OU signing day analysis
Published: 2/7/2007 7:54 PM
Last Modified: 2/7/2007 7:54 PM
A quick analysis of OU's signing day (signings list below) by beat writer John Hoover:
BREAKING DOWN THE CLASS
The class: One of the smallest classes (20) in Bob Stoops' tenure looks well-stocked at three positions of need: QB, DE and LB. This yearµs group also adds depth at OL and DB, and a kicker of the future. There are five Oklahomans, but only five Texans.
Offensive overview: Of the 20 signees, five are offensive linemen. That includes JC transfer Phil Loadholt, who is an athletic 6-9 and 360 pounds. With OU's top four WRs going into their junior year, it was smart to add a pair of wideouts. Sam Proctor played QB and RB in high school, but could play other positions. The big question is whether freshman QB Keith Nichol gets it soon enough to compete for first-team snaps in spring drills. Nichol is a run-pass QB who is tough, smart and athletic with a big arm.
Offensive needs: OU didn't get its juco QB, and no one knows how good Nichol will be. RB Lennon Creer was high on the Sooners’ wish list, but he went to Tennessee. Matt Romineµs departure for Notre Dame hurt.
Offensive headliner: Nichol and OL Jason Hannan are both high four-stars by Rivals.com, and both seem to have huge upside.
Offensive sleeper: Sooner coaches love WR Tyler Stradford's 4.41 speed, and could get him in the offense soon.
Offensive impact: Expect Loadholt to have the quickest impact on the offense, unless Nichol wins the job.
Defensive overview: With three senior DEs and two senior LBs gone, the Sooners had to go heavy on those spots. Muskogee’s Jonte Bumpus seems like he might lend a hand early, but look for Enid's Austin Box to possibly redshirt as he learns the LB position. Mike Reed is a natural MLB, with 4.5 speed and a penchant for big, painful hits. He originally committed to Florida but was placed at Reedley (Calif.) College because of a low ACT. He transferred to Yuba after what he called "trouble" at Reedley.
Defensive needs: OU filled needs at DE and LB and added depth at DB, but didnµt get any DTs. The Sooners also lost DB Christian Scott (to Texas) and DE Sidell Corley (to LSU). Keeping CB Ryan Broyles in Norman (and out of Stillwater) was a nice last-second coup.
Defensive headliner: Reed, OU's only five-star, according to Rivals.com, is on the same level as Lance Mitchell and Torrance Marshall, who were Big 12 newcomers of the year. He'll step in immediately to replace Zach Latimer.
Defensive sleeper: Much is seldom expected of true freshmen, but the opportunity at DE might present Bumpus with significant playing time.
Immediate impact: No one will have more immediate or lasting impact than Reed, but LB/S Travis Lewis is an exceptional athlete and might play right away.
Q&A WITH MUSKOGEE'S JONTE BUMPUS
Muskogee’s Jonte Bumpus is considered one of the top defensive ends in the country by Rivals.com and Scout.com. Bumpus spoke with the World’s OU football beat writer John Hoover:
What was your signing day ceremony at Muskogee like today?
Oh, there weren’t too many people there. It was mainly just for friends and family. It was kind of more of a private deal, just friends and family.
You committed last April, so you didn't get the full effect of the recruiting scene. Do you feel like you missed anything, or did it happen like you wanted to?
Yeah, everything went pretty smooth. (Other recruiters) called, but as it got closer, about four months, it started wearing down.
So what went into your decision? Why Oklahoma?
When I took my visit there, it just felt like home away from home. The people there are great. The coaching staff was pretty good. Everything just kind of fit in there.
Do you feel like you're ready? Can you step in next year and do it?
Yeah, I think I can. I'm just going to have to step it up a little harder. College is different from high school.
What's the main thing you need to work on between now and next August?
My weight, for one, but they told me not to worry about that. Really just getting the hang of the defense, the style of defense they play.
SIGNINGS LIST
Frank Alexander, DE, Baton Rouge (La.)
David Anderson, DE, Lawton
y-Austin Box, LB, Enid
Ryan Broyles, WR, Norman
Jontae Bumpus, DE, Muskogee
y-Kody Cooke, OL, Enid
Jamell Fleming, CB, Arlington, Texas
Jason Hannan, OL, Waxahachie, Texas
Desmond Jackson, S, Sequin, Texas
Travis Lewis, LB, San Antonio, Texas
x-Phil Loadholt, OL, Fountain, Colo.
y-Keith Nichol, QB, Lowell, Mich.
Sam Proctor, ATH, Pearland, Texas
x-Mike Reed, LB, Vero Beach, Fla.
Donald Stephenson, OL, Slue Springs, Mo.
Jimmy Stevens, K, Oklahoma City
Tyler Stradford, WR, New Orleans, La.
Londell Taylor, ATH, Vian
Alex Williams, OL, New Orleans, La.
Corey Wilson, WR, Carrollton, Texas
x-Mid-year junior-college transfer
y-Already enrolled at OU
Written by
Mike Strain
News Editor
