Oklahoma should target '07 QB Chaisson
With the recent dismissal of starting quarterback Rhett Bomar, the Oklahoma Sooners might have to join the recruiting race for a top 2007 quarterback prospect. The problem is, there aren't many left.
Of the top 30 quarterback prospects in the country, all but five already have given oral commitments. Florida gunslinger Stephen Garcia (Tampa, Fla./Jefferson) is expected to choose between South Carolina, Florida and Ole Miss, with the Gamecocks being the front-runner. He is the top uncommitted quarterback on the board.
In my opinion, the best bet for Oklahoma -- if it chooses to enter the 2007 quarterback derby -- would be to pursue Joe Chaisson (Beaumont, Texas/Monsignor Kelly Catholic). He is a fantastic athlete who happens to be an excellent passer. Chaisson is just as good under center as he is in the shotgun and is a dangerous dual threat on the perimeter.
Chaisson is being pursued heavily by Tennessee, LSU, UTEP, Iowa State and Baylor. Oklahoma's recruiting clout means it could make a legitimate run at this kid if it chooses.
Oklahoma was in the running for G.J. Kinne (Canton, Texas/Canton), who opted to join his father Gary Kinne, the linebackers coach at Baylor. Late bloomer Joe Kemp (North Richland Hills, Texas/Richland Hills) could be another option.
The bigger question for the Sooners: What do they do this season? Look for wide receiver convert Paul Thompson to get a ton of turns and likely be the starter. Junior college transfer Joey Halzle (Huntington Beach, Calif./Golden West CC) is not the immediate answer, which leaves true freshman Sam Bradford, a kid I really liked a year ago. There will be growing pains again, but Bradford might be the Sooners' best option in the long run.
Oklahoma is not going to recruit a quarterback just to recruit a quarterback. It will have to be the right guy, and the Sooners may need to scour the junior college ranks again.
Bear in mind, though, that this is Oklahoma and that oral commitments are just that -- oral. If the Sooners choose to recruit a high school quarterback now that Bomar is out of the picture, don't be surprised if they are able to talk a solid performer from the 2007 class into reconsidering his previous commitment.
Tom Luginbill is the national recruiting director for ESPN's Scouts Inc. He is a former quarterback, scout and coach.
