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LB Jaren Kanak commits to Oklahoma, Brent Venables

Hayes Fawcett updated head shotby:Hayes Fawcett•01/05/22•

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Brent Venables had to be all smiles after his Signing Day success on Wednesday. (Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Hays (Kan.) High four-star linebacker Jaren Kanak has officially committed to Oklahoma, he tells On3.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Kanak was originally committed to Clemson, but he backed off that pledge on December 23. Brent Venables leaving Clemson to become head coach at Oklahoma played a big part on Kanak’s recruitment.

“Oklahoma had been a favorite from the start,” Kanak said. “The relationship and bond I had build with coach Venables throughout the recruiting process was one of the major pulling factors in my decision to Clemson. So, when he went to Oklahoma it really put everything into perspective and caused me to rethink my decision. After a ton of thoughts and prayers for clarity it just felt right.”

Kanak is the 17th prospect to commit to Oklahoma in the 2022 class. The Sooners class still ranks No. 8 in the nation according to the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings.

Jaren Kanak Scouting Summary

On3 Director of Scouting Charles Power wrote the follow on Jaren Kanak as a prospect:

One of the fastest players in the 2022 cycle, regardless of position. Has posted some scintillating track times, including a best of 10.37 seconds in the 100 meters. Plays quarterback for his high school but projects as a box defender and likely linebacker long term. Physically developed with a muscled-up build. Shows a very strong burst as a runner, getting to top speed quickly. Breaks off long runs with regularity and plays at a different speed than the competition. Also shows some considerable power and contact balance as a runner. Had a play where he ran over multiple defenders in the playoffs as a senior that went viral. Will need to adjust to defense and hone his coverage skills. May take a year or two to make the transition to defense but has high physical upside. Does not face strong competition in Kansas.

The On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry generated average, currently ranks Kanak as the nation’s No. 191 overall prospect and the No. 17 linebacker in the 2022 class.