DL Floyd Boucard commits to Oklahoma: ‘They made me feel like a priority’

Miami (Fla.) Miami Central three-star defensive lineman Floyd Boucard received an offer from Oklahoma in January. As his recruitment took off, the 6-foot-2.5, 315-pound recruit prayed to receive a sign about what school would be best for his college football career. 

Shortly after being offered by Oklahoma, he got a “gut feeling” about the SEC program and started paying close attention to the Sooners. Alabama, Miami and USC all made strong pushes for Boucard, but he felt best about Oklahoma and committed to head coach Brent Venables and his staff on Saturday. 

“From the start, they made me feel like a priority before everything picked up and before I got to Miami Central,” Boucard told On3. “They made me feel like a priority and I was No. 1 on their board. They showed me a lot of love and called me. The coaching staff showed love since day one and they’ve done that all the way through now. It feels just right.” 

Boucard felt at home on his official visit to Oklahoma

How the Sooners’ staff recruited him “made a huge impact” on Boucard’s decision and showed him that Norman was the right place to be. His first and only visit to Oklahoma came from June 14-16 for his official visit. 

Boucard – who is originally from Canada – knew that if his official went well, he would choose Oklahoma. The trip ended up going great, as Oklahoma’s campus reminded him of where he grew up. That helped seal the deal for the No. 61 player in Florida. 

“There is a family-friendly environment over there,” said Boucard, the No. 453 overall prospect and No. 42 defensive lineman in the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking. “I can see myself and my family living there for the next three-to-four years. Another thing I like about Oklahoma is they are the right people to help me step my game up. 

“They are not scared of adversity or anything like that. For them to recently enter the SEC and talk like they’ve been in the SEC for 10 years, that’s a program you want to be around. They are not scared and want to be great.” 

Playing for Oklahoma’s coaches excites Boucard

Boucard’s main recruiter at Oklahoma was associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator/defensive tackles coach Todd Bates, whose coaching style and development of numerous players impressed the three-star. They also connected outside of football. 

“I’m a real person of God, so for him to send me a Bible verse every single day since January is something I really look forward to,” Boucard said. “… For him to build a connection with me through God is something I really respect. Sometimes, he calls me and we will do a Bible study.” 

Venables also stood out to Boucard because of his morals and energy. 

“I love coach Venables,” Boucard said. “He’s a good guy. I read a story about how he handled an incident that happened. Some people don’t put friendships and relationships over what they have, but he chose the right thing to do. I read about the incident and he made the right choice and I was like, ‘That’s somebody I want to trust with my career.’” 

“He’s an energetic, cool guy,” he added. “He’s really cool and really fun to be around, but when it’s time to put in the work and knock that large door down, he’s going to be the man that you want to push you every day. I’ve seen that for myself.”