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Texas Recruiting Notes 2021

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1 in coaches were made aware late last night 

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SydneyCarton

SydneyCarton 49477

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1 hour ago, Ricky's one-hitter said:

This is the most interesting component of the prokick model. They must have some sort of rankings internally of their own guys. They must also have a tiered ranking of football schools and try to match their guys to a tier. But where are the kids interests? Really fascinating, imo. 

This crossed my mind too. Since you have to think it’s primarily about a free degree, I’m guessing their main ratings would be quality of a degree, location, conference visibility and bonus points for having prokick alum drafted or playing in the nfl. 

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TommyGufano

TommyGufano 6023

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7 minutes ago, Dbeasy said:

So what was Pearson’s ranking among his peers there?

Tried to give this a quick look and here's best I could come up with:

https://www.prokicker.com/player/isaac-pearson

Profile says he's a 5* Punter (it also says he's class of 2020?)

But when I go to 2020 punter rankings, he isn't listed (same goes when checking 2021):

https://www.prokicker.com/rankings/graduating/punters

There are 8 kids from 2020 who also have a 5* ranking, but it would seem the list isn't comprehensive, so I don't know how many others might be excluded from the list.

Here's the site's description for a 5*:

5-star Player: projected as one of the top college prospects (Top 25) in the country. This player has superior athletic skills and will rank high or compete for top honors at any camp or showcase they attend. They have demonstrated the capability to immediately compete for a starting position in college as well as make an early impact in their team’s success. This elite level high school player should be on the “radar” of college coaches as a full scholarship candidate or a preferred walk-on candidate (at the very least).

So in summary, I don't know.

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satyanash

satyanash 15590

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(Eric Nahlin) Humidor: Team scheme, getting pressure on the QB, leveraging UT’s might toward NIL

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TEAM

It was nice to log on yesterday and see not one, but two posts regarding football personnel and scheme. The ”new normal,” a very obnoxious term, is simply restoring the old normal. Even the 100-day season countdown started on time just like last year. The season isn’t too far away. For Texas coaches, they might even think it’s too soon given the staff overhaul, lack of live practices, and self-reliant strength and conditioning. Those last two factors put Texas in the same boat as everyone else, but the first one is going to be a big question until we see the product on the field. With those two Thursday posts playing muse, we asked sources questions relevant to them.

Q: How does Texas get pressure on the QB in 2020?

A: This is an attack and react front, last year was a read and react front. The D-line will get upfield and get pressure on the quarterback rather than reading then attacking. The three-down, odd front was a lateral defensive scheme, it wasn’t vertical like this one will be. They feel they have guys who can win individual battles across the board.

Q: How does Texas marry coverage to pressure?

A: They’re going to play a lot of hard zone rather than the soft zone of last year. Corners will be pressing, they’ll be showing man but often it’s disguised. The goal is by the time the D-lineman get to the quarterback, he won’t have time to throw. They’re not going to be giving up slants and hitches anymore, you’re going to have to beat them over the top.

Q: Funny you say that, because that’s my next question. How do the safeties keep from getting beat deep?

A: The secondary calls will be multiple. Safeties will play high, some cover-2. They’ll have three deep matched to blitzes. In many cases, the more aggressive the blitz, the more conservative the safeties will be. That’s a big difference from last year. The safeties will do a little bit of everything, though. They know they have good options to work with.

Q: You walked me into another question. What do you do with BJ Foster? Based on what you know of him and this scheme what’s his best fit?

A: I don’t know for sure, we have to see how he comes back from his shoulder injury. How does he look? He’s played nickel mostly but I’m not sure what exactly they’ll do with him. He’ll probably compete with Chris Brown at boundary but I’d put him at Spur because he’ll play the run real well and that’s a must at that position. He has good eyes in zone in coverage too. He plays fast and he’s physical. Spur is the best fit but they love Chris Adimora and are working Anthony Cook there as well.

Q: It’s hard to imagine Foster not being in the starting 11.

A: It is. Who knows how it will work out? They have a lot of options. Same problem as last year, it’s just more muddied because Chris Brown played really well in spots and Adimora came on. They love all these guys. It could come down to Brown versus Foster in coverage. It isn’t a strength of either. Who does it the best?

Q: How do you maximize Keondre Coburn?

A: You maximize him by taking advantage of his individual play. Have a plan for setting up others based off his individual success. He’s going to be disruptive at 1-tech, 2-tech, wherever he lines up inside. He gets a lot of push back, he never gets blown off the ball. In short down yardage he’s a stud. He sets others up for success a lot of the time. Screen plays, he’s running sideline to sideline from 1-tech. Coaches love him. So knowing what he gives you, you maximize him by maximizing others based off his play.

