“God and my mom helped me to this decision,” Oku said. “I feel like cutting them (OU) is what is best for me right now.”
It’s been an up-and-down relationship between Oku and the Sooners after the 5-foot-10, 174-pounder felt he should have received an offer from OU earlier in the process. He received an offer shortly after one of the Sooners’ main 2009 recruiting targets, Wichita, Kan., running back Bryce Brown, committed to Miami.
Asked if things might have been different had the Sooners approached him in another way, Oku said: “Yeah, I used to see the love (former Carl Albert and OU standout) J.D. (Runnels) got when he came back, and that made me kind of like OU, but they were kind of lax, like ‘we’re going to hold out’... things might have been different if they had a different approach.”
That rocky beginning, combined with the desire to get out of the state, led Oku to officially remove Oklahoma from his list of suitors.
“I don’t have anything negative to say about them, we worked everything out in the end,” Oku said. “I decided to do it now to make things less stressful on myself and my mom (Denise).”
Oku’s reason for the announcement was so schools no longer in contention could focus on other recruits. Another factor was a conversation with Tennessee receiver and former Millwood quarterback Gerald Jones. He told Oku “not to worry about what everyone else thinks.” Oku met Jones when both were students at Millwood in 2003.
Oklahoma State remains in the running because Oku likes Cowboy coaches Mike Gundy and Curtis Luper. Oku said he would like to learn more about the school, particularly its sports broadcasting program. The Cowboys already have received an oral commitment from Tulsa Union running back Jeremy Smith.
Oku is ranked No. 40 overall on the Rivals Top 100, the No. 3 prospect in the Midlands Region on Scout.com and is on the ESPN Top 150 watch list.
He rushed 182 times for 1,628 yards (8.9 yards per carry) and 20 touchdowns last year, earning Oklahoman All-State honors. He has 3,897 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns during his career at Carl Albert.
Oku has expressed his desire to go out of state multiple times. Mother Denise, who was a truck driver for two years and has seen the majority of the U.S., has encouraged him to do so.
“She’s seen more than I have, and she knows what’s best for me,” Oku said.
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Yeah, yeah, whatever! Way too many people try to make out all these bigtime recruits to be superstars but, really, how many end up being true stars a few years later? In so many cases its the unheard-of guys that end up being the star contributors who carry OU and others to championships. And while some players do live up to their hype, athletic recruiting is really a very inexact and pot-luck risk venture!
Actually, I read the article after I typed the comment. Oku may have been gracious in the article, but I've read plenty of others that haven't been. If it had been OSU, I would've thought the same thing. I have no Sooner bias. I just know that he felt second best when it came to recruiting and OU. And it's okay, he'll be a stud anywhere he goes.
Nunya and all the other Sooner fans bagging on Oku: The thing is, if it was reversed and he had crossed off OSU, you guys would be talking about how great it will be to probably get him. Nunya, I question your reading comprehension as well. Did you read the article? Oku was very gracious to OU and understands the situation.
He wasn't getting enough attention and love from OU. He's said that before. Plus, he was angry that OU wasn't recruiting instate guys first, and out of state guys second. He can't be second best. Drama queen.
Stephen, did you read the article? He has a desire to leave the state, but he's also keeping his options open to stay in state. You lack basic reading comprehension, sadly. Don't even try to have a comeback on this one. You know you are being stupid. Give it up.
Afraid of competition? I guess Oklahoma is the only college in America that has that. I mean those other schools he is considering like Ohio State, LSU, Tennessee and Michigan must not be handing out any scholarships or anything.
Murray, Brown, Madu, Calhoun, Johnson, all bigger, able to run between the tackles with authority, all with similar acceleration....David, have a healthy, successful career, but do not confuse my attitude that I am heartbroken you will not be a Sooner. You need to do what is best for you, and if you think going to OSU, or out of state, go for it.
I think a lot of in state high school athletes would love to receive some love from in state schools. OKU is not some "prima donna" type kid by any means. When you're going to school to play a sport you want to feel at home...welcomed...and wanted. Obviously OKU didn't get that vibe from OU. Most kids don’t want to be a second thought although some do…Some people might say "he should be thankful that OU even offered him or does he really think that he is all that?" Oku is probably one of the most down to earth people you will meet…how do I know? I went to school with him. He's been fortunate to be able to select what college he would like to attend for free I would hope that he chooses what's best for him and not what will make everybody happy! Have a good senior year bro stay focused, on top of your grades, and out of trouble and you will be alright keep God first and never put anything in front of him.
Now he'll drop on a lot of recruiting lists since a bunch of the guys that rank recruits (that never actually see them play) are OU jock-sniffers such as Al Eschbach, James "the felon" Hale, and Carey "I'm brutal on sports talk radio" Murdock.
Sounds like he might be a little "concerned" or "scared" of the competition he would see at OU....Don't think God or anyone else for that matter influenced his decision....might be worried about all the backs already down in Norman....this is nothing unusual for this kid....has a little bit of the Rhett Bomar syndrome (prima donna) from what has been said....can't believe OU thought a back other than he was the number one RB target!! I'm sure he'll have a great career wherever he lands on the depth chart...
GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON OKU, CAN'T WAIT FOR THOSE TITANS TO PLAY SOME BALL. THE NEXT BEST THING WOULD BE TO SEE YOU IN ORANGE AND PLAYING FOR THE COWBOYS. ONE OF THE GREATEST MOMENTS I HAVE EVER WITNESSED IN FOOTBALL CAME WHEN YOUR HELMET WAS RIPPED OFF LAST YEAR AND YOU KEPT RUNNING AND SCORED A TOUCHDOWN. I KNEW THEN NOTHING WOULD EVER GET IN YOUR WAY OF BEING A GREAT PLAYER!! MY BEST WISHES WHEREVER YOU GO AND SO GLAD YOU ARE A TITAN!!
ST: The article says "Oku has expressed his desire to go out of state multiple times. Mother Denise, who was a truck driver for two years and has seen the majority of the US, has encouraged him to do so." If there is a twit in this discussion, it would be you.
God and my mom helped me to this decision,” Oku said. “I feel like cutting them (OU) is what is best for me right now.” (OU was)..kind of lax, like ‘we’re going to hold out’... things might have been different if they had a different approach.” =====
Sounds like God had an awful lot to do with his decision, all right. Is God's middle name Hubris? You'd think God would put in a "god" word for ND. But what I really wonder is how much would it have taken, this "different approach?" In U.S. dollars, I mean.
Someone actually took OU off their list. Wonder what they will think about that. Of course, "Steal the Gas" Broyles pulled this crap last year. Could be a ploy...
Looks like he is set on going out-of-state anyways. I am sure the Sooners already have plenty of suitors in-line. Hope OSU can talk to him, though! We already have one good back signed, would love to have two!
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Leave a comment. Log in below or sign up (it's free).Editor's note: It is not our intent to offer comments on crime or fatality stories.
Sounds like God had an awful lot to do with his decision, all right. Is God's middle name Hubris? You'd think God would put in a "god" word for ND. But what I really wonder is how much would it have taken, this "different approach?" In U.S. dollars, I mean.