list. It's simply our ranking list compiled of the recruits at the position who have expressed legitimate interest in the Sooners and who could be the best fits for OU’s system. Today we look at Oklahoma's linebacker board:
1. Raaquan Davis, Heath, Texas/Rockwall-Heath
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Recruiting Faceoff: Top defensive target
November, 9, 2012
11/09/12
10:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo and
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
Each Week SoonerNation recruiting writers Bob Przybylo and Brandon Chatmon will faceoff on one issue regarding Oklahoma recruiting.
This week’s question: OU still needs a lot of help defensively for its 2013 class, but who is the most-coveted prospect the Sooners should focus on if they could only land just one?
Bob Przybylo: I think we can all agree that defensive tackle is the biggest need for OU’s class the rest of the way. But do you want a difference maker? Do you want someone who would make OU fans feel good about its defensive class in a heartbeat?
This week’s question: OU still needs a lot of help defensively for its 2013 class, but who is the most-coveted prospect the Sooners should focus on if they could only land just one?
Bob Przybylo: I think we can all agree that defensive tackle is the biggest need for OU’s class the rest of the way. But do you want a difference maker? Do you want someone who would make OU fans feel good about its defensive class in a heartbeat?
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#BlueChip Battles: Oct. 26
October, 26, 2012
10/26/12
12:12
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By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Pitt doesn't want WR Robert Foster to leave the Keystone State and USC hopes to keep CB Max Redfield in Cali. The local programs' bid to keep those two stars in-state highlights this week's #BlueChipBattles 
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#BlueChipBattles is the Twitter hashtag to use if you want to voice your opinion on our list or to view other fans' reactions as the commitments begin to roll in. Get recruiting updates on the players above as well as the nation's other top football prospects here: @RecruitingESPN.
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#BlueChipBattles is the Twitter hashtag to use if you want to voice your opinion on our list or to view other fans' reactions as the commitments begin to roll in. Get recruiting updates on the players above as well as the nation's other top football prospects here: @RecruitingESPN.
Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
2:00
PM 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:
- OU makes the final three for an elite defensive tackle who is visiting this weekend.
- An in-depth look at some of this weekend's visitors.
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#BlueChipBattles: Week 3
October, 19, 2012
10/19/12
11:07
AM CT
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
David Dawson decommited from Michigan and Justin Manning delayed his decision date, and that had a big-time ripple effect in this week's #BlueChipBattles 
, as more than half of the top 10 spots have new occupants.
, as more than half of the top 10 spots have new occupants.Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
October, 18, 2012
10/18/12
2:00
PM 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:
- ESPN 150 prospect enjoyed watching OU's defense vs. Texas
- The Sooners make the top four for a former decommitment
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LB Mitchell ready to play recruiting game
October, 16, 2012
10/16/12
10:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
ESPN 150 linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian) is like a heat-seeking missile when attacking opposing offenses, accumulating more than 120 tackles in the first seven games of his senior season.
But as ferocious as he is on the field, he might be even more elusive off the field. Mitchell, who is 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds and ranked No. 121 in the ESPN 150, is one of the most sought-after uncommitted prospects but one of the quietest when it comes to his recruitment.
That’s about to change. Mitchell said he intends to take his first official visit this weekend to Texas A&M to see the Aggies take on LSU.
But as ferocious as he is on the field, he might be even more elusive off the field. Mitchell, who is 6-foot-4 and 216 pounds and ranked No. 121 in the ESPN 150, is one of the most sought-after uncommitted prospects but one of the quietest when it comes to his recruitment.
That’s about to change. Mitchell said he intends to take his first official visit this weekend to Texas A&M to see the Aggies take on LSU.
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Five from Friday: Mitchell shows talent
October, 15, 2012
10/15/12
9:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every week through football season, SoonerNation writer Bob Przybylo will reveal five things he learned while out on the road watching the best in the Midlands area play football.
1. It’s tough to use the word potential when discussing Edmond (Okla.) Santa Fe 2014 quarterback Justice Hansen. After having another seven-touchdown performance in a 68-28 win against Lawton, Okla., Hansen continues to bring it every week. He was 15-of-23 for 285 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 104 yards and three scores. Hansen, an ESPN Watch List prospect, has been on the radar for a long time and keeps showing why with every game. He is not known as a runner, but he can run, and he’s a very powerful yet deceptively quick runner in the open field. Hansen’s great weekend concluded with watching the Sooners dominate Texas on Saturday.
2. It's not the easiest thing in the world to get in touch with ESPN 150 linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian), but he is having a huge senior season. Mitchell explodes off the ball and is always in the middle of the action. He saw limited time in a 42-7 victory against Dallas John Paul II but still ended up with eight tackles and two quarterback hurries. He is down to OU, Texas A&M, Oregon and Ohio State and is hoping to make an official visit to all four schools.
1. It’s tough to use the word potential when discussing Edmond (Okla.) Santa Fe 2014 quarterback Justice Hansen. After having another seven-touchdown performance in a 68-28 win against Lawton, Okla., Hansen continues to bring it every week. He was 15-of-23 for 285 yards and four touchdowns and rushed for 104 yards and three scores. Hansen, an ESPN Watch List prospect, has been on the radar for a long time and keeps showing why with every game. He is not known as a runner, but he can run, and he’s a very powerful yet deceptively quick runner in the open field. Hansen’s great weekend concluded with watching the Sooners dominate Texas on Saturday.
2. It's not the easiest thing in the world to get in touch with ESPN 150 linebacker Mike Mitchell (Plano, Texas/Prestonwood Christian), but he is having a huge senior season. Mitchell explodes off the ball and is always in the middle of the action. He saw limited time in a 42-7 victory against Dallas John Paul II but still ended up with eight tackles and two quarterback hurries. He is down to OU, Texas A&M, Oregon and Ohio State and is hoping to make an official visit to all four schools.
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Five biggest visitors at the RRR game
October, 12, 2012
10/12/12
10:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It’s a second chance for Oklahoma to make a positive imprint on top recruits. The Sooners had an opportunity last month in a home game against Kansas State but were unable to come out with a victory.
But a win against Texas in the Red River Rivalry would help wipe away the memory of the loss. And with several top recruits making the trip, might be the impression that helps OU in the future on the recruiting trail.
Here are five of the biggest visitors for OU. For a full list of the visitors, read the SoonerNation forum.
But a win against Texas in the Red River Rivalry would help wipe away the memory of the loss. And with several top recruits making the trip, might be the impression that helps OU in the future on the recruiting trail.
Here are five of the biggest visitors for OU. For a full list of the visitors, read the SoonerNation forum.
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
October, 11, 2012
10/11/12
2:00
PM 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:
- The Sooners have a chance to impress a ESPN 150 LB this weekend
- OU reconnects with and offers a spring target
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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.