Oklahoma Sooners: L.J. Moore
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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Sooner Intel: Recruiting news and notes 
April, 26, 2013
Apr 26
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 giant Georgia offensive tackle has the Sooners in his top three.
- An OU commit is getting more comfortable in Norman.
- The Sooners are scouting a tight end in an unlikely location.
- The race won't be easy for OU's top athlete target.
- An OU signee has words of wisdom for a former teammate who's now being recruited.
- Why putting on an OU jersey was special for an in-state tailback.
Read the Sooner Intel after the jump.
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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."
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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Leading up to signing day, SoonerNation will take a closer look at the Class of 2013 prospects currently committed to Oklahoma. The in-depth analysis pieces will take a look at the ranking, estimated year of impact and potential role of each future Sooner.
Vitals: Cornerback L.J. Moore (Fresno, Calif./Central East) | 6-foot, 164 pounds
Committed: Feb. 6, 2013
Vitals: Cornerback L.J. Moore (Fresno, Calif./Central East) | 6-foot, 164 pounds
Committed: Feb. 6, 2013
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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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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.
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.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.
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Bob Przybylo/ESPN.comCornerback Dakota Austin earned a late Oklahoma offer and committed on the spot.
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.
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.