Curtis Bolton – LB – 6’2” 215 – Murrieta, Ca – Vista Murrieta High School

Curtis is a fast linebacker. He works extremely hard and isn’t afraid of contact. He will mix it up with anyone. He’s got a mean streak and relies on his speed to make the sure tackles. He’s a little bit small for his size, but the OU strength and conditioning department will make sure that’s all taken care of. There’s a lot of of room for development, but Curtis is that guy that won’t give up and he will make the coaches happy they’ve recruited him.

What we expect: A redshirt season is coming. It will do Curtis a lot of good to watch and learn the first year, and add a few pounds to make sure he has the pad level and strength to take on full backs and interior offensive linemen. He’ll make it to the field. The question is, when?

OU Football Comparison: Lewis Baker

 

Jordan Thomas – DB – 6’1” 180 – Klein, Tx – Klein High School

Jordan Thomas is a rangy cornerback. He possesses the speed you want at corner. He is also a ball hawk. He thrives on making big plays and has the length to contest any throw. He won’t be pushed around in the red zone and will make every play tough for the defender. Defensive Coordinator Mike Stoops has raved about Jordan since day 1. It seems like Jordan was that diamond in the rough that the coaches wanted all along. Jordan isn’t a 5 star guy, but he has a great game.

What we expect: We expect Jordan to see some playing time. It would be likely he’d see time on the kickoff team and other special teams duties. A year to sit and watch Zack Sanchez and the other corners will do him good. However, there is an open spot at corner, so you never know. He’ll get some reps either way, we believe

OU Football Comparison: Lendy Holmes

 

Tito Windham – DB – 5’9” 174 – Gulfport, Ms – Harrison Central High School

Tito is undersized. There’s no way to put it. He’ll have to work really hard to be an every down corner. Where he lacks in size, he makes up for his football IQ. He has a knack for the ball and will throw his body around like he’s the biggest guy on the field. He can’t do anything about his height, except pray he gets bigger, but what he can do, is figure out a way to get on the field. Whatever it takes. He’s fast and he’s aggressive. Those are two things you can’t teach. 

What we expect: We expect Tito to redshirt. It wouldn’t surprise us if he ended up being a nickel corner and provide that extra body Mike Stoops defenses like. He can be that 5th moves to nickel, he’ll play later in his career. We don’t see him being out on an island every down, though. We love to be proven wrong in times like these.

OU Football Comparison: Marcus Trice (later transferred) defender in the 2nd level. 

 

Courtney Garnett – DL – 6’2” 285 – New Orleans, La – Saint Augustine High School

Mr. Garnett possesses everything you hope for in a defensive lineman. He’s big, strong, quick and aggressive. Courtney was highly recruited and it came down to signing day for OU Nation to breathe a sigh of relief when his letter of intent was faxed to OU. The one thing I’ve noticed about him is he’s always smiling. Every single picture I’ve seen of him has been with a big smile on his face. Courtney is extremely talented on the football field, but also seems to be of high character off the field. This reminds us of someone else who’s been here before. See below.

What we expect: We expect Courtney to play right away. He may not get the starting nod, but we feel he’ll be in the rotation from day 1 in Norman. Courtney will bolster the front 4 of OU’s defense in big ways in the next 3-4 years.

OU Football Comparison: Gerald McCoy 

 

Marcus Green – DB – 6’1” 180 – Cedar Hill, Tx – Cedar Hill High School

Marcus is an underrated defensive back. He loves the game of football and will do nothing but get better in his time in Norman. Earlier this week, LJ Moore decided to transfer, creating even more of a void at the 2nd corner position. We are unsure if he’ll stick with playing corner, or if he will go a hybrid route and line up at safety as well. Marcus had a great high school career in Cedar Hill and we can see his instincts making him a player at Oklahoma as well.

What we expect: Marcus will most likely redshirt. If anything, he will see some time in mop up duty or on special teams. He’s a tall defensive back player, so his size will make him a front-runner if he’s in a battle with another vying player. Marcus will end up playing significant time at OU.

OU Football Comparison: Desmond Jackson

 

Vontre McQuinnie – DB – 6’1” 204 – DeSoto, Tx – DeSoto High School

Vontre is big. He’s a huge corner, in fact. At 18 years old, he’s over 200 pounds and stands at least 6’1”. He’s already got the body. If his game comes around, he could play sooner than later. The one knock we’ve heard about him is he likes the big hit and has had times of difficulty wrapping up. This could be here say as we haven’t noticed it much on highlights. Bob Stoops said in his press conference that Vontre could be a key factor in defenses to come at OU. We kind of expect the same. 

