Major soaks in OU atmosphere
Major soaks in OU atmosphere

By Blake Jackson

Published: September 4, 2007

PARKER, Colo. — Oklahoma's 79-10 shellacking of North Texas on Saturday didn't make much of an impression on visiting prospect Jon Major.

In fact, it bored him a little.

"It was probably not the most entertaining game to watch,” said Ken Major, father of the four-star linebacker from Ponderosa High in suburban Denver. "The competition didn't demand much from (the Sooners).”

Fortunately for OU recruiters, Major's visit wasn't about watching great football.

It was about soaking in the environment.

"Jon loved the atmosphere, the fans and the tailgaters,” said Ken Major. "He's unofficially visited several places, including OU. This fall is about taking in the gameday experience.”

Major, the nation's No. 4 inside linebacker according to Rivals.com, has lined up official visits throughout September and October. In two weeks, he'll be in Boulder for Colorado's game against Florida State. After that, he heads to Wisconsin as the Badgers host Iowa.

Ken Major said Saturday's Norman stop — for a far less illustrious non-conference game — has no correlation to Jon's level of interest in OU.

"It was a great visit, and Jon was able to do everything he wanted,” Ken said. "He got to hang out with some players after the game Saturday night, and he had lunch with Bob Stoops on Sunday.”

Major also received his first up-close look at how Sooner defensive coordinator Brent Venables coaches his linebackers — with intensity.

"I wouldn't consider Jon a vocal leader,” said Major's high school coach, Randy Huff. "He's not a rah-rah guy, but he leads by example. Coaches (like Venables) want that.”

Ken Major said his son has no time frame for committing and doesn't plan to hold any sort of special announcement presentation once he has made his pick.

Apparently, that's just fine with Stoops and company.

"They made it really clear they don't want Jon to rush it,” Ken said. "They've indicated that they'll have a scholarship open when he's ready.

"When he knows the right place, why wait? He's just being methodical right now. He wants to experience it all.”

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