Oklahoma Sooners: Torrodney Prevot
The Nike Football Training Camp series will continue outside of Dallas on Sunday. Athletes will trek to Allen, Texas, the home of one of the most impressive high school stadiums in the country. Allen Eagles Stadium, a $60-million facility, opened last year and featured nearly 22,000 fans watching Texas powers Allen and Southlake Carroll clash.
Here are five storylines to watch on Sunday.
Talented DBs aplenty
It’s been said on multiple occasions that the 2014 class may be one of the strongest in years at producing big-time defensive backs in the region. The battle for defensive back MVP has the potential of being extremely competitive with players such as Laurence Jones (Monroe, La./Neville), Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Texas/Hebron), Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen), Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) and Arrion Springs (San Antonio/Roosevelt) expected to be in attendance. Chris Hardeman (Houston/Alief Taylor) has committed to LSU, while Dylan Sumner-Gardner (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and Armani Watts (Forney, Texas/North Forney) have pledged to Texas A&M. Deionte Thompson (Orange, Texas/West Orange-Stark), a 2015 prospect, has verbally committed to Alabama. All of the DBs will have their shots in one-on-one drills against equally talented ESPN Watch List receivers such as Malachi Dupre (River Ridge, La./John Curtis), K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant) and Texas commit Lorenzo Joe (Abilene, Texas/Cooper).
Here are five storylines to watch on Sunday.
Talented DBs aplenty
It’s been said on multiple occasions that the 2014 class may be one of the strongest in years at producing big-time defensive backs in the region. The battle for defensive back MVP has the potential of being extremely competitive with players such as Laurence Jones (Monroe, La./Neville), Jamal Adams (Lewisville, Texas/Hebron), Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen), Steven Parker (Jenks, Okla./Jenks) and Arrion Springs (San Antonio/Roosevelt) expected to be in attendance. Chris Hardeman (Houston/Alief Taylor) has committed to LSU, while Dylan Sumner-Gardner (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and Armani Watts (Forney, Texas/North Forney) have pledged to Texas A&M. Deionte Thompson (Orange, Texas/West Orange-Stark), a 2015 prospect, has verbally committed to Alabama. All of the DBs will have their shots in one-on-one drills against equally talented ESPN Watch List receivers such as Malachi Dupre (River Ridge, La./John Curtis), K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant) and Texas commit Lorenzo Joe (Abilene, Texas/Cooper).
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Okoronkwo flips commitment to Sooners
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
1:01
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Houston Alief Taylor defensive end Ogbonnia “Obo” Okoronkwo said he knew he wanted to flip his commitment from Oklahoma State to Oklahoma following his official visit to OU last month.
But he waited. He didn’t want to make a hasty decision, and he wanted to give OSU a chance. Things never worked out for Okoronkwo and the Cowboys and their Bedlam rival was there to swoop up Okoronkwo on Wednesday afternoon.
Max Olson/ESPN.comThree-star prospect Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is Oklahoma's third defensive end commitment for the Class of 2013.Okoronkwo, who is 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds and a three-star prospect, was able to visit Norman, Okla., last month for OU’s victory against Baylor. The plan had always been to see Stillwater first and then compare and contrast the two schools and make a decision.
OSU and Okoronkwo could never get on the same page for the visit and Okoronkwo said he told the OSU staff Sunday he thought it was time to go separate ways.
That didn’t necessarily mean he was automatically a Sooner, but that was solidified Wednesday during an in-home visit by OU coaches Bob Stoops and Tim Kish.
“Coach Stoops talked with my dad and Coach Kish talked with my mom for about an hour, and my parents really liked what they were saying,” Okoronkwo said. “They were happy with everything so he didn’t see a point in waiting.”
Okoronkwo said his mother was especially interested in the graduation rates and the academic help he would receive. The answers Stoops and Kish gave her satisfied her and everybody was on the same page.
Okoronkwo has never been a first option for schools looking at Houston Alief Taylor. Playing alongside ESPN 300 USC defensive end commit Torrodney Prevot, the attention went toward Prevot.
