Crimson colors have been spotted among the predators, all in search of recruits suddenly made vulnerable by coaching dismissals.
Oklahoma needs a quality quarterback to establish itself as a contender for 2007. What else is missing? And Sooner coaches are on the prowl, even if it means prying prospects already pledged elsewhere.
Interest in OU might be rising.
The Sooners' 34-24 win over Texas Tech on Saturday night was its fifth straight, a stretch that has showcased all there is to like about '07.
Linebackers and ends must be identified on defense, but the Sooners' secondary might be the best in the Big 12. And everyone returns.
On offense, there's a bevy of backs, and youth rules along the offensive line and at wide receiver.
The entire senior class is but 11 strong. Problem is, quarterback Paul Thompson is one of them, with no clear successor in sight to steer a Sooner takeoff.
Maybe the Sooners already have their man in Sam Bradford or Joey Halzle. But they'd like to increase their options and odds.
So beware you schools with vacancy signs posted on the head coach's office. While you're selling candidates, the Sooners — and others — might be selling your quarterback commitment.
For Michigan State, that means Keith Nichol, the nation's No. 5 dual-threat recruit.
For Iowa State, that's Phillip Bates, the No. 17 dual-threat prospect.
For North Carolina, it's Mike Paulus a No. 10 pro-style QB.
For Miami, it could be Nick Fanuzzi, who might be looking should coach Larry Coker join the ranks of the unemployed.
That's the jungle law in a profession where a moment of sorrow for fallen peers may be recognized, but it's only a moment before rivals swoop in swiftly to raid the remains — in this case committed recruits who might be questioning their commitment to old Next Stop U.
Survival of the still standing.
Commitments are only marginally respected under normal circumstances. At times like these, they're moot.
The Sooners' interest extends to each of the above quarterbacks. Paulus is a longshot, as he's all for the rumors of a Butch Davis hiring at Carolina. Nichol, a Michigan kid, seems tied for now to sticking with his commitment to the Spartans.
But Bates is already looking around, with the Sooners involved, and eventually Fanuzzi may, too.
OU also remains in pursuit of Texas commit John Brantley and its list of targets — committed and otherwise; high school and junior college — is long. And it's a coveted role being offered.
The Sooners are surging.
And circling.
Oklahoma needs a quality quarterback to establish itself as a contender for 2007, and coach Bob Stoops is on the recruiting trail trying to find one. By BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN
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