Oklahoma kicked off its 2024 season with a commanding 51-3 win over the Temple Owls on Friday night. The game, however, saw a lack of high school recruits due to their inability to attend, compounded by DeMarco Murray’s one-game NCAA suspension which barred unofficial visits for Week 1.
Before the game, Brent Venables and his team were focused on preparing for their opener and had a relatively quiet period on the recruiting front. Despite this, the Sooners received promising news from two prominent recruits this week.
**Decommitment**
Miami, despite a significant victory over Florida, faced a setback when 4-star linebacker Elijah Melendez from Osceola (FL) decommitted from the Hurricanes. Melendez, who stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 225 pounds, is ranked as the No. 92 overall prospect and No. 4 linebacker by Rivals.
Oklahoma currently has 3-star linebacker Marcus James from Carl Albert (OK) committed for the 2025 class. After signing only one linebacker in the 2024 cycle, the Sooners are looking to strengthen this position further, and Melendez could be a key target given his recent decommitment. He visited Norman in June and engaged with OU’s coaching staff, including Zac Alley and Todd Bates.
The Sooners have had notable success recruiting in central Florida under Venables, and Melendez, from the Orlando area, could be a valuable addition. Another linebacker of interest for OU is Christian Jones, a 4-star from Omaha Westside (NE), though Nebraska is also pursuing him.
**Top Schools**
On the same day as Melendez’s decommitment, 2027 wide receiver Ethan Feaster from DeSoto (TX) announced his top schools list. Feaster, a rising sophomore with over 40 offers, narrowed his choices to 18 schools. Oklahoma made the list alongside other top programs like LSU, Texas, and Oregon.
Feaster, 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, is rated the No. 8 overall prospect and No. 2 wide receiver by 247Sports. His previous visits to Norman make him a significant target for the Sooners, who already have a commitment from 4-star edge rusher Zane Rowe in the 2027 class.
**OU Commits in Week 1**
While Oklahoma played on Friday, several Sooners’ commitments excelled in their high school games. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, commits like 5-star offensive lineman Michael Fasusi and 4-star tight end Ryder Mix had standout performances. Other commits, including 4-star cornerback Maliek Hawkins and 4-star defensive back Omarion Robinson, also made significant contributions in their respective games.
In Texas, 4-star running backs Tory Blaylock and Jonathan Hatton Jr. had impressive outings, with Blaylock scoring three touchdowns and Hatton leading his team to a strong win.
