Oklahoma Sooners: Aaron Cochran
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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Georgia tackles top OU's target board
January, 25, 2013
Jan 25
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
In the stretch run, and while so much of Oklahoma’s class has been decided, plenty more will happen in the next two weeks.
Top targets are changing on almost a daily basis, but heading into the weekend here are OU’s top 10 targets left on the board.
Top targets are changing on almost a daily basis, but heading into the weekend here are OU’s top 10 targets left on the board.
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
January, 24, 2013
Jan 24
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.
- OU tailback commit has been approached by a Big 12 rival. But he's not going anywhere.
- A new school enters the mix for a four-star cornerback.
- Breaking down OU's dilemma at offensive tackle.
- One OU commit took a visit to Arkansas last weekend. Is he still solid with the Sooners?
- Sooners defensive end commit says "thanks but no thanks" to an SEC school.
- Who will OU offer at quarterback for 2014?
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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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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All along the speculation has been that four-star offensive tackle Aaron Cochran (Atwater, Calif./Buhach) would join his brother at California.
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Target board: OU's most-wanted recruits
January, 18, 2013
Jan 18
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
While so much of Oklahoma’s class has been decided, there is still much to come in the next three weeks.
Top targets are changing on almost a daily basis but heading into this weekend, here are OU’s top 10 targets still left on the board.
Top targets are changing on almost a daily basis but heading into this weekend, here are OU’s top 10 targets still left on the board.
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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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OU looking for final puzzle pieces for 2013
January, 7, 2013
Jan 7
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Before Friday, Oklahoma was finally riding a wave of positive recruiting momentum. December was a banner month for the Sooners, who added five verbal commitments.
It wasn't just about getting five commits, it was about the positions OU added. Four combined at offensive and defensive tackle alleviated panic for Sooners fans.
But then Friday happened. It remains to be seen if the 41-13 blowout loss to Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl will put a damper on recruiting for OU, but it certainly didn't help matters. And then Sunday happened with a big-time shocker and blow to the class when ESPN 300 linebacker Jordan Mastrogiovanni (Dallas/Jesuit) flipped his commitment from OU to Texas A&M.
Heading into the final month until national signing day, OU has 17 commits with another 5-7 spots still available.
To start, OU is not pursuing any quarterbacks, running backs, interior offensive linemen, defensive ends or kickers. The Sooners are content there for this class. But at the other spots, there is still some work to do.
Read the rest of the story here.
It wasn't just about getting five commits, it was about the positions OU added. Four combined at offensive and defensive tackle alleviated panic for Sooners fans.
Heading into the final month until national signing day, OU has 17 commits with another 5-7 spots still available.
To start, OU is not pursuing any quarterbacks, running backs, interior offensive linemen, defensive ends or kickers. The Sooners are content there for this class. But at the other spots, there is still some work to do.
Read the rest of the story here.
Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
January, 3, 2013
Jan 3
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:
- How did OU get involved with its latest offer in California?
- ESPN 300 ATH talks about his top two
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The plan was for four-star offensive tackle Aaron Cochran (Atwater, Calif./Buhach) to make his decision at the Semper Fidelis All-American game.
But with the game looming later this week, Cochran is in no position to make that call. Instead of trying to force a decision, Cochran is opting to delay the decision.
“I’m going to wait, there’s no doubt about that,” Cochran said. “I’m not going to put a date on it. It’s going to be whenever I feel like it.”
But with the game looming later this week, Cochran is in no position to make that call. Instead of trying to force a decision, Cochran is opting to delay the decision.
“I’m going to wait, there’s no doubt about that,” Cochran said. “I’m not going to put a date on it. It’s going to be whenever I feel like it.”
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
December, 20, 2012
12/20/12
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:
- More on the nation's top wideout's Oklahoma visit
- How close was a Texas DT to committing to OU last week?
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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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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
November, 15, 2012
11/15/12
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:
- Juco defensive tackle planning visit to OU
- Offensive tackle grows comfortable with Sooners head coach
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Cochran already planning second OU visit
November, 13, 2012
11/13/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
The bad news for Oklahoma fans is four-star offensive tackle Aaron Cochran (Atwater, Calif./Buhach) never considered committing to the Sooners during his official visit.
The good news for OU fans is Cochran and his father had such a good time that he wants to come back to Norman, Okla., for an unofficial visit with his mother.
Cochran, who is 6-foot-8 and 350 pounds, is ranked No. 22 at offensive tackle and was one of two tackles on an official visit to OU.
The good news for OU fans is Cochran and his father had such a good time that he wants to come back to Norman, Okla., for an unofficial visit with his mother.
Cochran, who is 6-foot-8 and 350 pounds, is ranked No. 22 at offensive tackle and was one of two tackles on an official visit to OU.
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What a difference two weeks makes for three-star athlete Dominique Alexander (Tulsa, Okla./Booker T. Washington). Two weeks ago he was seeing his first Oklahoma home game in person when the Sooners played Notre Dame.
Alexander can add another first after Saturday as he saw his first OU home game as a Sooners commit with OU’s win against Baylor.
Originally committed to Arkansas, Alexander decommitted from the Razorbacks and flipped to OU last week.
Alexander can add another first after Saturday as he saw his first OU home game as a Sooners commit with OU’s win against Baylor.
Originally committed to Arkansas, Alexander decommitted from the Razorbacks and flipped to OU last week.
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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.