The Reload: Top Running Back Target Picks Vols; Dead Period Begins

The Reload is PFB’s recruiting recap catching you up to speed with the latest Oklahoma State recruiting news, with an ear to the ground for what to expect.

2018 running back target commits to Tennessee

Over the weekend, Oklahoma State missed on yet another top running back target as Georgia all-purpose back Lyn-J Dixon pledged to the Tennessee Volunteers over OSU, Michigan State, Texas, Alabama and others.

Dixon had 18 listed scholarship offers but was considered a heavy Vols lean, even after naming the Cowboys in his top 12 schools recently.

With Dixon out of the mix, Texas star Keaontay Ingram committed to Herman’s Horns, and Tae Provens committing to LSU over the weekend, the list of OSU’s top options at tailback are basically wiped clean. Which could open the door for. ….

Ta’Zhawn Henry could be tailback target

Three-star all purpose back Ta’Zhawn Henry does not have an OSU offer according to recruiting services, but one could be coming soon after OSU missed on several of its top targets. Henry is a 5-foot-8 prospect from Houston with offers from TCU, Arizona, Baylor, Colorado, Iowa State and others.

Henry announced this weekend he will make his college decision on August 8, where in-state TCU figures to be the favorite. Right now, though, I expect OSU to give the full-court press to Fitzgerald (Georgia) athlete James Graham, who OSU wants to bring in as a tailback. SMU pledge Jahmyl Jeter, who was offered this month, remains in the conversation as well.

2019 linebacker Marcel Brooks names top 13

2019 outside linebacker Marcel Brooks dropped his top schools over the weekend and included OSU in the mix along with OU, Florida State, TCU, Texas, Oregon, Penn State, Florida, Baylor, Texas A&M, LSU, Alabama and Clemson. (In other words, every school that’s offered him is in his top schools except for Colorado, Houston, Illinois, Utah and SMU.)

Brooks is an outside linebacker/safety offered by OSU to fill its star linebacker position. He’s a star recruit from Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas.

Recruiting dead period in effect

From now until July 9, the football recruiting dead period is in full effect. Unlike the quiet period, which simply prevents off-campus contact or viewing, the dead period is extremely restrictive as far as NCAA rules.

What’s not allowed: No in-person contact allowed, even if a recruit visits campus.

What’s allowed: Written and electronic communications are still permitted.

I can hear Mike Gundy thumbing through his snapchat filters as we speak!