Oklahoma Sooners: Michael Onuoha
EDMOND, Okla. -- It’s not that Edmond Santa Fe had never sent a recruit to a top school before, but it has never been done on such a consistent basis as it is right now.
The Wolves have had top prospects before. Defensive back Reggie Smith was about as elite as they come before signing with Oklahoma in 2005 and making his way to the NFL. Quarterback Brandon Weeden got his start at Edmond Santa Fe, played at Oklahoma State and was a first-round pick in the NFL.
The Wolves have had top prospects before. Defensive back Reggie Smith was about as elite as they come before signing with Oklahoma in 2005 and making his way to the NFL. Quarterback Brandon Weeden got his start at Edmond Santa Fe, played at Oklahoma State and was a first-round pick in the NFL.
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After recruiting them for several months, Oklahoma's coaching staff was finally 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.
One of the most intriguing signees for the Sooners is defensive end Matt Dimon (Katy, Texas/Katy). A high-motor defender who matches his energy with production, Dimon could force his way into the lineup as a true freshman. Defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright is hopeful Dimon steps right in alongside sophomores Charles Tapper and Mike Onuoha to provide OU quality, yet youthful depth at defensive end.
"[He's] a quick-twitch guy off the edge, good run stopper, good pass rusher," Wright said. "Hopefully he’s a guy who can come in and give us immediate help at defensive end. And we’ll give him the opportunity to do that."
At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Dimon brings excellent size to the defensive end spot and could, in the long term, bring some swing versatility similar to David King, who played defensive end and defensive tackle as a senior.
"He’s kind of an old school-type guy," linebackers coach Tim Kish said. "He’ll bring great energy to the program."
"[He's] a quick-twitch guy off the edge, good run stopper, good pass rusher," Wright said. "Hopefully he’s a guy who can come in and give us immediate help at defensive end. And we’ll give him the opportunity to do that."
At 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, Dimon brings excellent size to the defensive end spot and could, in the long term, bring some swing versatility similar to David King, who played defensive end and defensive tackle as a senior.
"He’s kind of an old school-type guy," linebackers coach Tim Kish said. "He’ll bring great energy to the program."
As critics took aim at Oklahoma’s defensive line this season, head coach Bob Stoops was unyielding in his defense of his players, often pointing to the experience that five senior rotation players bring to the table. Stoops said on more than one occasion that his defensive line was playing well.
The numbers beg to differ.
OU ranked No. 112 nationally in tackles for loss (4.23 per game), No. 70 in sacks (1.85 per game), No. 50 in scoring defense (25.46 points per game) and No. 100 in turnovers gained (16). While it’s true the Sooners defensive line wasn’t required to be disruptive in defensive coordinator Mike Stoops' system, a general lack of penetration played a key role in those final numbers.
The numbers beg to differ.
OU ranked No. 112 nationally in tackles for loss (4.23 per game), No. 70 in sacks (1.85 per game), No. 50 in scoring defense (25.46 points per game) and No. 100 in turnovers gained (16). While it’s true the Sooners defensive line wasn’t required to be disruptive in defensive coordinator Mike Stoops' system, a general lack of penetration played a key role in those final numbers.
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State of the position: Defensive end 
December, 20, 2012
12/20/12
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
After grading the performance of Oklahoma’s defensive ends in 2012, it is the perfect time to take a closer look at the defensive ends on the roster or the commitment list as SoonerNation evaluates the future at the position for Oklahoma. Here’s a look at one player who could be next in line to make a major impact, one player to keep an eye on and one current commitment who could be the future at defensive end.
Next in line: Geneo Grissom. The sophomore’s raw athletic ability and physical gifts were never in question heading into the 2012 season. After injury-filled first two seasons in Norman, Grissom started the season at tight end before moving to defensive end in the middle of the year. He immediately began earning playing time and saw significant action in November. He appears poised to be a core member of OU’s defensive end rotation in 2013.
Keep an eye on: Charles Tapper. His combination of strength and athleticism has impressed teammates since he stepped on campus last summer. The former standout basketball player has just scratched the surface of his upside on the gridiron and will have plenty of opportunities to become a key part of OU’s defense as a sophomore. His development could be a key to the overall production and depth at the position.
