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University of Oklahoma Athletics
Sooners Sign 13 on First Day of Early Period
December 15, 2021 | Football
NORMAN — University of Oklahoma head football coach Brent Venables announced the signing of 13 members of his first recruiting class Wednesday, the first day of the NCAA's early signing period.
Of the 13 signees, 11 are ranked as four-star prospects on a five-star scale by recruiting sites 247Sports, ESPN or Rivals, while two others received three-star ratings. The early signing period lasts through Friday, while the regular signing period runs from Feb. 2 through April 1.
"Incredibly excited about a diverse class that addresses both lines of scrimmage, offensive skill positions — including a franchise-type quarterback — linebackers and the secondary," said Venables. "I thought our staff did a wonderful job keeping the class together while also identifying additional prospects we may target to fit our needs. These guys are a great example of what loyalty looks like. They not only developed great relationships with our staff, but they have a deep appreciation and respect for the University of Oklahoma and its tradition of excellence. That's another reason they stayed committed."
All 13 of Wednesday's signees are high school seniors and hail from five states. Seven of the signees are offensive players (one quarterback, one running back, two wide receivers, one tight end and two offensive linemen) and six are defensive players (two defensive linemen, two linebackers and two defensive backs).
The Sooners signed two players who are rated as the top recruit in their state in Colorado running back Gavin Sawchuk and Nevada offensive lineman Jake Taylor. Eight prospects are rated among the top 15 nationally at their respective position.
The state of Texas produced the most OU signees on Wednesday with six, while Oklahoma produced three and Florida two. The Sooners also signed one player each from Colorado and Nevada.
"We have explosive playmakers and a dynamic quarterback on offense, and addressed all three levels on defense," recapped Venables. "As you build your defense, you have to build it up the middle to have a chance to have a great unit in the future. Incredibly excited about the D-tackles, backers and safeties we were able to sign.
"I have a great expectation as we get to the February signing date that we'll continue to fill our needs. We've got a tremendous start on that. I'm really excited about the guys we're targeting for that second signing period."
Of the 13 signees, 11 are ranked as four-star prospects on a five-star scale by recruiting sites 247Sports, ESPN or Rivals, while two others received three-star ratings. The early signing period lasts through Friday, while the regular signing period runs from Feb. 2 through April 1.
"Incredibly excited about a diverse class that addresses both lines of scrimmage, offensive skill positions — including a franchise-type quarterback — linebackers and the secondary," said Venables. "I thought our staff did a wonderful job keeping the class together while also identifying additional prospects we may target to fit our needs. These guys are a great example of what loyalty looks like. They not only developed great relationships with our staff, but they have a deep appreciation and respect for the University of Oklahoma and its tradition of excellence. That's another reason they stayed committed."
All 13 of Wednesday's signees are high school seniors and hail from five states. Seven of the signees are offensive players (one quarterback, one running back, two wide receivers, one tight end and two offensive linemen) and six are defensive players (two defensive linemen, two linebackers and two defensive backs).
The Sooners signed two players who are rated as the top recruit in their state in Colorado running back Gavin Sawchuk and Nevada offensive lineman Jake Taylor. Eight prospects are rated among the top 15 nationally at their respective position.
The state of Texas produced the most OU signees on Wednesday with six, while Oklahoma produced three and Florida two. The Sooners also signed one player each from Colorado and Nevada.
"We have explosive playmakers and a dynamic quarterback on offense, and addressed all three levels on defense," recapped Venables. "As you build your defense, you have to build it up the middle to have a chance to have a great unit in the future. Incredibly excited about the D-tackles, backers and safeties we were able to sign.
"I have a great expectation as we get to the February signing date that we'll continue to fill our needs. We've got a tremendous start on that. I'm really excited about the guys we're targeting for that second signing period."
Players Mentioned
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