But he waited. He didn’t want to make a hasty decision, and he wanted to give OSU a chance. Things never worked out for Okoronkwo and the Cowboys and their Bedlam rival was there to swoop up Okoronkwo on Wednesday afternoon.
Max Olson/ESPN.comThree-star prospect Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is Oklahoma's third defensive end commitment for the Class of 2013.OSU and Okoronkwo could never get on the same page for the visit and Okoronkwo said he told the OSU staff Sunday he thought it was time to go separate ways.
That didn’t necessarily mean he was automatically a Sooner, but that was solidified Wednesday during an in-home visit by OU coaches Bob Stoops and Tim Kish.
“Coach Stoops talked with my dad and Coach Kish talked with my mom for about an hour, and my parents really liked what they were saying,” Okoronkwo said. “They were happy with everything so he didn’t see a point in waiting.”
Okoronkwo said his mother was especially interested in the graduation rates and the academic help he would receive. The answers Stoops and Kish gave her satisfied her and everybody was on the same page.
Okoronkwo has never been a first option for schools looking at Houston Alief Taylor. Playing alongside ESPN 300 USC defensive end commit Torrodney Prevot, the attention went toward Prevot.
There is one glaring hole in Oklahoma’s defensive recruiting for the 2013 class. But it’s a big one. The Sooners are faring well or at least decently at every other spot, but OU is lacking defensive tackles.
Worse than lacking at them is the fact OU has been involved in several tight battles at the position only to have never come out on top.
With less than two months until national signing day, here is a position-by-position breakdown of OU defensive targets.
Worse than lacking at them is the fact OU has been involved in several tight battles at the position only to have never come out on top.
With less than two months until national signing day, here is a position-by-position breakdown of OU defensive targets.
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Okoronkwo surprised by Sooners visit 
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
8:00
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Three-star defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Houston/Alief Taylor) is a good example of why college coaches are so persistent in wanting recruits to visit their campus before making a decision.
Okoronkwo, who committed to Oklahoma State in June, has been on the radar of Bedlam rival Oklahoma since the season started.
Going into his official visit to Norman, Okla., for the Baylor game, Okoronkwo had an idea of what to expect. Turns out, it was the wrong idea.
Okoronkwo, who committed to Oklahoma State in June, has been on the radar of Bedlam rival Oklahoma since the season started.
Going into his official visit to Norman, Okla., for the Baylor game, Okoronkwo had an idea of what to expect. Turns out, it was the wrong idea.
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OU trying to flip OSU commit Okoronkwo
November, 15, 2012
11/15/12
8:00
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It’s not like Oklahoma isn’t set at the defensive end position for the 2013 class. Two of the Sooners’ first three commitments were at the position and both D.J. Ward (Moore, Okla./Southmoore) and Matt Dimon (Katy, Texas/Katy) are ESPN 300 prospects. Ward is No. 110, while Dimon is No. 284.
But the thinking all along has been OU wants three at the position. And the biggest targets for OU defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright had been a couple of committed prospects.
OU’s No. 1 priority was three-star end Dimarya Mixon (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite). Mixon was committed to Arizona State at the time of OU’s spring offer and the Sooners have been relentless.
But the thinking all along has been OU wants three at the position. And the biggest targets for OU defensive ends coach Bobby Jack Wright had been a couple of committed prospects.
OU’s No. 1 priority was three-star end Dimarya Mixon (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite). Mixon was committed to Arizona State at the time of OU’s spring offer and the Sooners have been relentless.
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Like most people, three-star defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo (Houston/Alief Taylor) was expecting another great battle between Oklahoma and Texas in the Red River Rivalry.
But that’s not to say Okoronkwo was disappointed with the 63-21 dominating victory for the Sooners, OU’s third consecutive win in the rivalry.
“I had heard about the Sooner Nation, and I wanted to see what it was all about,” Okoronkwo said. “Now I know. It was a very impressive performance.”
