By Scott Hansen
MaxPreps.com
With three weeks until signing day for the top high school football talent across the nation, verbal commitments are coming thick and fast in Oklahoma.
Ryan Broyles, a defensive back prospect out of Norman, committed to Oklahoma State earlier in the week. Broyles picked the Cowboys over Arkansas, Michigan State, South Carolina, Tennessee, and even hometown Oklahoma.
After intercepting nine passes as a sophomore, Broyles picked off 11 passes over the remainder of his two-year career. On offense, Broyles hauled in 44 passes for 908 yards and eight touchdowns for Norman, who finished the season with a 9-2 record. In all, Broyles totaled 22 touchdowns while also playing some running back and returning punts and kicks.
"They're coming up," Broyles told The Daily Oklahoman. "And I wanted to be a part of that. I had been thinking that way for a while, so I decided to pull the trigger. It's the best fit for me."
On Jan. 8, Bixby wide receiver Chris Harris verbally committed to Kansas and Coach Mark Mangino. Harris picked the Jayhawks over Colorado State, Iowa State, and Wyoming.
Harris could also play defensive back in Lawrence. As a junior, Harris swiped six passes for the Spartans, who were the 2005 runners-up in Class 5A.
In the 2006 season-opener against Class 6A state champion Jenks, Harris hauled in touchdown passes from 57 and 12 yards in a 28-14 loss.
Jenks defensive end Jake Laptad also has committed to Kansas. Laptad spurned an offer from Tulsa to join the Jayhawks. Laptad registered five sacks for the Class 6A state champions this past season and had a season-high 10 tackles in against Tulsa Washington and Muskogee.
Austin Box and Kody Cooke of Enid have already enrolled at the University of Oklahoma and will be eligible to participate in spring drills.
Other Known Commitments from Oklahoma;
Player, School (Pos., Hgt., Wgt.) Committed To
Jontae Bumpus, Muskogee (DE, 6-4, 220) Oklahoma
Josh Cooper, Mustang (WR, 5-11, 170) Oklahoma State
Tim Dial, Jenks (LB, 6-3, 210) Arkansas
Jason Fitch, Star-Spencer (DE, 6-4, 245) Texas Christian
Jared Glover, Bixby (LB, 6-4, 210) Oklahoma State
Michael Harris, Tulsa Washington (RB, 5-10, 190) Arkansas
Gerald Jones, Millwood (ATH, 6-0, 190) Tennessee
Tyler Parish, Ardmore (OL, 6-4, 280) Rice
Quinton Prince, Heritage Hall (DT, 6-3, 300) Oklahoma State
Aaron Ringle, Sand Springs (OL, 6-3, 240) Tulsa
Matt Romine, Tulsa Union (OL, 6-6, 270) Notre Dame
Jimmy Stevens, Heritage Hall (K, 5-6, 170) Oklahoma
Chris Stuzriem, Lawton Eisenhower (QB, 6-3, 220) Wyoming
Tramain Swindell, Millwood (WR, 6-2, 175) Texas Tech
Jacob Tigges, Tulsa Union (OL, 6-2, 255) Colorado State
Bryan Webb, Missouri (TE, 6-5, 270) Tecumseh
Colby Whitlock, Noble (DT, 6-3, 290) Texas Tech
William Wright, Pauls Valley (ATH, 5-10, 170) Tulsa
Other Oklahomans with known offers
Player, School (Pos., Hgt., Wgt.) Offers From
De'von Bailey, Lawton Eisenhower (ATH, 6-2, 200) Kansas State, Missouri, Oklahoma
Sir Demarco Bledsoe, Piedmont (S, 6-1, 170) Oklahoma State
Stephen Hoge, Putnam City North (K, 6-4, 200), Western Michigan
Rell Lewis, Muskogee (ATH, 5-10, 180) Iowa State
Deon Miller, Lawton (WR, 6-5, 200) Oklahoma State
Dontae Newton, Millwood (TE, 6-2, 210) Baylor
Gil Roberts, Millwood (WR, 6-0, 170) Baylor, Kansas State
Tanner Shuck, Jenks (LB, 5-11, 225) Rice, Tulsa