Recruiting for need

Leaving:

There are 18 players that will not be returning to the 2009 football team. The most notables are Nic Harris, Lendy Holmes, Juaquin Iglesias, Manuel Johnson, Phil Loadholt and Duke Robinson.

QB: (1) Joey Halzle

RB: (1) Derek Gove

FB: (0)

WR: (3) Quentin Chaney, Juaquin Iglesias, Manuel Johnson

TE: (1) Kolby Smith

OL: (6) Branndon Braxton, Jon Cooper, Kyle Johnson, Phil Loadholt, Duke Robinson, Brandon Walker

DL: (2) Cory Bennett, Alan Davis

LB: (0)

DB: (3) Cortney Carter, Nic Harris, Lendy Holmes

P: (1) Mike Knall

K: (0)

The Sooners are going to need another wide receiver to step up with Ryan Broyles to try to replace Iglesias and Johnson. Also, the secondary is taking a hit by losing Holmes and Harris – especially at safety. Lastly, the offensive line will have one returning starter; this will obviously be a rebuilding year at these positions.

Incoming:

There are 22 players that will be incoming to the 2009 football team. The most notable is Ronnell Lewis, Gabe Lynn and Jamarkus McFarland.

QB: (1) Drew Allen

RB: (1) Jonathan Miller

FB: (1) Marshall Musil

WR: (2) Cameron Kenney, Jaz Reynolds

TE: (1) Gabe Ikard

OL: (4) Josh Aladenoye, Tyler Evans, Tavaris Jeffries, Jeff Vinson

DL: (4) Jarrett Brown, Justin Chaisson, Terry Franklin, Jamarkus McFarland

LB: (4) Jaydan Bird, Gus Jones, Ronnell Lewis, Tom Wort

DB: (4) Kevin Brent, Javon Harris, Gabe Lynn, Marcus Trice

P: (0)

K: (0)

The Sooners were only able to recruit two wide receivers – a position of need – thus far. The best aspect of this recruiting class was signing defense, especially by getting a player that could see playing time at DL, LB and DB in the players mentioned above in the incoming introduction.

-— MJ Casiano

Who will they become?

It’s not just the five-star recruits that becomes stars. Sam Bradford was a middle-of-the-pack guy. Receiver Juaquin Iglesias was the same way. The Daily’s Jarrod Yost takes a shot at predicting where this year’s recruits will end up.

Jamarkus McFarland resembles sophomore defensive tackle Gerald McCoy

The head of his high school’s student council and the nation’s top defensive prospect, according to Rivals.com, McFarland is a stellar run-stopper and an outstanding human being.

Gabe Lynn resembles former OU cornerback Marcus Walker

Similar size and speed. Lynn does not quite have the strength of Walker, but playing in the Jenks system could help him make up any difference.

Jaz Reynolds resembles former OU receiver Malcolm Kelly

Although not as highly touted as Kelly, Reynolds’ stock has been on the rise as of late. Reynolds is a taller wide out that may need to fill out his 6’3” frame in order to make plays over the middle

Jonathon Miller resembles junior running back Chris Brown

In a summer interview, Miller likened himself to Adrian Peterson. If he can be something like Chris Brown, the Sooners will be ecstatic.

Tom Wort resembles former OU linebacker Curtis Lofton

Both were highly recruited players play fast, and neither is afraid to lay the lumber.

— Jarrod Yost