Oklahoma Sooners: Hatari Byrd
Every Friday, 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 latest on OU's pursuit of former ESPN 150 defensive back Tee Shepard.
- An OU offer would change the recruitment for a three-star wideout.
- The Sooners' defensive ends coach is developing a bond with a four-star end.
- What's next for OU and offensive line target Alex Dalton?
- A top linebacker offer talks about where the Sooners stand.
- One of ESPN 300 DE Matt Dimon's teammates is keeping in touch with the Sooners.
- A Dallas safety is hearing a lot from OU and might visit this summer.
- OU is taking an interest in a defender at Adrian Peterson's old high school.
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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Oklahoma hopes to continue a recruiting pipeline with its pursuit of Michiah Quick (Fresno, Calif./Central East). The Sooners signed Central East defensive backs L.J. Moore and Hatari Byrd in February and are hoping to lure Quick to Big 12 country as well. Central East defensive backs coach Tony Perry talked with SoonerNation about Quick's special talents, competitiveness and the impact Byrd and Moore could have on Quick's decision.
SoonerNation: When did you realize he was a special player?
SoonerNation: When did you realize he was a special player?
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Roundtable: Spring game standouts 
April, 11, 2013
Apr 11
4:00
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, the SoonerNation staff will answer a roundtable question about OU football. Leave a comment or talk about it in our "There's Only One" forum.
Today's question: Which new Sooner will open fans' eyes in the spring game on Saturday and be talked about all summer?
Today's question: Which new Sooner will open fans' eyes in the spring game on Saturday and be talked about all summer?
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NORMAN, Okla. -- OK, Jerry Montgomery, this is a big reason you were brought to Oklahoma. Defensive tackle Trey Lealaimatafao (San Antonio/Warren) unexpectedly committing to Texas on Saturday night is another example of the Sooners falling short at defensive tackle.
And an example of the work ahead for Montgomery.
For OU’s 2012 class, the Sooners had a plan to not lobby too hard for a defensive tackle. They didn’t attack any high school or junior college prospects and were content with who was on campus.
And an example of the work ahead for Montgomery.
For OU’s 2012 class, the Sooners had a plan to not lobby too hard for a defensive tackle. They didn’t attack any high school or junior college prospects and were content with who was on campus.
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
March, 15, 2013
Mar 15
9:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every Friday, 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.
- A top California target is focused on academics this spring.
- OU's quarterback offer is visiting a rival next week.
- OU made an impression on a big Texas defensive end.
- A recent defensive tackle visitor is in no rush to decide.
- The door is open for an in-state athlete to look at the Sooners.
- One Texas running back hopes to visit the Sooners this spring.
- Are the Sooners firmly in the mix for an in-state linebacker?
- An in-state point guard is hearing a lot from the Sooners.
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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Coaches' corner: Hatari Byrd/L.J. Moore
March, 11, 2013
Mar 11
3:00
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
After recruiting them for several months, Oklahoma's coaching staff finally was 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 in dire need of playmakers in the secondary and Fresno (Calif.) Central East safety Hatari Byrd could fit the bill.
At 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, Byrd has the size and athleticism to become a solid safety for OU. The Sooners coaching staff is hoping Byrd can help lessen the impact of losing leading tackler Tony Jefferson, who decided to enter the NFL draft following his junior season.
"[He's] a big-time player," defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said of Byrd. "He can cover a lot of ground, make things happen in the back end, he has great range. He plays like Tony -- great hitter, great tackler but has more range in his body type than Tony had."
With Big 12 offenses designed to stretch the field as much as possible, the Sooners are excited about the range of Byrd from his safety position, which could help him make plays from sideline to sideline.
“Hatari is a great safety, a big-time DB," head coach Bob Stoops said. "He’s got great size and range. He’s a huge hitter, but a great athlete. He can really run, and again, he’s got a ton of range to him, an excellent skill athlete.”
Byrd will be joined in Norman, Okla,. by his high school teammate L.J. Moore, who could help solidify the cornerback position this fall. Stoops was the only Sooners coach able to talk about Moore, who didn't announce his decision until late on signing day.
“L.J. has great size for a corner and tremendous coverage skills," Stoops said. "He’ll give a boost to our secondary."
