Oklahoma has received plenty of good news lately on the recruiting trail for the 2017 class, but the groundwork is being laid for an equally promising run in 2018.
*California quarterback Cameron Rising dropped a bombshell in 2018 recruiting by committing to Oklahoma in August. It had been rumored that Rising was really clicking with OU and Lincoln Riley. Then, he reportedly had a great visit to Norman.
Rising had insane stats in his sophomore year with more than 3,000 yards passing, 40 touchdown passes and just 1 interception. Let me repeat that: 40 TDs with 1 Int, and he’s playing in a very good high school district in California. In addition, he added more than 700 yards and 11 more TDs on the ground.
Rising works the entire field, and his deep ball accuracy is excellent. He shows a quick release from the pocket, accuracy on the run, the ability to gun it when needed and touch on passes lofted over defenders. When protection breaks down, he escapes the pocket while still looking downfield for options. He can also take off and grab yards on the ground when they are there. Just like Austin Kendall and Chris Robison, Rising just fits what Lincoln Riley wants to do on offense.
Along with lineman Brey Walker, I fully expect Rising to end up rated as a five-star recruit by some of the services in 2018. Rising is already talking about contacting top 2018 prospects. Hopefully, he takes a leadership role in recruiting similar to the way Robison has done with #SoonerSquad17.
For those wondering how Kyler Murray, Kendall, Robison and Rising will all work out once on campus, my suggestion is to let Riley sign the best kids and let the competition work itself out on campus.
*In July, Jordon Austin committed to OU after receiving a scholarship offer in the spring. Austin, the brother of current Sooner Dakota Austin, really impressed OU’s coaches with his film and camp work. He is a taller, bigger-framed, longer version of his brother.
Jordon is a top 100 recruit in Texas and a four-star prospects by three services. His high school is a powerhouse that almost always seems to have top 100-type talent. Like Robert Barnes, Jordon will be a recruiter for the entire ’18 class and key recruit in Texas.
2018 Verbal Commitments
Brey Walker, OL – 6-6, 300, 5.0 (Oklahoma)
Five stars by 247 and Scout, four stars by Rivals.
Cameron Rising, QB – 6-3, 195, 4.7 (California)
Four stars, Rivals top 50.
Jordon Austin, DB – 6-1, 180, 4.4 (Texas)
Four stars.
2018 Players to Watch
Jalen Hall, WR – 6-3, 185 (California)
High school teammate of 2017 WR target Joseph Lewis. OU receivers coach Dennis Simmons has been camping out at that school for three years now recruiting Lewis and Hall.
Anthony Cook, DB – 6-1, 170 (Houston)
Already visited on his own dime this spring. Secondary coach Kerry Cooks has offered Cook, and OU will be battling a host of other schools for his signature.
Trevor Trout, DT – 6-3, 295, 5.0 (St. Louis)
Friends with new OU verbal commitment Marquis Hayes.
Caden Sterns, DB – 6-1, 170, 4.5 (Cibolo Steele in Texas)
Visited Norman recently for the recruiting cookout. Brother Jordan plays at OSU.
TJ Pledger, RB – 5-9, 180, 4.4 (California)
Would be the perfect speed running back complement to Trey Sermon, Abdul Adams and Rodney Anderson. (Yes, there could be a powerful California contingent in 2018.)
CJ Moore, WR – 6-5, 175, 4.5 (Tulsa Union)
OU’s heavily involved; just waiting for some more film before extending an offer.
Alston Orji, LB – 6-2, 216, 4.55 (Texas)
Probably the top LB target in Texas. OU has offered, and he’s visited Norman at least once.
Max Wright, DE – 6-3, 230, 4.7 (Texas)
OU has had luck at Katy before with Rodney Anderson and Matt Dimon.
Jalen Preston, ATH – 6-3, 205, 4.5
WR or DB? It’s early right now.
-Atlantasooner