Podcast episode 45 of Sooners Illustrated | Signing Day recap + Can you guess which newcomers will make an instant impact?
Now that the early Signing Day has officially passed, let’s wrap it all up with the Sooners Illustrated Podcast.
With all 27 players signing on Wednesday, Oklahoma’s 2024 signing class is examined and broken down by host Josh Callaway and lead recruiting analyst Collin Kennedy.
Kennedy remarked, “I think the group from last year had more flash because of Jackson Arnold, Peyton Bowen, and PJ Adebawore.” However, I feel that this group is perhaps more of a whole group.To be perfectly honest with you, though, I believe that a lot more guys in this group can play on Day 1.
Four-star Jayden Jackson, four-star Nigel Smith II, four-star Danny Okoye, and four-star Wyatt Gilmore are the others. The five defensive line recruits that OU signed are all four-star recruits or better and rank among the top 40 in the country for their position. EDGE Wyatt Gilmore, at No. 36, is the lowest.
“And lastly, Venables mentioned Nigel Smith, Danny Okoye, Jayden Jackson, and Wyatt Gilmore.” And Danny, a Tulsa native and another in-state product. The group of guys up front and the guys who will be returning, switching, and joining the SEC have me extremely excited.
In addition to adding a strong class of 2024 linebackers, Oklahoma is also bringing back Da’Jon Terry, Jacob Lacey, and Ethan Downs, three talented defensive linemen. Venables recently stated that in an effort to bolster the Sooners’ roster and high school recruiting efforts, he would like to add about ten new players through the portal. However, he is not looking to overload on transfers.
Thus, there is still more to come—five players have committed from the portal. Additionally, there’s a chance that OU could make an impression on the defensive line. However, Venables is content with the Sooners’ current outlook.
Venables remarked, “But really, you know, feel great about the lines of scrimmage.” “After a few portal additions, we should have about 16 offensive and defensive linemen, which will help us once more fortify the trenches where the game is won or lost. However, I really enjoy how quickly this class moves. I also adore how hands-on this class is. the ball’s two sides. We have guys who are lightning fast at tight end, running back, receiver, and skill position. We also have great physical size at receiver. Very good group.