Next in line: Geneo Grissom. The sophomore’s raw athletic ability and physical gifts were never in question heading into the 2012 season. After injury-filled first two seasons in Norman, Grissom started the season at tight end before moving to defensive end in the middle of the year. He immediately began earning playing time and saw significant action in November. He appears poised to be a core member of OU’s defensive end rotation in 2013.
Keep an eye on: Charles Tapper. His combination of strength and athleticism has impressed teammates since he stepped on campus last summer. The former standout basketball player has just scratched the surface of his upside on the gridiron and will have plenty of opportunities to become a key part of OU’s defense as a sophomore. His development could be a key to the overall production and depth at the position.
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Sooner Snapshot: DE Jordan Evans
December, 4, 2012
12/04/12
1:00
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By
Brandon Chatmon | ESPN.com
To gear up for 2013 national signing day, SoonerNation's Brandon Chatmon is breaking down every commitment in the Sooners' 2013 recruiting class. View the full archive here.
Vitals: Defensive end Jordan Evans, Norman, Okla./North | 6-foot-3, 205 pounds
Committed: Nov. 27, 2012
Vitals: Defensive end Jordan Evans, Norman, Okla./North | 6-foot-3, 205 pounds
Committed: Nov. 27, 2012
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Roundtable: Can season be a success?
November, 1, 2012
11/01/12
4:30
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By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Every Thursday during the season, 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: With two losses already, how can the Sooners make this a successful season?
• Depends on your definition of a successful season. In August, I think most people would say, including the players, that a season that didn't include a Big 12 championship and run at the national championship would not be successful. But the Sooners can still have a good season. A 10-2 record and a BCS bowl trip to, say, the Rose Bowl, would be a nice, solid season.
Today's question: With two losses already, how can the Sooners make this a successful season?
• Depends on your definition of a successful season. In August, I think most people would say, including the players, that a season that didn't include a Big 12 championship and run at the national championship would not be successful. But the Sooners can still have a good season. A 10-2 record and a BCS bowl trip to, say, the Rose Bowl, would be a nice, solid season.
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Analyzing the finer points of Oklahoma’s 24-7 win Saturday at UTEP:
• I had high hopes for OU’s special teams. But this was the most disastrous special teams performance in a long time. The Sooners had a punt blocked for a touchdown, a field goal blocked and repeatedly turned Michael Edwards loose trying to cover punts. Had UTEP’s field-goal kicking not been even worse, the Sooners might have lost. It’s too soon to write off OU’s special teams. Michael Hunnicutt did nail a 38-yarder, and Tress Way otherwise had a strong night punting, pinning UTEP inside the 20 three times. But let’s not act like OU’s special teams issues have been solved either. Special teams didn’t get OU beat Saturday. But they almost certainly will down the line if they don’t improve.
• Had OU’s offense been much crisper, we’d probably be harping more on how improved Landry Jones’ footwork is. Jones’ work with QB tutor George Whitfield this offseason has really paid off. Jones would not have been able to deliver the 68-yard bomb he threw across his body to Kenny Stills along the opposite sideline last season. “After that TD, I told Landry, ‘You look great,’” Stills said. “He worked really hard in the offseason, and he looks great and has a lot of confidence.” Jones got outside the pocket more times in one game than he did all of last season. On one play in the second quarter, Jones sidestepped the blitz, then delivered an off-balance strike to Dominique Whaley. Had Whaley not dropped the pass, he might have scored.
• I had high hopes for OU’s special teams. But this was the most disastrous special teams performance in a long time. The Sooners had a punt blocked for a touchdown, a field goal blocked and repeatedly turned Michael Edwards loose trying to cover punts. Had UTEP’s field-goal kicking not been even worse, the Sooners might have lost. It’s too soon to write off OU’s special teams. Michael Hunnicutt did nail a 38-yarder, and Tress Way otherwise had a strong night punting, pinning UTEP inside the 20 three times. But let’s not act like OU’s special teams issues have been solved either. Special teams didn’t get OU beat Saturday. But they almost certainly will down the line if they don’t improve.
