With the early signing period firmly in the rearview mirror, we now turn our attention toward National Signing Day. Over the course of three days, the Oklahoma Sooners lost two commitments, WR Treveon Johnson and RB Tavion Thomas. Of course, Thomas failed to meet the qualifications forcing the high school senior to miss the early signing date.
Opening up a few remaining scholarships, it appears as though Lincoln Riley may have had a change of heart. Earlier this year, the Sooners introduced Frank Beamer as the 10th on-field assistant. Set to coach tight ends and halfbacks, one must wonder if there’s been a change of offensive philosophy. Is the new wave of the “air-raid” upon us?
Regardless of those thought processes, the coaching staff put a premium on the tight end position with the departure of Mark Andrews. According to reports, numerous players reached out to Beamer once he stepped onto campus in Norman. Evaluating talent across the nation, Brayden Willis received an offer following an official visit. The 6-4 Arlington, TX product will join Grant Calcaterra on the roster while competing for time on the field.
An extremely productive high school talent, Willis played all over the field as a 3-star recruit. The versatility displayed alongside the spear athleticism make Willis a key piece to the machine. Over the past several years, the tight end position has played an integral role in allowing OU to employ and uptempo offense. Willis brings that to the table but lacks the experience of Calcaterra.
Pulling a commitment from 2019 tight end, Austin Stogner, there’s a clear direction the Sooners are headed — a physical defense and a versatile offense. Is this the recipe for success in the future? Oklahoma may have played for the National Championship several times since 2000 but have yet to earn an elusive eighth title.