Oklahoma Football 2017 Recruiting Class: A Deep Dive

Hey Sooner fans! Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the Oklahoma 2017 recruiting class. This group of players played a significant role in shaping the Sooners' football program. We're going to dive deep, breaking down the class, looking at the top recruits, their impact on the field, and where they are now. Get ready for some nostalgia, guys!

The Landscape of the 2017 Recruiting Cycle

The 2017 recruiting class was a crucial one for Oklahoma, as they were looking to build on the momentum of their program. Coming off a season with high expectations, the Sooners were aiming to land a class that could compete for championships. The coaching staff, led by head coach Lincoln Riley, knew they needed to bring in top talent to maintain their competitive edge in the Big 12 and on the national stage. The landscape of college football recruiting was intensely competitive. The top programs were battling it out for the same players. Oklahoma had to showcase its program and the promise of a winning culture to attract these top recruits. Their recruiting strategy focused on a combination of in-state talent and national prospects. They needed to highlight the program's recent successes and the opportunity for players to develop under their coaching staff. Early commitments were essential. These commitments often help build the class, and serve as peer recruiters for other players. It was a race to the finish line, and the goal was to identify and secure commitments from players who would make an immediate impact and contribute to long-term success. So, the Sooners put in the work, and now we'll see how they did, okay?

Key Recruiting Battles and Strategies

Oklahoma's recruiting efforts in 2017 were marked by several key battles for top prospects. The Sooners competed against other powerhouse programs for the same players, which made securing commitments a complex process. The coaching staff employed several strategies to gain an advantage. They focused on building strong relationships with recruits and their families, emphasizing the family atmosphere of the program. They utilized official and unofficial visits, showcasing the campus, facilities, and the program's culture. They were also very effective at using social media to highlight the program and connect with recruits. They would put up graphics and videos about the recruits, and also engage with them on their social media. These strategies were all designed to create a positive experience for recruits and make them feel wanted. The Sooners also emphasized their recent success, pointing to their on-field achievements and the opportunity to compete for championships. They highlighted the development of players under the coaching staff and the chance to reach the NFL. Oklahoma’s recruiting team really understood the importance of the early commitments. These commitments are a vital element, creating momentum and attracting additional top players. Once some of the top players committed, it became easier to get others. The commitment of key players was essential to attract other prospects. These key players acted as peer recruiters, persuading other recruits to join the program.

Evaluating the Recruiting Class's Success

Evaluating the success of a recruiting class involves looking at many factors, not just their rankings. The 2017 class had a blend of highly-ranked recruits and those who may have been under the radar but developed into important players. One of the main factors is the impact the players had on the field during their careers at Oklahoma. This includes their playing time, their statistical production, and any awards or accolades they received. Also, the success of the team during the players' tenure is an important factor. Did they contribute to winning seasons, conference championships, or any College Football Playoff appearances? How did they fit into the team's culture and contribute to the program as a whole? How did these players perform compared to their recruiting rankings? Did some outperform expectations while others fell short? Many times, a player's impact on the field can be the best way to evaluate their success.

Top Recruits and Their Impact

Let’s get into the meat of this, looking at some of the biggest names in the 2017 Oklahoma recruiting class. We’ll break down who they were and what they did for the Sooners.

Trey Sermon: The Running Back

Trey Sermon was one of the highest-rated recruits in the class, a highly sought-after running back. He was expected to be a key player in Oklahoma's offense, and he was. Sermon had a solid career at Oklahoma, rushing for over 2,000 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was a reliable runner who helped balance the Sooners' offense. His performance was particularly vital in the 2018 season, where he contributed to the team's run to the College Football Playoff. Sermon transferred to Ohio State for his senior season, where he continued to have success, but he had a significant injury in the National Championship game. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2021 NFL Draft. He is currently playing in the NFL, but has not had as much success as expected.

CeeDee Lamb: The Wide Receiver

CeeDee Lamb was an instant impact player, a highly-touted wide receiver who immediately became a key part of the offense. He was an exceptional route runner with fantastic hands. He quickly became one of the team's top receiving targets. Lamb's impact was immediate, and he consistently produced big plays. In his three seasons, Lamb had over 2,000 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. He was a two-time All-American and a Biletnikoff Award finalist. Lamb was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He quickly became a star in the NFL, and has made multiple Pro Bowl appearances.

