Oklahoma has officially wrapped up the early portion of the 2020 recruiting cycle with signing 21 commitments in the early signing period. According to the 247 composite rankings, the Sooners have the 10th ranked recruiting class in the country. We’ll take a look at some of the highlights on both sides of the ball, key wins, and losses, and a look at what is left for the late signing period in our Oklahoma Sooners national signing day recap.
Oklahoma Sooners National Signing Day Recap
Offensive Highlights
Bill Bedenbaugh tabbed five offensive linemen in what was the clear area of attack on the offensive side of the ball. This was highlighted by Nate Anderson who number 51 ranked player in the country and top offensive guard in the land. He was followed by in-state Andrew Raym as the second-ranked guard in the country from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Additionally, the Sooners went into Maryland and got two of the top 10 players in the state in Aaryn Parks and Anton Harrison.
Comparatively, the Sooners were able to bolster their skill positions in the state of Texas. First, Oklahoma signed four-star running back Seth McGowan out of Mesquite, Texas. He’s the 13th ranked running back in the country. The number four ranked tight end in the country, Jalin Conyers, from Gruver signed with Oklahoma. Finally, Oklahoma signed a couple of playmakers on the outside in Michael Henderson and Marvin Mims. Mims became the single-season yardage leader in Texas high school football history.
Huge Defensive Haul
The Sooners have made a drastic improvement in recruiting on defense. Alex Grinch and his new staff have done an excellent job this year as well. Oklahoma went after the Junior College ranks and came out successful. Perrion Winfrey and Josh Ellison the top-ranked defensive linemen in JUCO signed with Oklahoma. Additionally, Justin Harrington, the top-ranked safety in JUCO signed with the Sooners as well. All three will have an opportunity to contribute immediately.
Conversely, Oklahoma was able to get a pair of four-star cornerbacks in the high school ranks. A pair of top 30 defensive backs in the country are coming to Norman. Kendall Dennis, a 6-0 174 pound defensive back also brings the added dimension of an electric punt returner to the fold. Similarly, Oklahoma got a commitment from Josh Eaton late in the evening on NSD. At 6-2, Eaton possesses the size that Grinch is looking for.
Big Winner
Oklahoma’s defense got a lot better in this recruiting class. Grinch’s defense is much improved this season. However, depth has been an issue. With this class, Oklahoma has solidified that concern. Winfrey and Ellison should get considerable playing time upfront. Whereas, Harrington, Dennis, and Eaton will have every opportunity to push for some playing time in the secondary. Lastly, if Oklahoma loses CeeDee Lamb to the NFL, Mims could have an opportunity to provide some depth with a host of youngsters.
Big Miss
One of the biggest surprises in Oklahoma recruiting was the loss of Jase McClellan. McClellan had been a commitment of the Sooner since 2017. The alure of the Alabama brand as well as the concern of the depth at Oklahoma caused him to look elsewhere. He was the highest-ranked recruit in the 2020 class for Oklahoma. His defection to the SEC was one of the only disappointment in signing day for Lincoln Riley.
What’s Next
The Sooners still have a few targets remaining to complete the 2020 class. At this point, there’s not a lot of meat left on the bone. However, we break down four names to look out for before the next signing period in February.
Reggie Grimes
Most feel the Grimes situation is much like Jadon Haselwood’s in the 2019 class. Haselwood silently signed early but wanted to make his announcement later at his all-star game. The feeling is the same as Grimes. In fact, he tweeted out that he was not signing early but he’s 100% committed to the Sooners and his recruitment is over.
Chandler Morris
Morris is the son of former Arkansas head coach Chad Morris and current offensive coordinator at Auburn. All signs point to the younger Morris wanting to make his own way and not play for his father. The quarterback room of Spencer Rattler and Tanner Mordecai could make him second guess. But, he is a heavy Oklahoma lean and we would be surprised to see him announce elsewhere. He will announce at the Under Armor All-American Game.
Corey Wren
The late deflection of McClellan has caught the Sooners staff scrambling a bit. Wren is now Oklahoma’s top target at the running back position. Wren brings breakaway speed to the position that the Sooners just don’t have. Riley and the offensive staff are throwing everything they have at Wren as he is clear top offensive target remaining for Oklahoma. His social media is extremely positive for the Sooners right now. If Oklahoma can get the ex-Georgia commit in for an official visit the chances are good.
Alfred Collins
As big as the recruitment for Wren is, the push for Collins might be the biggest target regardless of the position that the Sooners are looking at. Collins has been a long-time Texas lean. However, coaching changes and lack of success in Austin has changed things a bit. Collins is a monster of a defensive end at 6-4 280 and overall is the third-ranked defensive end in the country. His mom is a Sooner alum and very much attempting to sway his son in that direction.
