MNF, Redskins an ideal recruiting tool for Sooners
Published: 9/27/2011 2:12 PM
Last Modified: 9/28/2011 3:04 PM
Former Sooner Trent Williams. EGVAN VUCCI/Associated Press
In what was arguably the greatest recruiting pitch to be a Sooner blocker in the history of the program, three of the five starting linemen for the Washington Redskins — introduced at the start of ESPN’s prime time telecast of Monday Night Football — are from Oklahoma.
As many problems as former Sooner o-line coach Kevin Wilson has as a first-year head coach at Indiana, here’s hoping he took a few minutes to watch some pro football Monday night and take pride in three guys he tutored all starting for the same team.
Jammal Brown, Chris Chester and Trent Williams are starters for the Redskins, and Wilson had a major, major hand in their development.
Brown (2001-04) came to OU as a defensive tackle, moved to offensive tackle, nearly left school after his junior year but became a two-time All-American and was the 15th pick (to New Orleans) in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Chester (2002-05) came to OU as a tight end and long-snapper, moved to center and was a second-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2006.
Trent Williams (2006-09) came to OU as an athletic tackle who didn’t know how to pass block, but in Wilson’s record-setting offense became a two-time All-Big 12 performer, a first-team All-American and the No. 4 pick in the 2010 draft.
“I had a big smile,” OU coach Bob Stoops said of watching the Sooner trio play together on Monday Night Football. “The time I saw it was when they were kind of bragging on Trent. So, just seeing him and of course looked at Jammal and Chris Chester, I'm very proud of them. Those are all three great guys and to have three of the five out there playing like that, it's pretty neat.”
OU coaches will, of course, continue to work as hard as ever recruiting (and developing) offensive linemen. But Monday’s 15-second ad on national TV certainly didn’t hurt.
“It helps you recruit o-linemen,” Stoops said. “We've got some good o-linemen in here, that's all.
“I don't know if I'm allowed to say that or not.
“Throw that on the TV, whatever network you want.”
— John E. Hoover
Written by
John E. Hoover
Sports Columnist
