Oklahoma set for star-studded junior day event

Last week, On3 wrote about the early list of players expected to make it to Oklahoma for a key junior day event on March 5. Since then, more talented names have been added to the docket. It definitely looks like Brent Venables hopes to hit a home run as top prospects from all over the country in the 2023 and 2024 classes are expected for the monster recruiting weekend.

All in all, it looks like around 18 four-star prospects are expected on campus for the junior day. Here’s a look at some of the top prospects that should be in Noman this weekend.

Can Oklahoma make move with Richard Young?

Richard Young, the nation’s No. 1 ranked running back, enters the visit to Oklahoma with Alabama and Ohio State projected as the teams to beat, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. However, with Oklahoma’s strong running back tradition, there’s still hope the Sooners can get back into this race.

For what it’s worth, Young has indicated it’s not too late for other programs to make a move with him.

“I’ve got other schools looking at me that are starting to lead up there to the top few,” Young told On3’s Chad Simmons last week. “I’m still keeping my options open to see what’s best for me and my family. Basically, where I see myself three years and out of there.”

The 5-foot-11, 199-pounder checks in as the nation’s No. 1 running back and No. 24 overall prospect, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Top Texans expected at Oklahoma

The Lone Star State has always been kind to Oklahoma, and it’s expected to become even more of a priority with Venables in charge. That focus is reflected in the amount of talent from the Lone Star State on the visit list for this weekend.

For example, four-star cornerback Bravion Rogers of La Grange is expected in Norman. The On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine is trending toward the Longhorns, but Oklahoma is right there, too. So, a good visit could shift momentum this weekend.

Jaquaize Pettaway’s busy track schedule will make it hard for him to take a lot of visits, so that’s why it’s a big deal that he’s expected to be at Oklahoma this weekend. Texas, Cincinnati, Ohio State and others are schools the Houston Langham Creek star has talked a lot about visiting.

Tyler (Texas) Legacy four-star defensive lineman Jordan Renaud confirmed to On3’s Gerry Hamilton on Thursday that he will be in Norman this weekend for a visit. Hamilton believes the Sooners have a legitimate shot with Renaud.

“New Oklahoma co-defensive coordinator Jay Valai is really good friends with Legacy coach Joe Willis,” Hamilton said. “That friendship was a key factor in helping Alabama sign (four-star running back) Jamarion Miller last year when Valai was coaching with the Crimson Tide.”

Mikal Harrison-Pilot of Temple, Texas, is expected also at Oklahoma this weekend. The four-star top-100 prospect is pretty open, according to the latest intel, and has a full spring schedule ahead.

Four-star EDGE Colton Vasek of Austin (Texas) Westlake is also slated to be at Oklahoma. Much like Rogers, Vasek is believed to be a strong lean toward the Longhorns. But the Sooners have offered Vasek and hope to make an impression this weekend.

More Texans on OU’s visit list

Four-star linebacker S’Maje Burrell of Fort Worth (Texas) North Crowley has become one of the hottest defensive targets in the Lone Star State. And Oklahoma is right in the thick of things. A big visit could strengthen his connection with the Sooner coaches.

Oklahoma is also going all-in to land four-star EDGE Derion Gullette of Marlin, Texas. The Sooners are believed to be behind Texas A&M and Texas in this race. But Venables is personally leading his recruitment and a good visit this weekend is important.

Abernathy, Texas, four-star athlete Anthony White is coming to Norman without an offer. But that could change by the time he leaves campus. Intel indicates the Sooners are quite intrigued by White and would like to see where he wants to play in their system this weekend.

Tyler Turner of San Antonio (Texas) Brennan is currently committed to Baylor and does not have an OU offer. But he is also expected to be in Norman for the junior day this weekend. His recruitment is certainly one to monitor.

National names also heading to Oklahoma

There’s also a slew of four-star national targets on the schedule to visit Oklahoma this weekend. This includes a trio of top senior targets from the Kansas City area.

Four-star offensive tackle Cayden Green of Lee’s Summit (Mo.) Lee’s Summit North has an outstanding relationship with the Oklahoma coaching staff and is leaning heavily toward the Sooners. While he’s indicated he won’t commit this weekend, the trip could be another opportunity for OU to strengthen their lead for the coveted offensive lineman.

Also coming from Kansas City are North Kansas City High four-star defensive linemen Adepoju Adebawore and Edric Hill. Neither have tipped their hands, but Oklahoma is believed to be right in the thick of things in their recruitment.

Another top national target expected is four-star Wilkin Formby of Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Northridge. It’s expected to be extremely difficult to get him out of SEC country. But the Sooners surely will do everything they can to impress him this weekend.

Miles McVay, a four-star offensive tackle from East. St. Louis, Ill., is also slated to be at Oklahoma. Some insiders expect McVay’s recruitment to mirror what happened with teammate Luther Burden. They think McVay will visit many national programs before eventually ending up at Mizzou.

A few other national names visiting, include four-star saety Jayden Bonsu, four-star cornerback Dijon Johnson, four-star defensive lineman Kayden McDonald and three-star safety Moussa Kane.

Top 2024 targets expected in Norman

The Sooners are also using this weekend to host a handful of important 2024 targets. This includes four-star athlete KJ Bolden out of Georgia and four-star cornerback Antione Jackson out of Florida. Both Bolden and Jackson already have their pick of schools and the Sooners are working their national recruitment.

Two other 2024s to watch this weekend are DL Williams Nwaneri of Lee’s Summit North and EDGE Nigel Smith of Melissa, Texas. Nwaneri is teammates with Green, and the Sooners have made an early impression on him. Smith is one of the most coveted small-school players in the Lone Star State. He has a long, long early offer list.