Q: Joseph Ossai?

A: Similar. Ossai, he’s just going to ball wherever you put him. They’ll move him around some but you don’t want to get too cute. That was the problem last year. At D-end, he’ll be featured on stunts and blitzes. All the D-ends will be featured like that but he might make the most noise. They like him 1-on-1 versus offensive tackles I can tell you that.

Q: What will be missed the most by not being on the field for practice.

A: Not having spring ball messed up a lot of things. Being able to put it all together, to take what was learned in the film room and put it to action. They weren’t able to get a true feel for the coaching in practice. Coaches weren’t able to see what people could do, and what info they were retaining at real speeds. You would have liked to get an idea for what your best 11 on the field looked like, both in personnel and how much you could put on their plate scheme-wise. They weren’t able to see who truly wants to earn a spot. They weren’t able to get in football shape. They’ve been working the best they can but it’s not the same. It’s entirely different in pads.

Q: Everybody is in the same boat on that stuff, but I think UT could be hit particularly hard on some of the fundamental things, like tackling.

A: That’s another one, they couldn’t work on tackling like they wanted. They would “teach” it but it’s something you have to practice full speed. They worked on it some before the virus but it’s not the same without going all out. Coaches definitely drilled the step by step principles as much as they could.

Q: What lies ahead?

A: Voluntary workouts begin on the 8th. Players will be met with weight room testing and body composition — that’s a test of a whole other sort. Who stayed lean or retained good weight? Who worked to keep their strength up? There will be coronavirus testing too, of course. They’re going to move the weight room outside.

Q: Venice Beach style.

A: Suns out, guns out.

NIL and TEXAS ATHLETICS

When the NCAA formally decided college athletes could benefit financially from their likeness, the game changed. At least for those who are marketable. Even though it’s not set to begin until January 2021, and the rules and structure have yet to be formally determined, Texas AD Chris Del Conte has had a plan. “CDC has had a plan for this the moment California started talking about it. Even before it was passed. Texas will blow everyone out of water,“ a source said.

While it’s unknown just how far and deep these new rules will entrench itself in college football, it’s already being used as a recruiting tool on the Forty Acres. Brand-building is the buzzword and companies are already planning market strategies. Your NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) value is contingent on numerous factors. But the education, technology, and platform the universities can use will be incredibly influential and beneficial to future collegiate athletes. The bigger the university, the bigger the profile, the greater the reach.

This is a big benefit for a school like Texas. Recruits, starting with this 2021 class, will begin asking the question: What are you doing to maximize and ultimately monetize my NIL at your program? The platform the University of Texas can provide has limitless possibilities. CDC is fully aware and prepared to weaponize. Another noteworthy tidbit is that the student-athlete will be able to sign with an agent. While I’m told coaches aren’t fond of 18-year olds with marketing agents, it may become a necessary evil.

“It’s like opening Pandora’s Box. How do you limit what a kid can make? What if a kid is at a Nike school and he is signed by Adidas? Who makes sure the kids are paying taxes on this money being made? Are photo shoots now more important than class? What type of dynamic does this create in the locker room?”

Obstacles still remain. But we’re beginning to see the birth of its impact. “Basically, the biggest obstacle will be the compliance aspect. How do you determine who gets what amount? And the rule states you can’t use the university or any logos in whatever you’re doing. That’ll be hard to police.” It remains to be seen how much this will ultimately be used for the Longhorns, and just how widespread it will be, just know there are people in place prepared for every step to ensure Texas is at the forefront.

 

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Ricky's one-hitter

Ricky's one-hitter 9622

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1 minute ago, satyanash said:

Idiots tweeting "stick to recruiting" to BC... 🤦‍♂️ what a great look

 

He's doing well with it. 

Cynical as fuck, but this is a perfect opportunity for him to flex and he's taking it. So is Valai, so is Hand. Idk that there will be measurable impact, but I'm sure it ingratiates him with recruits more than a bit.

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Elmer_Fudd

Elmer_Fudd 22989

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11 commits, if we are taking a full class that leaves 14 more.  How are we thinking it'll be broken down?

2 CB's, 2 Safety's, 1 RB, 1-2 LB.  Seems like the staff is intent on taking another TE.  That's potentially 7-8 with OL, DL, and WR still left.  2 more WR?  At least 3 OL. 2-3 more DL?