• Had OU’s offense been much crisper, we’d probably be harping more on how improved Landry Jones’ footwork is. Jones’ work with QB tutor George Whitfield this offseason has really paid off. Jones would not have been able to deliver the 68-yard bomb he threw across his body to Kenny Stills along the opposite sideline last season. “After that TD, I told Landry, ‘You look great,’” Stills said. “He worked really hard in the offseason, and he looks great and has a lot of confidence.” Jones got outside the pocket more times in one game than he did all of last season. On one play in the second quarter, Jones sidestepped the blitz, then delivered an off-balance strike to Dominique Whaley. Had Whaley not dropped the pass, he might have scored.
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Triple option: OU’s options at tailback
July, 31, 2012
7/31/12
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. Monday night was a tough one for OU fans as Delray Beach (Fla.) American Heritage-Boca Delray running back Greg Bryant decommitted from the Sooners. It’s a major blow even though OU does have the commitment of the third-ranked RB in the nation in Cypress (Texas) Ranch back Keith Ford. Where might OU turn? Two names stick out in Adam Taylor (Katy, Texas/Katy) and Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage). And one incredibly dark horse name to keep tabs on is in-state back Diquon Woodhouse (Altus, Okla./Altus), who fared well at OU’s camp in June. With no favorites, the search is back on for Cale Gundy.
2. With USC taking the commitment of ESPN 300 defensive end Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor) on Sunday, the Trojans are officially out of scholarships. The Trojans have used up their 18 scholarships and 16 of their 18 commits have OU offers. The good news for OU is with USC out of the way, there are a lot of west coast products that have the Sooners on their short list. And OU can no longer be beaten in a head-to-head battle with USC.
1. Monday night was a tough one for OU fans as Delray Beach (Fla.) American Heritage-Boca Delray running back Greg Bryant decommitted from the Sooners. It’s a major blow even though OU does have the commitment of the third-ranked RB in the nation in Cypress (Texas) Ranch back Keith Ford. Where might OU turn? Two names stick out in Adam Taylor (Katy, Texas/Katy) and Derrick Green (Richmond, Va./Hermitage). And one incredibly dark horse name to keep tabs on is in-state back Diquon Woodhouse (Altus, Okla./Altus), who fared well at OU’s camp in June. With no favorites, the search is back on for Cale Gundy.
2. With USC taking the commitment of ESPN 300 defensive end Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor) on Sunday, the Trojans are officially out of scholarships. The Trojans have used up their 18 scholarships and 16 of their 18 commits have OU offers. The good news for OU is with USC out of the way, there are a lot of west coast products that have the Sooners on their short list. And OU can no longer be beaten in a head-to-head battle with USC.
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In 2011, the Sooners defense leaned on one of the better defensive end combos in school history: Frank Alexander and Ronnell Lewis. The two combined for 14 sacks. Alexander earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors, and Lewis became a fourth-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions.
Replacing their production won’t be easy, but Bob Stoops is confident in veterans R.J. Washington and David King. Both will be full-time starters for the first time in their careers as seniors, but Washington and King were critical pieces of OU’s “Endy” package – four defensive ends on the field at once – that was highly disruptive last season. Desping coming off the bench, Washington finished with five sacks and King recorded 31 tackles.
“They've played a lot of football for us,” Stoops said.
The Sooners will also lean on Chuka Ndulue, who emerged as the third defensive end in the spring over junior-college transfer Chaz Nelson and Geneo Grissom, who has since moved to tight end.
“We've got some young guys coming up,” Stoops said. “Chuka is doing an excellent job, and then even Michael Onuoha and Charles Tapper, two young freshmen that we're really excited about that we hope can jump in there help us some.”
[+] Enlarge
Ty Russell/University of OklahomaSophomore Chuka Ndulue will be the Sooners' third defensive end in 2012.
“They've played a lot of football for us,” Stoops said.
The Sooners will also lean on Chuka Ndulue, who emerged as the third defensive end in the spring over junior-college transfer Chaz Nelson and Geneo Grissom, who has since moved to tight end.
“We've got some young guys coming up,” Stoops said. “Chuka is doing an excellent job, and then even Michael Onuoha and Charles Tapper, two young freshmen that we're really excited about that we hope can jump in there help us some.”
Most of the attention for Edmond (Okla.) Santa Fe surrounds 2014 quarterback Justice Hansen. Already with offers from Arkansas and Missouri, the sophomore Hansen is expected to be one of the top signal-callers of his class.
