Scouting Oklahoma’s Top 2017 Prospects

Mike Gundy and his staff made a concerted effort in the 2016 recruiting class to snuff out the top talent in the state, signing several top prospects from Oklahoma in running back Justice Hill, offensive linemen Tramonda Moore and Tyler Brown, and linebacker Calvin Bundage.

“I think it’s important that you always want to start as close as possible to where you’re located, and then work your way out,” Gundy said at his signing day news conference.

His strategy has shifted as the recruiting fertility has changed. Texas, once an area of great promise for the Pokes, is now being hunted by Texas, Texas A&M, Baylor, TCU, and even Houston – leaving little room for the Cowboys to recruit where they’ve found great success through the years. With the change in landscape, Gundy’s approach toward recruiting has also changed. It’s clear they want the top Oklahoma recruits to stay in-state with OSU.

Here’s a look at some of the top 2017 prospects who could be, or are already being targeted by Gundy throughout this recruiting cycle:

Quindon Lewis (Safety) – Moore, OK

Lewis hails from the OKC powerhouse Southmoore, where the Pokes are also chasing quarterback Casey Thompson and offensive lineman Brey Walker. The Cowboys didn’t sign a safety in the 2016 class, so targeting a top-flight prospect for 2017 would make sense – and Lewis fits the bill. He’s a 6-foot, 160-pound prospect with excellent range and great cover skills.

Tre Brown (Cornerback) – Tulsa, OK

Brown is a speedster from Union High School in Tulsa, OK, who is already garnering attention and offers from South Carolina, Kansas State, and likely more on the way. It’s fairly obvious he’s an OU fan, but perhaps a chance at early playing time in Stillwater could change his mind. I saw Brown in action last year, and the Redskins use him as a versatile return man, defensive back, and even have special offensive packages for him. With his speed and upside, he has a big potential at cornerback at the next level.

Creed Humphrey (Center) – Shawnee, OK

Humphrey is one of several big men prospects for 2017 in Oklahoma. He has offers from Memphis, Tulsa, and Houston already. At 6-4, 300-lbs, this guy will get plenty of attention as the offseason and fall comes around. If OSU wants a big nasty center, they may be looking Humphrey’s way.

Adrian Wolford (Offensive guard) – Meeker, OK

Wolford recently picked up an offer at OSU’s last junior day, so he’s already at the top of the radar. 6-5, 300-lbs from Meeker, Okla. would be a nice addition to help continue building a revamped offensive line. He has offers from TU and OSU, and once again, don’t be surprised if some of the big schools come calling on him before it’s all said and done.

Reese Leitao (Tight end) – Jenks, OK

Oklahoma State has had a nice run at some of the top-flight prospects to come out of Tulsa powerhouse Jenks, and they’ll try to add another one in the tight end standout Reese Leitao. He also picked up an offer at junior day, so he, too, will be an early target for the Pokes as they were unable to add a scholarship tight end in the 2016 class. At 6-4, 230-lbs., he could be an early contributor with the amount of talent that will be graduating next season.

Evan Fields (Safety) – Midwest City, OK

The defensive back class for 2017 is shaping up to be nasty, and Fields joins Quindon Lewis as one of the top ranked safeties in the class. At 6-foot, 175 lbs., Fields looks the part of a bruising safety that Glenn Spencer and Co. love to deploy.

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