Oklahoma Sooners: Adrian Baker
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
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Looking at Oklahoma's final four targets 
February, 5, 2013
Feb 5
1:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
After a crazy month, there isn’t too much drama for Oklahoma heading into national signing day. There is a little bit, though.
The Sooners will enter Wednesday morning with 23 commits, and the goal is to close with 25 signees.
Four candidates, two spots. Who will the Sooners get? Here's a look at the four targets still alive on OU’s board for signing day.
The Sooners will enter Wednesday morning with 23 commits, and the goal is to close with 25 signees.
Four candidates, two spots. Who will the Sooners get? Here's a look at the four targets still alive on OU’s board for signing day.
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NORMAN, Okla. -- It might have taken a while to get there, but Oklahoma almost has all of its puzzle pieces in place to wrap up its 2013 recruiting class.
Less than 72 hours away from national signing day, there are a few loose ends to tie. For the most part, however, there won’t be nearly as much drama as it looked like there could be a couple of weeks ago.
Less than 72 hours away from national signing day, there are a few loose ends to tie. For the most part, however, there won’t be nearly as much drama as it looked like there could be a couple of weeks ago.
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Back in June at Oklahoma’s camp, there was one defensive back who stood out above the rest. On almost every single snap he was out there, onlookers were asking who was that making those plays?
The recruit in question was cornerback Dakota Austin (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster). Austin’s ability to lock down receivers made him a star during the summer. But a week before signing day, Austin still hadn’t found a home.
Now, he’s going back to Norman, Okla. During his official visit to OU, he confirmed Saturday morning he has committed to the Sooners. Austin didn’t have an offer going into the visit. But once he got the offer, the choice was made simple.
Austin was sensational at OU’s camp and one of the highlights of the event was Austin going against ESPN Watch List wide receiver K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant).
There was no questioning Austin’s cover skills. The question has always been about his size. Measured at 5-foot-10 and 149 pounds, there's no doubt Austin is a bit light in frame.
But OU coaches are trusting their eyes. OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel told Austin when he left the camp to not commit anywhere without getting in touch with the Sooners first.
Austin never committed and a spot opened up at OU. Simply put, the pieces came together. Austin chose OU over offers from New Mexico, Nevada and UTEP.
Austin is OU’s 22nd commitment for the class and the second cornerback. He joins ESPN 300 athlete Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) as the other pledge so far for OU’s class.
The Sooners are still pursuing two four-star cornerbacks leading up to signing day in ESPN 300 athlete Adrian Baker (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna) and cornerback L.J. Moore (Fresno, Calif./Central East).
Said OU commit Dominique Alexander (Tulsa, Okla./Booker T. Washington) on Austin’s commitment via Twitter: “Say what you want on rankings and stuff. But Dakota Austin is Cold. That boy Lockdown. Good Pick Up.”
Alexander was at the same camp as Austin at OU in June.
The recruit in question was cornerback Dakota Austin (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster). Austin’s ability to lock down receivers made him a star during the summer. But a week before signing day, Austin still hadn’t found a home.
[+] Enlarge
Bob Przybylo/ESPN.comCornerback Dakota Austin earned a late Oklahoma offer and committed on the spot.
Austin was sensational at OU’s camp and one of the highlights of the event was Austin going against ESPN Watch List wide receiver K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant).
There was no questioning Austin’s cover skills. The question has always been about his size. Measured at 5-foot-10 and 149 pounds, there's no doubt Austin is a bit light in frame.
But OU coaches are trusting their eyes. OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel told Austin when he left the camp to not commit anywhere without getting in touch with the Sooners first.
Austin never committed and a spot opened up at OU. Simply put, the pieces came together. Austin chose OU over offers from New Mexico, Nevada and UTEP.
Austin is OU’s 22nd commitment for the class and the second cornerback. He joins ESPN 300 athlete Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) as the other pledge so far for OU’s class.
The Sooners are still pursuing two four-star cornerbacks leading up to signing day in ESPN 300 athlete Adrian Baker (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna) and cornerback L.J. Moore (Fresno, Calif./Central East).
Said OU commit Dominique Alexander (Tulsa, Okla./Booker T. Washington) on Austin’s commitment via Twitter: “Say what you want on rankings and stuff. But Dakota Austin is Cold. That boy Lockdown. Good Pick Up.”
Alexander was at the same camp as Austin at OU in June.
Sooners' board dwindling in final week
February, 1, 2013
Feb 1
8:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- We've hit the stretch run for the Sooners' 2013 recruiting class. And while so much of Oklahoma’s class has been decided, there is still much to settle by Feb. 6.
Heading into this final weekend before national signing day, here are OU’s top targets still left on the board:
Heading into this final weekend before national signing day, here are OU’s top targets still left on the board:
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
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.
- ESPN 300 athlete is torn between the Sooners and an ACC school
- Recent offensive tackle visitors are weighing their options
- Class of 2014 in-state quarterback is looking for answers from the Sooners
- Class of 2014 in-state defensive back is becoming more comfortable with Mike Stoops
- A junior safety is eyeing OU
- Will the Sooners take a tight end in this class?
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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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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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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Recruiting faceoff: OU's top target left?
January, 18, 2013
Jan 18
1:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | 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: Of OU’s top 10 #BlueChipBattles, who is the most important target to secure for the 2013 class?
This week’s question: Of OU’s top 10 #BlueChipBattles, who is the most important target to secure for the 2013 class?
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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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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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Treadwell, Mitchell top OU Christmas list
December, 23, 2012
12/23/12
12:00
PM CT
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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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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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.