4-star IOL Eddy Pierre-Louis commits to Oklahoma: 'It was the right place for me'

Tampa (Fla.) Tampa Catholic four-star offensive lineman Eddy Pierre-Louis has committed to Oklahoma.

The No. 319 prospect in the On3 Industry Rankings chose the Sooners over Miami, Oregon and UCF. Pierre-Louis stepped foot in Norman for the first time on his official visit on Oct. 21 and he knew of his decision before that visit.

“I made my mind up in the middle of September,” Pierre-Louis told On3. “I was still listening to other schools, but I have known in the back of my mind that it was Oklahoma for a while now.”

That was because of Bill Bedenbaugh. Their relationship is strong. The new OU commit knows about Bedenbaugh’s track record with player development and that was a big factor.

“I have seen some of his past players have success and he really pushes his guys. His players love him, nobody says anything bad about him and Coach B really helped make my decision.

“Me and Coach B clicked right away. We had that connection, he was easy to talk to, so you combine our relationship with his coaching style, which made a big impact. I know he will push me, make me better and I am excited about that.”

Pierre-Louis loves the energy of Brent Venables

The best relationship is with Coach Bedenbaugh. Not far behind is the connection he has with head coach Brent Venables. Who he is as a person and a coach made a big impression on Pierre-Lous.

“I love Coach Venables’ energy,” Pierre-Louis said. “He is real hyped, he loves his team and he brings that intensity on and off the field. I like how he cares about his players too. He goes to church like my family and that shows a lot about who Coach Venables is as a person.

“Coach Venables has Oklahoma is going in the right direction and it is great to be going to play for him because of the man that he is.”

Norman fits Pierre-Louis, too

He wanted to visit over the summer, but couldn’t make it. Instead, Pierre-Louis made it for a game. That worked out because he got to see what it is like on game-day.

“The great visit I had to Oklahoma made a big impact on my commitment,” Pierre-Louis said. “It was family-oriented there, my mom felt comfortable and my family could tell I felt the vibe there.

“I was only able to visit Oklahoma once and that was critical in the process for me. It was a big key for me. And not just me, but for my mom and sister too. We learned about the culture, the people, how the players connect and it just felt good.

“It was the right place for me and both me and my family knew it.”