What we expect: We expect Vontre to be a safety for the Sooners. There will be a hole in at least 1 position at safety this fall, and Vontre could very well make a name for himself sooner that we all expect. There’s been a lot of true freshman line up in OU’s secondary, especially during Mike Stoops’ days. 

OU Football Comparison: Nic Harris

 

Tay Evans – LB – 6’2” 200 – Allen, Tx – Allen High School

Tay Evans has been talked about a ton in Norman this year. We feel one of the main reasons is the program he’s from. Allen boasts one of, if not THE best high school stadium in the country. If anyone is ever near Allen, Tx, go by and see it. It’s quite impressive. Tay is undersized, but makes up for it with his speed. He’s got a nose for the ball and will get there in a hurry. He’ll need to add a few pounds before he’s ready to star at linebacker, but he’s got the tools and pedigree necessary to get the job done. He’s one of those rare finds. If he were 220 pounds, he’d have handpicked where he wanted to go. A big kudos goes to OU for offering Tay a scholarship. 

What we expect: Tay is one of those guys you want to root for and you want to see do well. He’s got the physical tools. Now we just want him to bulk up. Special teams is written all over Tay and maybe a few reps here and there on defense as well.

OU Football Comparison: Corey Nelson

 

Devante Bond – LB – 6’3” 240 – Roseville, Ca – Sierra College

The lone JUCO transfer is Davante Bond. Devante is a freak of nature size wise. If you get a chance, go check out his highlights on YouTube. I realize he’s been playing down competition wise, but he’s made the most of it. He’s dominated offenses. He’s sacked the QB, he’s picked off passes, he’s defended the run. There’s not much he hasn’t done in 2 years at Sierra College. He has elite speed and makes the tackles violently. Devante has one of the more impressive highlights I’ve seen in a long time.

What we expect: If Devante catches on to the scheme of the defense, he’ll play right away. Imagine Eric Striker at 240. That’s what we see. I expect Devante to play these last 2 years and be drafted in the NFL following. He’s that guy.

OU Football Comparison: Eric Striker (plus 30 pounds)

 

Dwayne Orso – DL – 6’6” 275 – DL – Birmingham, Al – Homewood High School

Dwayne was a late addition. He went unnoticed by local schools, such as Alabama and Auburn. Dwayne has a great frame. He needs to learn to use it better, and then find a spot he wants to play. Is it DE or DL? That’ll be the burning question in Norman. He’s not quite fast enough to rush the passer every time, but he’s not quite strong enough to play in the trenches yet. He’s a project and could end up being pretty good if he gets it. 

What we expect: We see a redshirt year for sure. He needs to get his body figured out and also figure out a spot to play on the defensive front. 

OU Football Comparison: Pryce Macon

Orlando Brown – OT – 6'8" 340 –  Duluth, Ga – Peachtree Ridge High School 

Orlando Brown is one of the most intriguing players Oklahoma signed in 2014. Brown was originally committed to Tennessee, but flipped on National Signing Day to join forces with the Sooners. Orlando's name might sound familiar. His dad played in the NFL for many seasons. Orlando Brown, Sr. played for the Ravens and Browns and was part of the Art Modell move from Cleveland to Baltimore. He was found dead in 2011 due to diabetic complications. His son, Orlando Jr, may end up being an NFL prospect as well. He's a fierce, intimidating presence (similar to Phil Loadholt). If looks could win championships, Orlando would have OU covered on the offensive line.

What we expect: We expect Brown to contribute to Oklahoma sooner than later. I can see a redshirt year, followed by a start in his redshirt freshman season. He's got a lot of work to do. He must work on his lateral footwork. He's too big and has too good of a pedigree not to figure in as a starter in his OU career.

OU Football Comparison: Phil Loadholt

 

​Michiah Quick – ATH – 6'0" 170 – Fresno, Ca – Central East High School

This was one of the crown jewels of the 2014 class, and I believe, this is in direct relation with the Sugar Bowl win. Quick was recruited by everyone OU had, including another recruit that we'll get to in a little bit. Quick is one of those guys you need on your side. He's fast, shifty, elusive and has a knack for scoring. He comes from the same area as current Sooners Hatari Byrd and L.J. Moore. That played a major role in getting Michiah as well. If you watch his highlights, it'll make you want September to be here even faster.