But that’s not to say Okoronkwo was disappointed with the 63-21 dominating victory for the Sooners, OU’s third consecutive win in the rivalry.
“I had heard about the Sooner Nation, and I wanted to see what it was all about,” Okoronkwo said. “Now I know. It was a very impressive performance.”
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Triple option: OU’s options at tailback
July, 31, 2012
7/31/12
8:00
AM CT
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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Every weekday morning, a member of the SoonerNation gives his take on three things happening in the Sooner sports world.
1. Congratulations are in order for a pair of Oklahoma royalty. Quarterback Landry Jones, OU's career passing leader, is marrying All-Big 12 point guard Whitney Hand today. They were engaged last summer.
2. Several elite prospects made their way to Beaverton, Ore., on Thursday to participate in The Opening. During the registration period, a few recruits chatted with readers on ESPN.com. Probably the biggest news from an Oklahoma perspective is that Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor) didn't list the Sooners in his top six.
1. Congratulations are in order for a pair of Oklahoma royalty. Quarterback Landry Jones, OU's career passing leader, is marrying All-Big 12 point guard Whitney Hand today. They were engaged last summer.
2. Several elite prospects made their way to Beaverton, Ore., on Thursday to participate in The Opening. During the registration period, a few recruits chatted with readers on ESPN.com. Probably the biggest news from an Oklahoma perspective is that Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor) didn't list the Sooners in his top six.
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OU targets ready for Nike showcase event
March, 23, 2012
3/23/12
9:45
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By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
It won’t be the most eventful weekend on Oklahoma’s campus, but there are going to be a bevy of OU targets on display in Texas.
An Elite 11 quarterback camp will be at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday night, followed by a Nike Football Training Camp event Sunday at the Cowboys' practice facility. About 300 prospects are expected to participate in the event.
Here are 20 recruits with OU interest to keep an eye on:
An Elite 11 quarterback camp will be at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday night, followed by a Nike Football Training Camp event Sunday at the Cowboys' practice facility. About 300 prospects are expected to participate in the event.
Here are 20 recruits with OU interest to keep an eye on:
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Triple Option: In-state stars add offers
March, 16, 2012
3/16/12
9:00
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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. It could be an eventful weekend regarding Oklahoma recruiting despite the fact not many known visitors are expected to be on campus. Saturday is LSU’s second junior day and features a lot of familiar prospects. OU offers defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) and Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor) and potential OU offers wide receiver Eldridge Massington (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and safety Kameron Miles (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) are among some of the recruits expected to be in attendance. LSU’s first junior day was the same date (Feb. 4) as OU’s so it’s possible even more OU junior day attendees end up in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday.
2. OU continues to slow play some of the top in-state prospects, but the interest is picking up for the state’s best elsewhere across the country. OU junior day attendees defensive back Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) and defensive end Dalton Rodriguez (Tulsa, Okla./Union) both picked up offers from top schools this week. Taylor from Kansas State and Texas Tech, while Rodriguez earned an Oregon State offer. 2014 quarterback prospect Justice Hansen (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe) also earned an Arkansas offer this week. The Sooners approach has irked some but don’t expect a change anytime soon.
3. If you want to track the top 2013 Oklahoma basketball prospects, you might as well just follow the Athletes First AAU team. The squad, as of now, will feature OU offers point guards Stevie Clark (Oklahoma City/Douglass) and Jordan Woodard (Edmond, Okla./Memorial). Potential OU offer power forward Shaquille Morris (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe) and 2014 prospect guard Omega Harris (Oklahoma City/Putnam City West) said Thursday he’ll be on the team this summer. 2015 prospect Allonzo Trier is also on the club.
1. It could be an eventful weekend regarding Oklahoma recruiting despite the fact not many known visitors are expected to be on campus. Saturday is LSU’s second junior day and features a lot of familiar prospects. OU offers defensive tackle Justin Manning (Dallas/Kimball) and Torrodney Prevot (Houston/Alief Taylor) and potential OU offers wide receiver Eldridge Massington (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) and safety Kameron Miles (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) are among some of the recruits expected to be in attendance. LSU’s first junior day was the same date (Feb. 4) as OU’s so it’s possible even more OU junior day attendees end up in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday.