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RGBIII

RGBIII 23014

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5 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

11 commits, if we are taking a full class that leaves 14 more.  How are we thinking it'll be broken down?

2 CB's, 2 Safety's, 1 RB, 1-2 LB.  Seems like the staff is intent on taking another TE.  That's potentially 7-8 with OL, DL, and WR still left.  2 more WR?  At least 3 OL. 2-3 more DL?

Wouldnt shock me if they only took 1 corner with Barron now counting for 21

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Ricky's one-hitter

Ricky's one-hitter 9622

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9 minutes ago, Elmer_Fudd said:

11 commits, if we are taking a full class that leaves 14 more.  How are we thinking it'll be broken down?

2 CB's, 2 Safety's, 1 RB, 1-2 LB.  Seems like the staff is intent on taking another TE.  That's potentially 7-8 with OL, DL, and WR still left.  2 more WR?  At least 3 OL. 2-3 more DL?

Maybe 1 corner. They appear to be in good position for 3 2022s (Austin Jordan, Guilbeau, Denver Harris), and as long as we have the 2020 season we expect to have, they should be fine taking 1 this class. 

2 safeties, 1 RB, but maybe just the one in the boat if they whiff on Wheaton and Johnson

Depends what you call a linebacker, but Andrew Jones, Jaylen Williams, and Cooks should be the targets for 2 spots.

Juan isn't a TE. If they want one, they'll need to find one. 

4 more OL and 1 more WR OR 3 & 2, and 3 DL. 

If you don't take another TE, that's 14. If you take another TE, where do you drop one? Maybe safety, though the case could be made for OL if you do land the Brocks. If not, they have to take 4 more. 

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ShaggyBevo RIP

ShaggyBevo RIP 3873

Posted
Posted (edited)
6 hours ago, Hiphopopotamos said:

How many american kids grow up and want to be punters?  Australian rules kids are kicking the ball from the time they can walk.

This. If every American kid grew up practicing, and playing, with highly aimed punting while running since elementary school the Aussies wouldn't standout the same. The Aussies are going, 'Wait what the guys trying to hit me start the play from 20-25' away? Sign me up.'

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RGBIII

RGBIII 23014

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Just now, Ricky's one-hitter said:

Maybe 1 corner. They appear to be in good position for 3 2022s (Austin Jordan, Guilbeau, Denver Harris), and as long as we have the 2020 season we expect to have, they should be fine taking 1 this class. 

2 safeties, 1 RB, but maybe just the one in the boat if they whiff on Wheaton and Johnson

Depends what you call a linebacker, but Andrew Jones, Jaylen Williams, and Cooks should be the targets for 2 spots.

Juan isn't a TE. If they want one, they'll need to find one. 

4 more OL and 1 more WR OR 3 & 2, and 3 DL. 

If you don't take another TE, that's 14. If you take another TE, where do you drop one? Maybe safety, though the case could be made for OL if you do land the Brocks. If not, they have to take 4 more. 

You think Juan is a DE? Dudes hands are fantastic, figured he could be in the Wiley mold 

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golfclap

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we only took 19 in 2020 so there is plenty of room to count back via EEs. From what it looks like to me, I think it'll be a full class +2/3. I could see 28 given the right combination of guys along with the large JR class and NFL/transfer numbers. 

 

I think Ash and Yurcich will have to go to hand-to-hand combat to see who gets Davis. I fully expect him to end up rushing the passer -- and his NFL future certainly would be bright there... 

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satyanash

satyanash 15590

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(Mike Roach) The Roundup: Recapping another week in Texas recruiting

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This week was slower on the recruiting trail, but the Longhorns made several offers to in-state prospects and made the cut for three of their top targets. We've got you covered in this edition of The Roundup.

New Offers

Jonathan Jones, DL, McKinney

Bio: Texas moved on Jones after evaluating for a while. The 2021 defensive end is on the rise as schools like Baylor, Boise State, Colorado, Georgia Tech, Nebraska, Missouri and Virginia Tech are all schools in the running. At 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, Jones is ranked as the No. 50 strong-side defensive end and No. 115 overall prospect in Texas, according to 247Sports Composite.

Film: Jones shows a strong frame with good length and room to add more weight. Jones shows a quick first step with the ability to play with low pad level and shed blocks. Jones shows strong lateral ability and good pursuit to the ball. He’s strong against the run and stands up well to run blocking. Jones shows active hands at the line of scrimmage and a good motor in pursuit.