What we expect: We expect Michiah to play in his freshman year. This could be a special teams role or a WR role. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see him quickly take over for the absence of Jalen Saunders. He'll have to adjust to the speed of the defenders, but OU fans will remember Michiah Quick for a long time.

OU Football Comparison: Jalen Saunders

 

Joseph Paul – OL – 6'4" 325 – New Orleans, LA – St. Augustine High School

Again, another BIG body for Coach Bill Bedenbaugh to work with. Joseph is a tough, hard nosed, grind it out player, who is not afraid to take on a bull rush. Paul wasn't given but 2 stars on the heralded Rivals.com, but he was recruited by a lot of top programs in the country, including Florida State and Texas. Paul is known for his physicality, and not so much for his shiftiness. He's a power blocker and is good at what he does. He will be asked to do much more in OU's scheme, and we think he'll get it at some point.

What we expect: We expect Joseph to redshirt. He will need to learn a lot of things. He may be moved inside to guard at some point. I think the main thing is figuring out whether he can protect the QB, or keep the pocket pushed forward. Once his position is figured out, everyone will know more.

OU Football Comparison: Akim Millington

 

​Natrell Curtis – OL – 6'3" 325 – Phoenix, AZ – Mountain Pointe High School

Bill Benenbaugh continues to load up on massive offensive lineman. Natrell Curtis was another product of the Sugar Bowl win, in my opinion. Curtis is a load. He's just about everything you'd want in an offensive lineman. He's quick for his size. He gets off the ball and initiates contact with the defender. He is a great seal blocker and rarely allows a defender to get past him. He gets low during contact and has great fundamentals already. Really the only thing that could possibly keep off the field is the learning curve from high school to college.

What we expect: We expect Natrell to have a long playing career with Oklahoma. I can see him playing some this year. I can see him moving around the offensive line to plug in where needed. I expect Natrell to be a guard at Oklahoma, but he has the size to move to tackle if needed. If he's redshirted, it means the offensive is a lot better than we thought.

OU Football Comparison: Bronson Irwin

 

Dallis Todd – WR – 6'5" 210 – La Mirada, CA – La Mirada High School

Dallis Todd is a huge receiver. He's got one thing that's hard to find in a receiver. Soft hands and always bigger than the opponent he's up against. He runs a 4.5 40 yard dash. Combine that with his size and we have ourselves a man child if he develops. The major focus that Jay Norvell will keep his eye on is his development. Oklahoma runs a complex route running scheme, and quite frankly, some receivers never truly understand it. One that comes to mind is Jameel Owens. Owens had all the tools, but never truly broke through at Oklahoma before he quit football. Dallis will come in and work hard and hopefully see the field before his tenure at OU is over.

What we expect: Dallis Todd will have a chance to fit into the rotation early. We can see him in the red zone creating mismatches on the outside for the quick fade in the back of the end zone. I can't see Dallis a primary weapon, but we are open to being proven wrong. I can see a redshirt season for sure, followed by situational downs. I honesty think he can become that nightmare in the endzone for opponents.

OU Football Comparison: Quentin Chaney

 

Kenyon Frison – OL – 6'6" 285 – Salt Lake City, UT – Granger High School

This was a big deal for OU fans on signing day. OU fans were hoping Kenyon would choose Oklahoma over UCLA, among a few others. Frison is a freak, point blank. He blocks until the whistle blows every down. He will often times block defenders 15-20 yards off the ball. I read on a blog somewhere where Kenyon hasn't allowed a sack in 2 years at his high school. That's impressive. High expectations for Kenyon immediately at OU, which I don't think he will shy away from. He's got some filling out to do, but it won't take long. One thing OU is getting with Kenyon is his love for the game. Sooner Nation is excited to have Mr. Frison on campus.

What we expect: We expect Kenyon to compete for playing time right away in an OU uniform. He may not start, but I can't see him redshirting. He will have a chance to play every down. A lot of that has to do with the development of Derek Farniok, who is already on campus with playing time. There will be a big battle between Frison and whoever he's trying to unseat/replace. Frison will find his way on the field in 2014 for Oklahoma.

OU Football Comparison: Trent Williams

 

Mark Andrews – WR – 6'6" 220 – Scottsdale, AZ – Desert Mountain High School

Again, another huge wide receiver for Jay Norvell. Some think Mark will wind up at tight end at OU, which is very possible. He's got a nice frame already, but if he wants to, could bulk up and be a huge target in the middle of the field for Trevor Knight. I don't see a losing situation for Mark. The biggest question is whether he wants to line up at wide receiver, or if he wants to move to tight end. I think the coaches will figure it out pretty quick and put him where he wants to be. Mark possesses great hands and a great work ethic. He was rated the 25th overall prospect at wide receiver in the 2014 class.

