Sooners Players Connect with Recruits

Oklahoma’s ‘Future Freaks’ was months in planning but one player who was only recently added to the Sooners offer list, Jacksonville (Fla.) Mandarin defensive lineman Brian Harris. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Floridian was a former commitment to Maryland. In recent weeks he has seen his offer list explode.

The Sooners were one such offer and he quickly made March 8 a visit date for himself. And a big part of what made the trip such a rousing success for the Sooners was his ability to connect with a pair of rising Sooners stars.

“While I was at Oklahoma, I had the chance to connect with guys like David Stone and Jayden Jackson, and their impact on me was huge,” Harris offered. “Both of them are incredibly talented players, but what stood out to me even more was how they took the time to mentor me and share their experiences. They gave me a glimpse into what it’s like to compete at that level, not just physically, but mentally. Their leadership and advice really showed me how committed the program is to developing players, and it was motivating to see how they carry themselves both on and off the field.”

Harris’s late-planned trip, one that he is still making the 17-hour drive home from late Sunday, couldn’t have happened without his family and they came away impressed with the Sooners as well.

“My family was really impressed with OU. They loved the atmosphere and how welcoming everyone was,” he said. “They could tell the coaches truly care about the players, not just on the field but off of it too.

“My parents also liked how much they emphasize development, both in football and life. They’ve been really supportive of my decision-making process, and OU definitely left a great impression on them.”

More and More Kirkland Connects to Sooners

Few players talk so glowingly about each visit to Norman as Waco (Texas) University safety Davontrae Kirkland. The talented defender has been to Norman repeatedly and every time the bond with the Sooners seems to grow stronger.

“The atmosphere at Future Freaks was amazing. Each trip I learn a little bit more about the program and how I would fit in their program,” Kirkland explained. The meeting with Coach (Jay) Valai and Coach (Brandon) Hall continues to get better each visit.”

For Kirkland a big part of the trip was watching the Sooners practice and how the group’s work seemed to only bring them closer.

“The vibe in Norman was amazing there was lots of energy and excitement there today. The practice was full of competition and guys going full speed while also being coached to be better. It was great seeing coach (Brent) Venables coach the defense today and more hands on,” he said.

Another highlight was the chance to talk to a number of Sooners players representing the SOUL mission.

“Hearing from the players during the Soul Mission event after practice was an eye opener for me and a great recruiting pitch. The family vibe from the coaches, OU staff, and players is one of the key factors I’m looking for in a program. [We spoke to] Danny Okoye, David Stone, Major Melson, and Gavin Sawchuk.”

And now it seems that Kirkland still has hopes of another trip to Norman before the start of his junior year.

“I’m looking forward to getting back down to the campus one more time before the season,” he said.

OU Impresses In-State Star

The in-state crop of talent in 2027 is a clear banner year for the Sooners to try and reel in some big fish. Few players could be held in higher regard than Bixby’s Kaeden Penny. The hugely talented offensive lineman clearly enjoyed himself.

Just as clearly there was one person in Norman he enjoyed the most.

“The visit was good, loved how Coach B coached,” Penny said. “He gets after it.

“He just coaches really hard.”

And though Penny didn’t have a lot of length to anything he said, his feelings about the Sooners trip were clear.

“Man, I loved it.”