I was curious to see if what has gone on with their HC the last couple days would affect OU’s signing class. It apparently hasn’t, as so far 17 have signed. Been monitoring it.
Blues, wouldn’t these kids be able to get out of their LOI due to a coaching change if/when Smith is fired? He is on leave right now, but still employed presumably (despite naming an interim).
I was a bit surprised to see basically no impact, but also worth remembering that for many recruits, they have much more of a relationship with the position coach and coordinator than head coach during recruiting and all of those guys are the same.
I just saw the few that get thrown into my X algorithm (its got my MAC sports interest nailed) and it was interesting that I saw many tagging their position coaches and the GM of football at OU but not coach Smith.
Love the WRs in this class.
Yes. But since we don’t know the nature of what is going on at OU, if I were a parent of one of these kids, I would be concerned is my son entering a program that might get sanctioned etc. Again, I have no idea what is going on at OU other than the official announcement. I won’t speculate beyond that other than it certainly doesn’t sound health related. So that is why I was curious what effect if any it might have.
They, the WR, look good on paper. But I am a big “build from the lines out” after QB and our DL and OL recruits got poached big time. We need to address that somehow. I guess through the portal, but we have limited portal dollars and I was hoping to address at least some of that need through the HS ranks. Especially now in this environment where so many teams are building through the portal which seemingly opens up some HS recruits to G5 programs we might not otherwise have seen. That is something we did effectively the last few years, identify those P4 types and hang on to them. This class, unfortunately, seemingly not so much.
Entire class officially announced:
Besides limited numbers on OL and DL, this class has no TE. That can probably be addressed in the portal. I was curious on what side of the ball Bangoura was going to play, as he has ideal height for OT, but looks like he is slated for DL.
Interesting that we apparently gave a scholarship to a kicker.
That is very rare. The last one I believe that got one coming in was Dzobian.
Nicholson was a preferred walk on as I believe Sloman was as well.
I have been impressed with McLaughlin’s leg. It will interesting to see those two battle it out over the next couple years.
Toledo press release says they have signed the highest rank recruiting class in MAC history. 8th time Candle has signed the top class in the MAC. Really nice looking class. Big OL, big DL, 2 TE both 6’7" or over, every position essentially covered.
There is turnover at the top for 26 programs this season. If Candle doesn’t move on this season he might be a UT lifer..
Sweet. He never takes advantage of these terrific classes anyway.
Within 56 seconds of opening his press conference on the kids we signed today Chuck mentioned how many of our kids flipped recently to P4 schools. That we planned on signing 24 not 18.
Is there a list of those we lost? I may have missed it.
Finn left.
(Did you know that? You’ve been gone a while.)
The major and most recent ones are Tommy Carr (QB) and Tommy Fraumann (OL). Both to Michigan. Hudson Aultman (DL) and Jack Ziarko (DL). Both to Michigan State. Makhai Boon (DB) to West Virginia. Hayden Flavin (OL), to Northwestern.
This could have been a banger class. An all timer. Oh well.
One thing that pisses me off about recruiting rankings is both Tommys who are going to Michigan were 3 star recruits when they de-committed from us. Carr was a composit like 89 on 247 and the minute they committ to Michigan they both jump to 4 stars. Didn’t play any games to improve their stock. Happened with our other de-commits as well. I know this is commonplace, but it’s still bullshit.
Also, one thing to keep in mind when looking at these classes is average player ranking vs class size. For example Eastern Michigan has a higher rated class than us, but they signed 14 more players.
It’s all bs. But Chuck and co. develop players. So let’s see what they bring in. I for one am optimistic.
Tommy Thies signed today, 3 star defensive back out of Chicagoland. His high school (Fenwick) won IL 6A last night after being delayed from last weekend’s snowstorm, a major upset over East St. Louis. His younger brother Jake is a junior with a Miami offer too, with offers from MAC and solid G5 programs.
https://x.com/miamiohfootball/status/1996215686817870212?s=46&t=oallIeFEhKH9sCOJPSKdyw
He had a lot to say today. Had some hilarious quotes
Agree.
At least ESPN kept them as 3-stars.
Click below or a liver sandwich will be your next meal.
The last 20 minutes was practically just Chuck ranting