What we expect: We expect a redshirt season for Mark. This is mainly due to where he'll end up playing. In my gut, I think he'll stay at WR, but you never really know. Either way, he could be exactly what we talked about with Dallis Todd; a nightmare in the red zone. There's not a corner in the country who could cover him 1 on 1 in the red zone. 

OU Football Comparison: Dejuan Miller (thicker version)

 

Jeffrey Mead – WR – 6'6" 190 – Tulsa, OK – Union High School

Jeffrey is tall and lanky. He had a very productive career at one of the most premiere high schools in all of the country, Union High School. Jeffrey is capable of going up for the ball at any given moment. Jeffrey has had games where he looks like Calvin Johnson, then games where he looks like a D2 player. Consistency is where he'll need to improve the most. Also, he needs to put on a little weight to go along with his tall frame. Potential is through the roof, but it'll take a lot of work and coaching. Mead is just another example of the huge receivers Jay Norvell coveted in this recruiting class.

What we expect: I can't see a reason in the world Jeffrey doesn't redshirt. He's the classic example of what a redshirt year can do. He can bulk up, he can work on his routes, and he can learn from an already established receiver core. I can see him playing in his career, but it won't be in 2014.

OU Football Comparison: Adron Tennell

 

​Carson Meier – TE – 6'6" 235 – Tulsa, OK – Union High School

Carson Meier is a tall target, with great hands. He took some shots during his senior season and is not afraid of contact. He's a hair on the light side for a starting Tight End at a major D1 University at only 235 pounds. With the correct eating habits and workout regime, he'll bulk up in a hurry. Carson will have to adjust to the physical style of high level football. Often times, Carson would line up in the slot and be a pass catcher only. At OU he'll have to learn how to play with his hands in the dirt more. He's a very smart kid and will learn whatever he needs to. Carson is a great all around kid.

What we expect: Carson will red shirt. It's almost a guarantee on our end. Blake Bell has said he will move to Tight End, and for him to do that, you almost have to assume with his experience on the field, he'll start. Carson will have a veteran to watch and learn from. He could see some significant playing time, but not in 2014.

OU Player Comparison: Brody Eldridge

 

Samaje Perine – RB – 5'11" 238 – Pflugerville, TX – Hendrickson High School

The one word to describe Samaje: physical. Samaje is the classic example of north/south runner. There will never be a wasted step in Samaje's carrying of the ball. He will initiate contact and will win the extra yard battle. Samaje is one of the more physical backs I can ever remember OU recruiting. He's not shifty, he's not nimble. He runs with a purpose and will make sure you know who just carried the ball. He possesses the physical side of Adrian Peterson, without the blazing speed or sick spin moves. He hits the hole and he will run hard. He could wind up a fan favorite in Norman based on his style of play alone.

What we expect: Perine will play. I'm not sure when. He could be used for a short yardage situation in 2014, but with Keith Ford and Alex Ross already on campus, and another recruit we'll talk about in a few minutes, it may be in Samaje's and the coaching staff's best interest to red shirt in 2014. He's got the physical tools. Now it's just about learning how not to take a beating every time he touches the ball.

OU Player Comparison: Donta Hickson

 

Jonathan Alvarez – OL – 6'3" 301 – Mesquite, TX – Horn High School

No one was happier than Jonathan's family after the Sooners made their offer official to him. Jonathan is said to be a great kid and was beyond excited to receive his offer from the Sooners. Where he'll play, when he'll play, and how he'll play is yet to be determined. I can easily see Jonathan being an inside guy at guard. He's got a long road to go become elite, but his willingness to come in and work should work in his favor. He's not one of the heralded signings the Sooners inked, but he's one that truly wants to be wearing the Crimson and Cream. 

What we expect: Learning curve is going to be key for Jonathan. Will the game come to him, will it be too fast, or will he simply be depth that every major D1 school needs? That's all yet to be determined. I think a red shirt season is a must, where he can get reps on the practice squad and figure out what position he'll be the best fit at. Jonathan is one of those guys every school needs. A willingness to do whatever.