Ikechukwu Iwunnah, DL, Garland Lakeview Centennial

Bio: Iwunnah was probably destined to gain traction once schools got by in the spring, but the coronavirus shutdown robbed him of that opportunity. A three-star defensive tackle, Iwunnah holds offers from Baylor, Colorado, Kansas, Boston College, Boise State, Missouri and Washington State. A track and field athlete, Iwunnah competes in the discus, shotput and triple jump. At 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, Iwunnah is ranked as the No. 51 defensive tackle in the nation and No. 131 overall prospect in Texas, according to 247Sports Composite.

Film: Iwunnah has a massive frame with good length and a thick, muscular build. He’s raw from a technical standpoint but shows good straight line speed and strong skill in the bull rush. Iwunnah uses his length well and plays with a great motor up front. He does a good job playing with leverage for his size but could improve his consistency there. Iwunnah is still growing as player but has some strong tools to build with.

JJ Henry, WR, McKinney North

Bio: Henry has been one of the fastest-rising prospects in the state this spring. Henry holds offers from Colorado, Florida State, Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU and Arkansas. Henry has been a productive player at the high school level with 1,419 yards and 16 touchdowns on 71 receptions. At 5-foot-10, 155 pounds, Henry is ranked as the No. 152 wide receiver in the nation and No. 159 overall prospect in Texas, according to 247Sports Composite.

Film: An exceptional route-runner, Henry creates separation through precise footwork and elite level quickness. Henry shows the ability to push defenses vertically and make plays with the ball after the catch. Henry lines up both in the slot and on the outside, but he likely projects to the slot at the next level. Henry shows natural pass-catching ability and he plays with great confidence.

David Abiara, DE, Mansfield Legacy

Bio: Abiara committed to Notre Dame back in March over offers from Oklahoma, Alabama, Baylor, LSU, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and Wisconsin. Despite being committed to Notre Dame, Oklahoma leads the 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions. At 6-foot-4, 248 pounds, Abiara is ranked as the No. 22 strong-side defensive end in the nation and No. 49 overall prospect in Texas, according to 247Sports Composite.

Film: Abiara has a huge frame and he shows a strong first step. He does a great job using his hands and arm length to shed blockers and penetrate. Abiara shows three-down ablility to play the run and rush the passer. His future growth could push him inside to tackle, but he’s capable of playing several different positions.

Andre Greene Jr., WR, Richmond (VA) St. Christopher’s School (2022)

Bio: Greene is off to a strong start in his recruitment with nearly 30 offers from the likes of Auburn, Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State and Tennessee. At 6-foot-3, 180 pounds, Greene is not currently ranked.

Film: Greene has a big frame with great length and room to add weight. He shows strong ball skills and vertical ability to win in the air. Greene shows natural pass catching ability and a knack for making spectacular catches.

Top Schools

James Brockermeyer, OL, Fort Worth All Saints Episcopal

Brockermeyer cut his list to four with Texas joining Alabama, Auburn and LSU. Brockermeyer told Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports that a summer decision could be in store though nothing was decided. Texas and Alabama seem to be running in the lead in this race, and the Longhorns hold a slight lead on the 247Sports Crystal Ball.

Teddy Knox, WR, The Woodlands

Knox cut his list to seven with the Longhorns included along with Alabama, Louisville, Tennessee, Baylor, Georgia and Mississippi State. Sources tell Horns247 that Texas and Mississippi State are the main contenders with the Bulldogs holding the edge right now. The 247Sports Crystal Ball reflects that feeling as well with 100% of picks on the SEC West program. Knox is expected to make a decision in June.

Terrence Cooks, LB, Shadow Creek

Cooks cut his list to 12 with Texas landing in the mix along with USC, Stanford, Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Washington, Oregon, Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Oklahoma and Georgia. Texas holds the 247Sports Crystal Ball lead with 100% of predictions on the Longhorns, and Cooks speaks highly of Texas behind the scenes. Oklahoma and Texas A&M appear to be the main competition while Stanford is a team to watch as a darkhorse.

 

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satyanash

satyanash 15590

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(Rivals) Fact or Fiction: James Brockermeyer will end up someplace aside from Texas

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Farrell’s take: FICTION. James Brockermeyer, often referred to as Tommy’s twin brother because of his brother’s five-star status, came out with a top four of Alabama, Auburn, Texas and LSU. But let’s be real. He’s going to Texas with his brother. There are too many family ties there and the only thing that could derail this would be a coaching change which is unlikely. The others have done a nice job of impressing James and the family but this is still a Texas lean.