But the talent doesn’t end with Hansen. Oklahoma was able to get a good luck at some of the school's talent as it pursued 2012 signee defensive end Michael Onuoha.
Sandwiched in between those two classes are several quality 2013 recruits, including linebacker/safety Khari Harding.
But the talent doesn’t end with Hansen. Oklahoma was able to get a good luck at some of the school's talent as it pursued 2012 signee defensive end Michael Onuoha.
Sandwiched in between those two classes are several quality 2013 recruits, including linebacker/safety Khari Harding.
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Przybylo's Mailbag: All eyes on Thomas
February, 6, 2012
2/06/12
12:10
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
National signing day is in the books, but that doesn’t mean Oklahoma is done with its 2012 class. But it does mean we’re allowed to start looking ahead to 2013 and 2014. Bob Przybylo answers all your recruiting questions. Have a question? Send it to his mailbag at bprzybyloespn@gmail.com
Ron in Tulsa, Okla., asks: I saw sophomore running back Devon Thomas was at junior day this weekend. What do you make of that?
Bob Przybylo: I saw that as a case of OU recognizing some home-grown talent and taking the early steps to make sure he doesn’t get away.
Ron in Tulsa, Okla., asks: I saw sophomore running back Devon Thomas was at junior day this weekend. What do you make of that?
Bob Przybylo: I saw that as a case of OU recognizing some home-grown talent and taking the early steps to make sure he doesn’t get away.
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Bobby Jack Wright on OU's defensive ends
February, 4, 2012
2/04/12
10:30
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By
Jake Trotter | ESPN.com
Defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright weighs in on Oklahoma’s defensive end signing class:
• Charles Tapper: “He’s a heck of an athlete. He’s a big guy, very athletic, really good basketball player. He averages about three dunks a game for his high school team. Has got great speed, good explosion and a really good pass rusher.”
• Michael Onuoha: “He’s a really interesting guy. Very athletic, came on kind of late, we got on him late, but were fortunate to get him to be a Sooner. Explosive guy, very athletic, a lot of speed. Very raw talent, has a lot of learning to do, lot of technique to learn. He has a lot of upside. Long and lean and very quick.”
• Chaz Nelson: “Really good player, explosive guy. Brings a little more speed to our defensive end unit than maybe we’ve had in the past. Think he’s got a great chance to be very, very productive here.”
• Charles Tapper: “He’s a heck of an athlete. He’s a big guy, very athletic, really good basketball player. He averages about three dunks a game for his high school team. Has got great speed, good explosion and a really good pass rusher.”
• Michael Onuoha: “He’s a really interesting guy. Very athletic, came on kind of late, we got on him late, but were fortunate to get him to be a Sooner. Explosive guy, very athletic, a lot of speed. Very raw talent, has a lot of learning to do, lot of technique to learn. He has a lot of upside. Long and lean and very quick.”
• Chaz Nelson: “Really good player, explosive guy. Brings a little more speed to our defensive end unit than maybe we’ve had in the past. Think he’s got a great chance to be very, very productive here.”
EDMOND, Okla. -- For as stressful as the last 72 hours have been for defensive end Michael Onuoha (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe), he couldn’t wipe away his smile Wednesday.
Onuoha committed to Oklahoma late Tuesday night and signed his letter of intent on Wednesday morning.
And if anyone doubted where his allegiances were, he entered his ceremony with an OU shirt that said “I live by the code of the crimson and cream.”
Bob Przybylo/ESPN.comDefensive end Michael Onuoha signed with Oklahoma after verbally committing to the Sooners on Tuesday night.
“There aren’t a lot of kids in America that get this type of opportunity that ‘Big Mike’ is going to get,” Edmond Santa Fe coach Lance Manning said. “But he’s earned it. This wasn’t given to him. He worked for it.”
Onuoha was torn between the Tigers and Sooners the last month. Missouri offered first in December, but OU surged late in January.
He took his official visit to Missouri two weeks ago and followed that with a trip to Norman, Okla., last weekend.
He planned to announce Monday night or Tuesday morning, but he wasn’t ready. He let everybody know Tuesday night via Twitter that OU was going to be his home.