OU Player Comparison: John Flynn

 

Alex Dalton – OL – 6'4" 280 – Troy, OH – Troy High School

Alex was a guy Bill Bedenbaugh chased throughout the recruiting process. Alex possesses excellent athleticism. He moves like a running back on the offensive line. He's not constricted like a lot of lineman. He possesses quickness and a knack for getting off the ball in a hurry. I think Alex will have to fill out a little bit before he hits the line full force, but he's a guy we think can eventually get there and make a serious impact. What Alex brings is a quick, elusive style lineman, compared to big, constricted at times, lineman OU has added to this class. It'll be interesting to see where he fits. Center isn't out of the question in my opinion.

What we expect: I may be way off my rocker, but I think Dalton could actually see playing time in 2014. With a little added strength and muscle to his already impressive frame, I can see him taking meaningful snaps in 2014. Where and when is totally unknown, but I just have a hunch he could be a pretty good player for OU.

OU Player Comparison: Vince Carter

 

Dimitri Flowers – FB – 6'3" 219 – San Antonio, TX – Churchill High School

In comes Dimitri Flowers. All he's hearing is how he's the next Trey Millard. If the people saying this are correct, we have ourselves a steal in the 2014 class. Dimitri will be a fullback, but I can see him even being an H-Back and Tight End. He possesses all the traits you'd want in a "football player". Good speed, good hands, good football IQ and a good high school coach. Flowers wasn't highly recruited out of high school, but the OU coaches saw something they really liked, and most of the people in Sooner Land would agree. He's one of, if not the, most intriguing prospect Stoops and company brought in.

What we expect: I fully expect Flowers to play right away. If nothing else, I can see him playing special teams and figuring out where he'll spend most of his snaps during his career at OU. I see him being an every down fullback in time, but maybe not in week 1 this season. That being said, I have a hunch people will remember Dimitri Flowers' name for a long, long time. 

OU Player Comparison: JD Runnels

 

Isaac Ijalana – TE – 6'5" 250 – Mount Holly, NJ – Pierce College

Isaac is a hard working football player. He's got a brother that plays for the New York Jets. He's got a good pedigree. Isaac has a long road ahead. He's got a chance to develop into a solid player, but won't have as much time as others as he only has 2 years of eligibility left. He could contribute right away on special teams, but with Blake Bell set to play TE, as it would seem, Isaac will have to really work hard to see the field. He provides great size and a great work ethic, so only time will tell.

What we expect: I think Isaac will be a special teams player at OU with some snaps in the future. I don't see him being an all Big 12 type player, but I can see him being fairly solid when his name is called. If he can master blocking schemes, he could see the field a lot more than we all think.

OU Player Comparison: Lance Donley

 

​Justice Hansen – QB – 6'4" 215 – Edmond, OK – Santa Fe High School

Justice Hansen is a guy that every fan in Sooner Nation has their eyes on. He's a local product, good size, good accuracy and a quiet kid. Sound familiar? I'm not comparing Justice to Sam or Jason just yet, but he possesses all the tools they had coming out of high school. Tremendous athlete, quicker than the eye makes it seem, and a gamer. Justice was involved in the state playoffs every year he played at Santa Fe. His senior season was cut short due to an ankle injury suffered midway through the season. He won't play right away, especially with the way Trevor Knight played in the Sugar Bowl, but I think it's a matter of time before we see Justice take the field by storm in Norman.

What we expect: Redshirt in 2014. He will learn and practice and be right where he needs to be when his name is called. Justice has a lot of room to fill out in his frame, but is already pretty good size for a college quarterback. I will predict Justice will start for Oklahoma in 2016.

OU Player Comparison: Sam Bradford

 

Joe Mixon – RB – 6'2" 210 – Oakley, CA – Freedom High School

And we arrive at the prized possession for the 2014 OU signing class. Joe Mixon. Some say Adrian Peterson, some say Demarco Murray, some say a complete bust. Only time will tell for Joe, but you can't deny his skills. He was the MVP of the Army All American game, as was AD. He's fast. He's shifty. He's elusive. He has great hands. He has everything you want in a running back and then some. He will make you miss, make you fall down and run you over. There's not much Joe can't do. He's the number 1 rated running back in the class of 2014 as said by Rivals.com. Most of Sooner Nation is on the edge of their seats awaiting his debut.

What we expect: He'll play right away. I don't see him being the 90% carry guy, but I can see him splitting the carries with Keith Ford. By the end of his freshman year, he will be getting the bulk of the carries. He'll also split out wide and play some receiver, I'd imagine. This is truly one of the best players OU has recruited since, well, Demarco Murray, I'd say.

OU Player Comparison: Demarco Murray