Wrapping Up Signing Day for the Sooners

Well, as expected, there was no DGB under the tree for the Oklahoma Sooners on National Signing Day this year. Even without the all-world receiver prospect, Bob Stoops and his overhauled coaching staff closed the 2012 recruiting class in strong fashion.

Here are a five major takeaways from the 2012 class, as well as a few notable "awards" from recruiting season.

1. A-Lone Star State

The dearth of signees in this class hailing from Texas will undoubtedly get Barry Switzer's blood boiling. For longtime members of Sooner Nation, it feels like some kind of natural law has been violated.

It may not feel right, but OU's recruiting has been drifting in this direction for a while. Whether or not it's a tipping point remains to be seen. However, before you go getting your crimson and cream knickers in a twist, remember that Rivals still rated this bunch the ninth-best recruiting class in the country.

2. No DTs Required

How often does a team round up a recruiting class of 26 players and not have a single defensive tackle? Apparently, OU is cool with what it's got up front on D. At least, I hope so.

Jackie Shipp better be pounding the pavement now for 2013.

3. Juco Flavor

I don't recall the last time the Sooners brought in six junior college recruits in one class. Yet, given the offseason attrition, it does make sense. Like it or not, OU is going to be relying on this class to begin contributing immediately.

Thankfully, these dudes don't look like chumps.

4. Wide Receivers Everywhere

Last year, it seemed like the Sooners had more wide receivers than they could handle. Oh, how quickly that tide turned.

Wideout was one position group hit hard by attrition in the off-season. Also, Jaz Reynolds' kidney condition has put his entire football career in jeopardy.

Ergo, OU signed five wide receivers this year to go along with four tight ends, another spot where a number of players defected. Even without DGB, it's a great group of receivers, but that's a lot of scholarships for one position.

5. Mike Goes Big

Get the impression Mike Stoops wasn't thrilled with the size in the Sooners' defensive backfield? The three pure cornerbacks signed in this class are all on the taller/bigger side relative to what OU had on the roster.

Maybe it's just a coincidence, but seeing as DBs are Mike thing, I strongly doubt it.

2012 Recruiting Awards

Immediate Impact: Damien Williams

The running back out of Arizona Western College easily looks like the steal of the class, and he probably would have carried a higher rating from the scouting services had they gotten ahold of his film earlier. Williams (6-1, 215 lbs.) has the size to give OU the power running back it has been seeking really since Adrian Peterson left town, and he has great acceleration in the open field.

Assuming he can come back from his devastating ankle injury, OU will have to ease Dom Whaley back into action. Meanwhile, Roy Finch and Brennan Clay have yet to show they have the durability to carry the ball 25-plus times per game. As such, OU needs Williams to be ready from the jump.

Familiar Face: Trey Metoyer

The five-star recruit took a little sojourn to prep school for a semester out of high school, but he's already on campus and ready to go through spring workouts. Metoyer will almost certainly start at receiver in the upcoming year and could turn out to be OU's best offensive weapon when all is said and done.

Project: Michael Onuoha

The late-bloomer out of nearby Edmond Santa Fe High School is listed as a defensive end, but his limited experience with the game and size makes him a long-term project. Get him in the weight room, though, and maybe he fills out to the point where he's ready to rock in a couple years.

Who is That?: Charles Tapper

I don't remember the last time Oklahoma pulled a recruit out of Baltimore, if ever. Unlike recruits like Sooner legacy Sterling Shepard and touted juco receiver Courtney Gardner, Tapper has managed to fly under the radar.

He does have good size, but he's raw as hell. However, the OU coaching staff has more than earned enough goodwill to trust their judgment here.

Welcome to Green Country, Charles.

Recruiters of the Year: Bruce Kittle and Jay Norvell

Last year at this time, OU fans were wondering if Bob Stoops should be committed after he hired Kittle, who hadn't coached above a junior high level in years, to the coaching staff. Likewise, Norvell used to carry the rep that he couldn't land top-notch receivers.

This year, these two have landed nearly every highest-rated recruits on the Sooners' board – guys like Durron Neal, Ty Darlington and Derrick Woods.

So I guess Norvell and Kittle can stick around.