2. OU continues to slow play some of the top in-state prospects, but the interest is picking up for the state’s best elsewhere across the country. OU junior day attendees defensive back Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) and defensive end Dalton Rodriguez (Tulsa, Okla./Union) both picked up offers from top schools this week. Taylor from Kansas State and Texas Tech, while Rodriguez earned an Oregon State offer. 2014 quarterback prospect Justice Hansen (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe) also earned an Arkansas offer this week. The Sooners approach has irked some but don’t expect a change anytime soon.
3. If you want to track the top 2013 Oklahoma basketball prospects, you might as well just follow the Athletes First AAU team. The squad, as of now, will feature OU offers point guards Stevie Clark (Oklahoma City/Douglass) and Jordan Woodard (Edmond, Okla./Memorial). Potential OU offer power forward Shaquille Morris (Edmond, Okla./Santa Fe) and 2014 prospect guard Omega Harris (Oklahoma City/Putnam City West) said Thursday he’ll be on the team this summer. 2015 prospect Allonzo Trier is also on the club.
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OU offer Prevot earns ‘Opening’ invite
March, 6, 2012
3/06/12
1:00
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By SoonerNation staff | ESPN.com
Alief Taylor (Houston, texas) defensive end Torrodney Prevot became the third athlete this year to earn an invitation to "The Opening" after putting on a show at the Houston NFSC.
OU is 'very high' on list of Deon Hollins Jr.
February, 27, 2012
2/27/12
7:14
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By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
Deon Hollins Jr. (Fort Bend, Texas/Marshall) would've thought about committing to Texas had UT coaches given him an offer this weekend.
Instead, Hollins Jr. is starting to read the writing on the wall. The linebacker/defensive end was planning to speak with Texas coaches Sunday night, but he opted to hold off.
"When I saw (Deoundrei) Davis commit and Daeshon Hall and Torrodney Prevot get offered, I didn't even call because both said they were heavy Texas leans," he said.
Instead, Hollins Jr. is starting to read the writing on the wall. The linebacker/defensive end was planning to speak with Texas coaches Sunday night, but he opted to hold off.
"When I saw (Deoundrei) Davis commit and Daeshon Hall and Torrodney Prevot get offered, I didn't even call because both said they were heavy Texas leans," he said.
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Offer update: OU looking out west for help
February, 17, 2012
2/17/12
10:30
AM CT
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
The Sooners extended several new offers to 2013 prospects this week. Bob Przybylo breaks down the most recent Oklahoma offers by position:
• Former Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables let it be known that he loved to get his cornerbacks from the Dallas Metroplex area.
• Former Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables let it be known that he loved to get his cornerbacks from the Dallas Metroplex area.
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Sooners offer 2013 DE Torrodney Prevot
February, 16, 2012
2/16/12
9:00
PM CT
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Torrodney Prevot (Houston, Texas/Taylor) scored a huge trifecta Thursday.
The talented defensive end woke up Thursday morning with three offers. He scored three more within roughly a 90-minute span by early Thursday afternoon, as Texas, Oklahoma and Baylor all put themselves in the running for Prevot’s services for 2013. Prevot had offers from LSU, Texas A&M and Utah, which he picked up earlier this week.
"It's amazing," said Prevot, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound end. "I'm just trying to stay humble and keep focus."
The talented defensive end woke up Thursday morning with three offers. He scored three more within roughly a 90-minute span by early Thursday afternoon, as Texas, Oklahoma and Baylor all put themselves in the running for Prevot’s services for 2013. Prevot had offers from LSU, Texas A&M and Utah, which he picked up earlier this week.
"It's amazing," said Prevot, a 6-foot-4, 220-pound end. "I'm just trying to stay humble and keep focus."
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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.