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Sooners Filling Needs in Key Spots October 21, 2001 by Mac Thompson Prep Sports & Recruiting Columnist
It's pretty obvious this season that the Sooners are in desperate need of depth on their offensive line. So it's no surprise that the coaching staff is working hard to bring in a crop of the nation's best at that position for next year's class.
As a matter-a-fact, the Sooners already have commitments from Jeff Lebby (6-5,280,5.1) of Andrews, Texas and Steve Taylor (6-7,320,5.3) of Purcell, Okla. Lebby is one of the top OL prospects in the state of Texas. According to Alliance Sports, Lebby is one of the nation's top line prospects and is a superb deep snapper. Taylor is a bit of a sleeper, but the OU coaches feel his upside is tremendous.
Expect the Sooners to sign at least five and up to seven offensive line prospects. The Sooners are in on some of the best linemen in the state of Texas and will most certainly land a few of them. Just a few of the other diamonds the Sooners are in on include Kyle Williams of Dallas, Tony Ugoh of Spring, Texas, Taylor Schuster of Sharyland, Texas, Justin Blalock of Texas and Ismail Simpson of Lawton, Okla.
Defensive line is definitely another area the Sooners need depth. Expect the Sooners to sign another four to six defensive line prospects. The most recent commitment to this class is defensive end prospect Michael Williams (6-5,230,4.6) of Lindale, Texas. Williams is another sleeper, although he was also heavily recruited by the Texas Longhorns. Again, the Sooners are in on some of the nation's best including: Brian Pickryl of Tulsa, Okla., Larry Dibbles of Lancaster, Texas, Rodrique Wright of Alief, Texas and Fred Matua of Wilmington, Calif.
With Nate Hybl, Hunter Wall, Jason White and Brent Rawls all on campus for at least another year, the Sooners should only sign one legitimate QB prospect. And they've already got an early commitment from one of the best in the state of Texas with Noah Allen of Pearland. He's a 6-3, 209 pound pro-style QB much in the same mold as White and Hybl. The Sooners also have another commitment from a high school QB Paul Thompson of Leander, Texas. Thompson is a 6-4, 195 pound pure athlete that can play almost any of the skilled positions. Judging from the history of this staff, Thompson will end up a DB at OU. He probably most closely resembles Andre Woolfolk on the current Sooner roster.
The last two current commitments the Sooners have are Wayne Chambers, a top linebacker prospect out of Missouri, and Michael Hawkins, a very talented defensive back prospect from Texas.
You can expect the Sooners to sign 20-23 players in the year's class. I think they'll sign six offensive linemen, five defensive linemen, one quarterback, three linebackers, four defensive back/wide receiver prospects, a tight end, a kicker and a few athletes that could end up anywhere on the field.
Well that's it for now. Keep checking back and we'll keep you advised on future Sooner verbals and eventual signees.
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