Oklahoma has a history of swooping up local products at the last minute, especially at Norman High in Norman, Okla.
Running back Mossis Madu was a late steal when it looked like UCLA was the favorite, and everybody knows how important the signing of Ryan Broyles turned out to be. Broyles had even committed to Oklahoma State before signing with OU.
So could it happen again for the 2012 class with running back Donovan Roberts (Norman, Okla./Norman)? It’s not likely.
“I’m very content with Arkansas,” Roberts said. “The fans and their support have been great this entire time.”
Roberts, who verbally committed to the Razorbacks in April, hadn’t given the Sooners a second thought, but Oklahoma came calling a couple of weeks ago and offered the three-star prospect.
Three running backs -- Jermie Calhoun, Jonathon Miller and Brandon Williams -- have left Oklahoma for one reason or another this season. And after expecting to only sign one running back for the 2012 class, the position has turned into a need.
The offer came as a surprise to Roberts, who said he listened and appreciated what running backs coach Cale Gundy had to say.
Roberts had a great relationship with former OU offensive coordinator and now Indiana coach Kevin Wilson, but the Sooners looked in another direction. OU went after in-state product Alex Ross (Jenks, Okla./Jenks), and after landing the fourth-ranked running back in the nation, backed off the position.
Roberts, however, said this is not a pride issue.
“Arkansas has done a really good job this entire process,” Roberts said. “The in-home visit was great. My mom really enjoyed getting to know them. This isn’t about not liking OU, but I’m very happy with the way things are at Arkansas.”
Though he lives minutes away from Owen Field, Roberts said he doesn’t plan to take an official visit to OU and said he still plans to make his official visit to Arkansas sometime in January.
Part of the allure of the Razorbacks has been about the chance to play in the SEC.
“There is more competition there. The conference proves it year after year,” Roberts said. “The best of the best play there. That’s where I want to be.”
Roberts is one of several running backs the Sooners have attempted to get in touch with in the last month. Junior college running backs Marion Grice (Houston/Blinn College) and Damien Williams (San Diego/Arizona Western College) are both expected to make official visits to OU in January. Grice has committed to Texas A&M.