It has been pretty common for Oklahoma quarterback Blake Bell to host an offensive lineman on an official visit. The goal, of course, is for the quarterback and lineman to start building that important relationship before they’re even on the field together.

Offensive tackle Zach Banner (Lakewood, Wash./Lakes) said his September visit to OU was so enjoyable in part because of Bell.

Two weeks ago, the Sooners weren’t trying to plan it that way, but it sort of developed between center Ty Darlington (Apopka, Fla./Apopka) and quarterback Trevor Knight (San Antonio/Reagan), two OU verbal commits on their official visits.

Darlington’s host was Gabe Ikard, while Knight’s host was Drew Allen, another San Antonio product. Ikard and Allen are roommates, and it allowed Darlington ample time to get to know his future quarterback.

“Trevor was the one commit I did get to spend a lot of time with and get to know,” Darlington said. “He is a real good person. He’s a pretty low-key guy.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect because some guys are real loud, but that’s not Trevor. He definitely has all the confidence in his ability. I’m real excited about getting the chance to play with him. You can tell he's a natural leader.”

It wasn’t Darlington’s first visit to the campus, but it was his first trip since committing to the Sooners in the summer. The No. 1 thing that was different was how much more comfortable he felt with his surroundings.

It was fitting that Ikard was Darlington’s host. Both of them are extremely studious and focused on life after football.

“That was something we talked about,” Darlington said. “We thought it was kind of funny because neither one of us has ever had a 'B' before in high school or college.”

Since getting a 'B' in fourth grade, Darlington has had straight A’s on his report card.

Darlington is getting ready to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio next weekend and said he is leaving Sunday for the event.

He is one of four OU commits in the game but is the only member on the East squad. Wide receivers Durron Neal (St. Louis/De Smet Jesuit) and Derrick Woods (Inglewood, Calif./Inglewood) and offensive guard John Michael McGee (Texarkana, Texas/Texas) are on the West team.

“I’m ready,” Darlington said. “It should definitely be a lot of fun and a good challenge.”