Oklahoma Sooners Recruiting: 2024 commit breakdown
Oklahoma’s recruiting class sits solidly inside the top 10 nationally. Oklahoma currently holds commitments from 26 prospects in the 2024 cycle. Thirteen of those pledges play offense and 13 come from the defense.
That group of commits rates as the No. 9 overall class in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 5 in the SEC.
Oklahoma Class Breakdown
Oklahoma’s class consists of one five-star, 14 four-stars and 11 three-star prospects. Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman David Stone headlines the class as the lone five-star recruit. Other top-100 pledges include Longview (Texas) four-star running back Taylor Tatum, Missouri City (Texas) Hightower four-star wide receiver Zion Kearney and Los Alamitos (Calif.) four-star tight end Davon Mitchell.
Additional top-300 recruits include Melissa (Texas) four-star defensive lineman Nigel Smith II, Tulsa (Okla.) NOAH Homeschool four-star EDGE Danny Okoye, Centerville (Ohio) four-star safety Reggie Powers, Odessa (Texas) four-star wide receiver Ivan Carreon, Gray (Ga.) Jones County four-star wide receiver Zion Ragins, Lewisville (Texas) four-star safety Jaydan Hardy and Chatsworth (Calif.) Sierra Canyon four-star interior offensive lineman Eugene Brooks.
Four-star and five-star prospects are rated as ‘blue-chip’ prospects — Oklahoma’s class sits in the top 15 nationally in blue-chip percentage at 57.69%. The average distance of an Oklahoma recruit’s hometown to Norman is 911.1 miles and 23% of the class hails from the state of Oklahoma.
Top Oklahoma Commit: DL David Stone
Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman David Stone is the nation’s No. 7 overall prospect and No. 1 defensive lineman. He committed to the Sooners in late August and headlines the Sooners’ top-10 class. On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power writes this about Stone as a prospect:
“Twitched-up disruptor along the interior defensive line with outstanding short-area quickness and burst. Measures at around 6-foot-4, 280 pounds with elite length for the position with arms that register around 35 inches. Violent off the snap, can split gaps with ease. Shoots his hands quickly and with precision off the line. Excellent hand usage and very slippery as a pass rusher. Uses his elite length and quick hands at the point of attack. Makes it tough for offensive linemen to ever get a hand on him. Stout against the run, with excellent ability to disengage from blockers.
“Not looking to stack and shed, wants to get off of blocks immediately. Can convert speed to power. Also a strong bull rusher. Can play a bit erratic at times and work himself out of plays. Just needs to play with more discipline and see the field better, but will come with time. High floor prospect who will always be a threat on passing downs. Will become a complete three-down player with further development. Transferred to IMG Academy after his first two seasons at Del City High School in Oklahoma.”
Top Offensive Commit: RB Taylor Tatum
Longview (Texas) four-star running back Taylor Tatum is the nation’s No. 1 running back and No. 35 overall prospect. He committed to Oklahoma back in July. Power writes this about Tatum as a prospect:
“Downhill, one-cut back with burst and three-down ability. Has a good build for the position, checking in at over 5-foot-10 and over 200 pounds prior to his senior season. Registers as a strong athlete in the combine setting with his speed stacking up well among his fellow top backs. Area champion in the 200 meters as a junior, with a personal best of 21.70 seconds. Plays in an offense that is often under center, lining up in a deep backfield. Turned in a productive junior season against good competition in Texas, rushing for 1,840 yards, 33 touchdowns at 8.9 yards per carry.
“Shows a notable initial burst, exploding to the second level. Excels in running outside concepts. A natural long-strider with a light-footed, bouncy gait. Runs through contact at the second level. Lowers his shoulder on contact and keeps his legs moving. Has some subtle moves to sidestep defenders. A good receiver in both camp settings and in limited opportunities on Friday nights. Attacks the ball and makes grabs with his arms extended. Looks natural in running routes out of the backfield. At his best when he can get a runway due to his longer stride. Can improve lateral agility, but made some strides in that area as a junior. Also can continue shoring up his ball security. Younger for the class with a late April birthday.”