Creed Humphrey: The Offensive Lineman

Creed Humphrey was a key player on the offensive line. He was a highly-regarded center. Humphrey quickly established himself as a leader and a dominant player. He was a two-time All-American and won the Rimington Trophy in 2020. Humphrey was a dominant force. His ability to anchor the offensive line and make smart calls was essential to the Sooners’ offense. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2021 NFL Draft and has become a Pro Bowl player.

Other Notable Recruits

Several other recruits had significant contributions to the Sooners. Defensive end Ronnie Perkins was a highly-rated defensive end. He was a disruptive force on the defensive line, and a consistent pass rusher. Perkins was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft. Wide receiver Charleston Rambo transferred to Oklahoma from a different school. He had a solid career, contributing to the team’s passing game. Defensive back Robert Barnes was a contributor on defense and special teams. Each of these players brought their own talents to the team, and helped to build a strong roster. These players helped the Sooners maintain their position as a top program. Their contributions were essential to the team's success.

Position-by-Position Analysis

Let's break down the 2017 class by position and see how each group performed. Analyzing the class this way allows us to get a complete view of its strengths and weaknesses.

Offensive Positions

The offensive side of the ball was particularly strong in the 2017 class. The Sooners landed a number of talented players in the skill positions and on the offensive line. CeeDee Lamb and Trey Sermon were the standouts, as they had a huge impact on the team. The offensive line was strengthened by players like Creed Humphrey. This group of players played a significant role in Oklahoma's offensive success. They helped the Sooners become one of the most explosive offenses in the nation. The success of the offensive recruits underscored the importance of recruiting top talent on this side of the ball. The offensive recruits helped make the Sooners a top program.

Defensive Positions

The defensive side of the 2017 recruiting class also had some impactful players. The defensive line was bolstered by the arrival of Ronnie Perkins, who became a disruptive pass rusher. The defensive backs had some key contributors as well. While the defense had a few players who developed into key contributors, this area was not as strong as the offense. Overall, this recruiting class helped to improve the defense. While it wasn't as dominant as the offense, this class was a huge step in the right direction.

Special Teams

Special teams are often overlooked in recruiting analysis, but the 2017 class had some solid contributors. The special teams added a few players. While the class wasn't known for special teams superstars, it filled key roles and contributed to the overall success of the team. This shows the importance of recruiting for special teams. It can make a difference in close games.

The Class's Legacy and Future Impact

What's the overall legacy of the 2017 Oklahoma recruiting class? How did these players shape the Sooners' program, and what's the long-term impact? Let’s find out, guys!

On-Field Success and Achievements

The players from the 2017 class contributed to multiple successful seasons for the Sooners. This class helped the Sooners compete for Big 12 championships and make appearances in the College Football Playoff. The impact of the class can be seen in the on-field achievements. The impact of players like CeeDee Lamb and Creed Humphrey was obvious. The overall success of the program can be seen as a direct result of their contributions. The success of the Sooners from 2017 on demonstrates the importance of recruiting top talent.

Players in the NFL

One of the main goals of many college football players is to get to the NFL. Several players from the 2017 class have gone on to play in the NFL. CeeDee Lamb and Creed Humphrey have become stars in the league. Their success highlights the talent level of this recruiting class and the development they received at Oklahoma. The continued success of these players in the NFL is a testament to the coaching, development, and the overall program at Oklahoma. These players serve as role models for the current players and future recruits. Their success proves that Oklahoma can prepare players for the highest level of professional football.

Impact on the Program's Trajectory

The 2017 recruiting class had a big impact on the program's overall trajectory. The combination of talented players and the coaching staff helped the Sooners maintain their status as a top program. This class built on the success of previous classes and helped set the stage for future success. The players from this class contributed to a winning culture and a strong foundation for the future. The legacy of this class extends beyond the players who made it to the NFL. This class helped Oklahoma to remain relevant in the college football world.

Conclusion: A Successful Class

Alright, guys, wrapping this up! The 2017 Oklahoma recruiting class was a success story for the Sooners. The class added players who had a big impact on the team’s success. The combination of talented players and the program’s coaching helped the Sooners to remain one of the top teams in college football. The success of this class is a great example of the importance of recruiting. So, that’s it! Thanks for taking this trip down memory lane with me. Boomer Sooner!