The Sooners are in dire need of playmakers in the secondary and Fresno (Calif.) Central East safety Hatari Byrd could fit the bill.
At 6-foot-1 and 192 pounds, Byrd has the size and athleticism to become a solid safety for OU. The Sooners coaching staff is hoping Byrd can help lessen the impact of losing leading tackler Tony Jefferson, who decided to enter the NFL draft following his junior season.
With Big 12 offenses designed to stretch the field as much as possible, the Sooners are excited about the range of Byrd from his safety position, which could help him make plays from sideline to sideline.
“Hatari is a great safety, a big-time DB," head coach Bob Stoops said. "He’s got great size and range. He’s a huge hitter, but a great athlete. He can really run, and again, he’s got a ton of range to him, an excellent skill athlete.”
Byrd will be joined in Norman, Okla,. by his high school teammate L.J. Moore, who could help solidify the cornerback position this fall. Stoops was the only Sooners coach able to talk about Moore, who didn't announce his decision until late on signing day.
“L.J. has great size for a corner and tremendous coverage skills," Stoops said. "He’ll give a boost to our secondary."
NORMAN, Okla. -- No position on the Oklahoma roster is more up in the air heading into spring than safety. The Sooners lost their top three back safeties off last year’s team, including starters Tony Jefferson and Javon Harris, who have been fixtures in the OU secondary. How Mike Stoops retools the safety position will go a long way in determining whether the Sooners win the Big 12 championship in 2013.
It will be interesting to see what Stoops does with Gabe Lynn and Julian Wilson. The nickel and dime backs last year seem more suited playing close to the line of scrimmage and covering man-to-man than operating as the last line of defense.
It will be interesting to see what Stoops does with Gabe Lynn and Julian Wilson. The nickel and dime backs last year seem more suited playing close to the line of scrimmage and covering man-to-man than operating as the last line of defense.
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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes
February, 15, 2013
Feb 15
9:00
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every Friday (starting this week), 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.
- Two California prospects might be visiting Oklahoma in the summer
- More on where one in-state tight end stands with the Sooners
- One OU signee is working hard to make sure he ends up a Sooner
- Is another running back emerging for 2014?
- San Antonio defensive back enjoys OU junior day
- A 2014 receiver has the Sooners on top
- One in-state wideout is receiving more interest
- The Sooners' second junior day is set
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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OU goes back to Fresno for 2014 offer
February, 12, 2013
Feb 12
2:00
PM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It worked out so well for Oklahoma to hit Fresno (Calif.) Central East for its 2013 class that the Sooners aren’t stopping for 2014.
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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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Roundtable: Grading Oklahoma's class
February, 7, 2013
Feb 7
12:30
PM CT
By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Thursday, the SoonerNation staff will answer a roundtable question about OU football. Leave a comment or talk about it in our "There's Only One" forum.
How would you grade Oklahoma's 2013 recruiting class based on the Sooners filling their needs?
How would you grade Oklahoma's 2013 recruiting class based on the Sooners filling their needs?
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Sooners sign impact players for 2013
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
6:03
PM CT
By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
NORMAN, Okla. -- Anyone who watched Oklahoma’s defense in the final four games of the season knows that the Sooners were in dire need of help in the secondary and along the defensive line. West Virginia’s Tavon Austin and Texas A&M’s Johnny Manziel torched the Sooners’ defense on their way to record-breaking performances, as OU had no answer for the dynamic playmakers.
Courtesy of Trinity Valley Community CollegeBob Stoops is expecting a big immediate impact from juco defensive tackle Quincy Russell.The Sooners hope they’ve addressed those needs with their defensive line and secondary signees in the Class of 2013 and will see immediate dividends on the field this fall.
“You’re never going to get everyone you want but we feel like we’ve helped ourselves in some critical areas,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said.
Cornerback Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) joins safeties Ahmad Thomas (Miami, Fla./Central) and Hatari Byrd (Fresno, Calif./Central East) as signees who appear poised to step right in and play in the secondary. Taylor, in particular, drew a lot of praise from Mike Stoops while drawing comparisons to All-Big 12 cornerback Aaron Colvin from OU head coach Bob Stoops on signing day.