Gorney’s take: FACT. The idea that the Brockermeyer Bros. are a lock to Texas is old thinking as the word is Alabama could have the edge for them both - and it’s tough to beat the Crimson Tide in recruiting. Auburn and LSU are probably long shots at this point, so this is shaping up to be a Texas/Alabama battle. The Longhorns have a lot going for them, there are lots of connections to the program and they’re in-state kids, but betting against Nick Saban in recruiting is usually a fool’s game. There is a good chance the Brockermeyers go to Texas. But with Alabama lurking, I’m not so confident.

 

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SydneyCarton

SydneyCarton 49477

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1 hour ago, RGBIII said:

You think Juan is a DE? Dudes hands are fantastic, figured he could be in the Wiley mold 

 

1 hour ago, Ricky's one-hitter said:

The staff doesn't think he's a TE. He's probably best as an h-back, but I have no idea how Yurch would use him.

I see this a lot but I’m it sure the staff sees him as DE. When the committed and everyone was going “who the fuck is this guy” the talk coming from the staff as all about his flypaper hands. I think he might be a TE after all. 

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Viper

Viper 12219

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11 minutes ago, RGBIII said:

IT has seemed really butt hurt lately, gotta think one of their sources was let go in the firing wave..my money is on Wareheim

Maybe but that exact criticism was put forth on here a week or two ago. 

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Neonmoon

Neonmoon 38130

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I’m going to believe this conspiracy theory as it fits. Herman bemoaned the Herculean task of being a HC and calling plays at the same time. It was just too much for him. HCs do it all the time. Riley, Fat Pat, Payton, McVay, etc. The fact that Herman won’t do it shows you he believes it’s beneath him as the HC. Instead of the “I will do anything to win” attitude, he thinks it’s not his responsibility. Just like recruiting, it’s not his responsibility to recruit. That’s the coaches jobs. So we all suffer because the narcissist cunt thinks he’s above it. 

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satyanash

satyanash 15590

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52 minutes ago, RGBIII said:

IT has seemed really butt hurt lately, gotta think one of their sources was let go in the firing wave..my money is on Wareheim

They're probably referencing the Clayton Smith recruitment. blOU got Smith because Riley was personally recruiting him, and they knocked it out of the park on his virtual visit (with Riley wearing a Cowboys jersey, no less). I don't really know who else Riley has personally recruited during his time at blOU, though.

Meanwhile, Herman's big personal recruiting projects were Broughton in 2019, Leal in 2018, and Chaisson in 2017. One success and two failures.

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texifornia

texifornia 59012

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4 minutes ago, satyanash said:

They're probably referencing the Clayton Smith recruitment. blOU got Smith because Riley was personally recruiting him, and they knocked it out of the park on his virtual visit (with Riley wearing a Cowboys jersey, no less). I don't really know who else Riley has personally recruited during his time at blOU, though.

Meanwhile, Herman's big personal recruiting projects were Broughton in 2019, Leal in 2018, and Chaisson in 2017. One success and two failures.

Lincoln is young and engaging and Dabo is a huge goober but he can just put his national title trophies behind him and pull the "all this and I still spent time with YOU" card. Herman's just got "well I think it's going to be a good year!"

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SydneyCarton

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1 minute ago, texifornia said:

Lincoln is young and engaging and Dabo is a huge goober but he can just put his national title trophies behind him and pull the "all this and I still spent time with YOU" card. Herman's just got "well I think it's going to be a good year!"

That’s not a fair excuse. Let’s not pretend Herman isnt one of the youngest D1 head coaches. So him not being engaging is on him. Youth doesn’t have shit to do with it. 

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texifornia

texifornia 59012

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Just now, SydneyCarton said:

That’s not a fair excuse. Let’s not pretend Herman isnt one of the youngest D1 head coaches. So him not being engaging is on him. Youth doesn’t have shit to do with it. 

Yeah, I didn't phrase that well. I meant Riley's got more natural charisma and generally seems like he doesn't try so hard to be cool, it just comes naturally, while Herman doesn't have enough skins on the wall to combat that like Dabo can. He's in an awkward middle ground where being heavily involved doesn't do as much good as it does for those two.

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Laga4

Laga4 1270

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4 minutes ago, texifornia said:

Yeah, I didn't phrase that well. I meant Riley's got more natural charisma and generally seems like he doesn't try so hard to be cool, it just comes naturally, while Herman doesn't have enough skins on the wall to combat that like Dabo can. He's in an awkward middle ground where being heavily involved doesn't do as much good as it does for those two.