“I did this for me. This was my decision,” Onuoha said. “I appreciate everything the OU and Missouri coaches have done for me, but this was about what I thought would be best for me.”
Normally a relaxed kid, Onuoha admitted Monday and Tuesday were very stressful for him. Wednesday, though, that was fun.
“This is great. I know I’ve made the right decision. I no longer have the weight of the world on my shoulders. I’m going to enjoy this.”
Onuoha, 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, is a three-star prospect that became one of seven recruits to commit to OU since Sunday.
Michael Onuoha staying home, picks OU
January, 31, 2012
1/31/12
10:33
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It was better late than never for three-star defensive end Michael Onuoha (Edmond Okla./Santa Fe) as he verbally committed to Oklahoma on Tuesday night.
Onuoha was scheduled to announce Tuesday morning between the Sooners and Missouri but decided earlier in the afternoon that he might wait until Wednesday’s signing ceremony. But he couldn’t wait any more as Onuoha tweeted “#BOOMER SOONER!!” on Tuesday night, ending the drama.
“It was just a gut feeling I had,” Onuoha said. “I thought about it for so long. I prayed about it. I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision and what was the best spot for me.”
Onuoha was scheduled to announce Tuesday morning between the Sooners and Missouri but decided earlier in the afternoon that he might wait until Wednesday’s signing ceremony. But he couldn’t wait any more as Onuoha tweeted “#BOOMER SOONER!!” on Tuesday night, ending the drama.
“It was just a gut feeling I had,” Onuoha said. “I thought about it for so long. I prayed about it. I wanted to make sure I was making the right decision and what was the best spot for me.”
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Triple Option: Where will Onuoha go?
January, 31, 2012
1/31/12
9:00
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Three things this morning:
1. Where will defensive end Michael Onuoha (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe) go, Oklahoma or Missouri? Had Onuoha committed Sunday, I believe it would have been to the Sooners. Now that he has had some time to think about it, believe it is ultimate tossup. The Tigers have been on Onuoha longer than any other program, while the allure of playing close to home at OU is certainly appealing. The visits cancel each other out, and I think the last pitch by the coaches Sunday and Monday will end up being the deciding factor.
2. The addition of tight end Sam Grant (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Edward) just adds to what has been one heck of an impressive resume for first-year tight ends and offensive tackles coach Bruce Kittle. Grant and Taylor McNamara (San Diego/Westview) both looked like longshots initially but Kittle found a way to rope them both in. And yes, OU fell short in landing Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes), but it was impressive that the Sooners were in the race for someone from Washington, where OU has rarely ever looked for top talent.
3. We’re not done with the 2012 class, but Saturday is junior day for OU. And from the list of confirmed participants, it should be an eventful f weekend. Right now it looks like an offense-oriented group as a number of top quarterbacks and wide receivers are expected to be on hand. OU hasn’t been shy about offering 2013 kids, but the Sooners haven’t pulled the trigger yet at quarterback. With top signal-callers coming in Saturday, will that change?
1. Where will defensive end Michael Onuoha (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe) go, Oklahoma or Missouri? Had Onuoha committed Sunday, I believe it would have been to the Sooners. Now that he has had some time to think about it, believe it is ultimate tossup. The Tigers have been on Onuoha longer than any other program, while the allure of playing close to home at OU is certainly appealing. The visits cancel each other out, and I think the last pitch by the coaches Sunday and Monday will end up being the deciding factor.
2. The addition of tight end Sam Grant (Lakewood, Ohio/St. Edward) just adds to what has been one heck of an impressive resume for first-year tight ends and offensive tackles coach Bruce Kittle. Grant and Taylor McNamara (San Diego/Westview) both looked like longshots initially but Kittle found a way to rope them both in. And yes, OU fell short in landing Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes), but it was impressive that the Sooners were in the race for someone from Washington, where OU has rarely ever looked for top talent.
3. We’re not done with the 2012 class, but Saturday is junior day for OU. And from the list of confirmed participants, it should be an eventful f weekend. Right now it looks like an offense-oriented group as a number of top quarterbacks and wide receivers are expected to be on hand. OU hasn’t been shy about offering 2013 kids, but the Sooners haven’t pulled the trigger yet at quarterback. With top signal-callers coming in Saturday, will that change?
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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.