Hokies Recruiting: Ricky DeBerry Decision Preview and Prediction
By Tim Thomas
Nov 1, 2014; Ames, IA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops celebrates against the Iowa State Cyclones at Jack Trice Stadium. Oklahoma defeated Iowa State 59-14. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma: The Favorite
Bob Stoops has a great legacy at Oklahoma which has built with teams that have had plenty of NFL players on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Stoops has also done a good job of recruiting traditionally and has the Sooners in position to get the commitment of Ricky DeBerry.
The Oklahoma coaching staff has done a great job building a strong relationship with DeBerry and that has put the Sooners in a great position to get the four-star outside linebacker. Oklahoma was the first team to receive a visit from DeBerry and have continued to be the frontrunners.
DeBerry is a very good fit in Oklahoma’s defense which has shifted into a 3-4 defense over the last couple seasons under defensive coordinator Mike Stoops. DeBerry also has the potential to have some sort of role early on though that will not be easy for DeBerry to do as he will likely not be an early enrollee.
The issue Oklahoma may have is the proximity to home factor with only one Big 12 team in the Eastern Time Zone. DeBerry’s decision will tell us a lot about how big of a factor that really will be and right now, that does not seem to be much of an issue.