And that's being generous.  

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Elmer_Fudd

Elmer_Fudd 22989

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21 minutes ago, satyanash said:

(with Riley wearing a Cowboys jersey, no less). I don't really know who else Riley has personally recruited during his time at blOU, though.

Riley wearing the Cowboys jersey was a different kid.  Think it was that DE Gilliam.

Pretty sure Riley was heavily involved with Collins last class.

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LTtxfan

LTtxfan 49994

Posted
Posted (edited)
1 hour ago, satyanash said:

They're probably referencing the Clayton Smith recruitment. blOU got Smith because Riley was personally recruiting him, and they knocked it out of the park on his virtual visit (with Riley wearing a Cowboys jersey, no less). I don't really know who else Riley has personally recruited during his time at blOU, though.

Meanwhile, Herman's big personal recruiting projects were Broughton in 2019, Leal in 2018, and Chaisson in 2017. One success and two failures.

 

Blinkin' been "Kickin' Tommy Boy's Ass"  doing a better recruiting job with virtual tours...

https://www.si.com/college/oklahoma/football/virtual-reality-lincoln-riley-oklahoma-sooners-embrace-what-we-can-do-to-land-recruits-in-covid-19

Virtual Reality: Lincoln Riley, Sooners, 'Embrace What We Can Do' to Land Recruits in COVID-19

John. E. Hoover       May 17, 2020

Anyone who has visited a college campus online knows the concept of making a “virtual visit” can be like taking a trip to the dentist.  Not anymore, apparently.  In the COVID-19 era, college football prospects are taking virtual visits instead of the real thing, and by all accounts, it’s been an enjoyable experience.

At Oklahoma, the experience so far has produced strictly positive results.  The Sooners have now landed three verbal commitments from players who haven’t really been to campus on official or unofficial visits.

“We’ve got a really good, creative staff,” OU coach Lincoln Riley said said on a Zoom call with media last week. “We’ve tried not to look at what can we not do, we’ve tried to embrace what we can do.”

Florida linebacker Danny Stutsman, Florida wide receiver Mario Williams and Texas linebacker Clayton Smith have all pledged to OU in the last two weeks after virtual visits. Of those three, only Smith (last July) has unofficially visited the OU campus, though Stutsman told The Oklahoman he and his dad drove through campus last winter but didn’t meet with the coaches.

Stutsman told the newspaper that his family is into muscle cars, and during his virtual visit, Lincoln Riley was pictured on Owen Field with several muscle cars.

“Really what stuck out from Oklahoma was that it was much more personalized,” Stutsman said. “You could actually tell that they made the videos just for me and it wasn't one that they just made for the whole class of 2021.”

“Quite frankly, the way the whole recruiting process went (with OU) was just a whole other level compared to all the rest of the schools,” Stutsman told the Orlando Sentinel. “You could really tell I was a player of high interest and definitely a player they wanted, and that’s really what stood out to me.”

Basically, Riley has taken a huge negative and turned it into a positive.

 "It's been fun. It has,” Riley said. “I enjoy the new challenges of it. I think our staff does. We’ve embraced the positives in it and there definitely have been some positives. Every college coach in the country has had more time to recruit the last couple months than they’ve probably ever had in their lives. You’ve been able to connect with a lot of players even though it hasn’t been in person. I could argue you could maybe connect with players more than you connected before just because of the amount of time, not only for you, but it’s just so rare these guys aren’t in school from 7:30 to 3:30, then practicing. Everybody’s home virtually all the time. So there’s really not a time that you can’t connect. So it’s been good.

“It’s been fun to get to know them on that level. You certainly hate to not have some in-person things, but there’s been some advantages, too. So, I’m proud of the way our staff’s handled it and excited about the direction it’s going.”

The NCAA last week extended its moratorium on in-person recruiting to June 30. So the virtual visits will continue. To judge by the results so far, that’s an advantage for Oklahoma — and recruiters at other schools are playing catch-up.

“Our whole staff’s been involved in it. We’ve worked hard on it, and I thought it’s gone good,” Riley said. “There’s a lot competitively within that right now that, I don’t want to get too in-depth for those reasons. But it’s been fun to connect that way.  That’s what the rules are right now. I know they extended it to June 30th. I think we all believe that there’s a virtual certainty it’s gonna be extended beyond that, and so this is what we have to get used to right now.”

 

Edited by LTtxfan
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