“We’re projecting him to come in and solidify that corner position for us,” Mike Stoops said. “I can’t say enough about this guy, he has all the qualities you want in a superstar.”
Yet those impact signees in the secondary won’t mean much if the Sooners cannot solidify their defensive front. To that end, OU signed seven defensive linemen (four defensive tackles, three defensive ends) on Wednesday, with junior college transfer Quincy Russell (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley) looming as the biggest potential impact player along the defensive interior.
Courtesy of Trinity Valley Community CollegeBob Stoops is expecting a big immediate impact from juco defensive tackle Quincy Russell.“You’re never going to get everyone you want but we feel like we’ve helped ourselves in some critical areas,” defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said.
Cornerback Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) joins safeties Ahmad Thomas (Miami, Fla./Central) and Hatari Byrd (Fresno, Calif./Central East) as signees who appear poised to step right in and play in the secondary. Taylor, in particular, drew a lot of praise from Mike Stoops while drawing comparisons to All-Big 12 cornerback Aaron Colvin from OU head coach Bob Stoops on signing day.
“We’re projecting him to come in and solidify that corner position for us,” Mike Stoops said. “I can’t say enough about this guy, he has all the qualities you want in a superstar.”
Yet those impact signees in the secondary won’t mean much if the Sooners cannot solidify their defensive front. To that end, OU signed seven defensive linemen (four defensive tackles, three defensive ends) on Wednesday, with junior college transfer Quincy Russell (Athens, Texas/Trinity Valley) looming as the biggest potential impact player along the defensive interior.
It was around November when four-star cornerback L.J. Moore (Fresno, Calif./Central East) thought there was no chance he was ever going to commit to Oklahoma.
Moore, who is 6-foot and 164 pounds and ranked No. 29 at cornerback, had a lot of OU interest in the summer and had planned for an official visit in October. When the visit never materialized, he thought it was over.
Moore, who is 6-foot and 164 pounds and ranked No. 29 at cornerback, had a lot of OU interest in the summer and had planned for an official visit in October. When the visit never materialized, he thought it was over.
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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.
Oklahoma's seven ESPN 300 signees are in
February, 6, 2013
Feb 6
10:50
AM CT
By
David Ubben | ESPN.com
Oklahoma's top commits have all signed their letters of intent and are locked in to becoming future Sooners. Here's who Oklahoma's bringing in from our ESPN 300, the list of the nation's top 300 prospects:
Not many surprises for the Sooners, though Dimon had some power issues at his high school and couldn't get his letter of intent to the Oklahoma coaches until 8:48 a.m. Oklahoma's class is at No. 20 in the ESPN class rankings, the same spot it began the day. Byrd also made headlines last month when word surfaced that coaches had told him he's likely going to be able to start at safety from the moment he gets on campus. Very interesting stuff. Oklahoma signed a lot of high-quality defensive talent in this class, as you can see, and Taylor is likely to play cornerback for the Sooners.
Mostly a drama-free day across the Big 12 on the recruiting trail.
- No. 27: Keith Ford, RB, Cypress, Texas
- No. 137: D.J. Ward, DE, Moore, Okla. (signed in December, early enrollee)
- No. 178: Cody Thomas, QB-PP, Colleyville, Texas
- No. 199: Stanvon Taylor, ATH, Tulsa, Okla.
- No. 240: Dannon Cavil, WR, San Antonio, Texas (signed in December, early enrollee)
- No. 284: Matt Dimon, DE, Katy, Texas
- No. 293: Hatari Byrd, S, Fresno, Calif.
Not many surprises for the Sooners, though Dimon had some power issues at his high school and couldn't get his letter of intent to the Oklahoma coaches until 8:48 a.m. Oklahoma's class is at No. 20 in the ESPN class rankings, the same spot it began the day. Byrd also made headlines last month when word surfaced that coaches had told him he's likely going to be able to start at safety from the moment he gets on campus. Very interesting stuff. Oklahoma signed a lot of high-quality defensive talent in this class, as you can see, and Taylor is likely to play cornerback for the Sooners.
Mostly a drama-free day across the Big 12 on the recruiting trail.
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.