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Three OU commits make ESPN 150

Oklahoma has a history of having multiple recruits in the ESPN 150. Since 2008 -- when the Sooners signed three of the top 13 prospects in the nation -- OU has signed 32 players from ESPN.com's list of the top 150 recruits in the country.

With the initial unveiling of the list for the class of 2013 today, that tradition is still going strong.

The Sooners have three commitments in the ESPN 150, highlighted by two of the top three running backs in the nation.

Four-star back Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage-Boca Delray) is OU's top commit at No. 29, followed by Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Ranch) at No. 36. And the Sooners' newest commit, defensive end D.J. Ward (Lawton, Okla./Lawton), is No. 93 and is the lone representative from the state of Oklahoma.

No. 29 RB Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage-Boca Delray)
Height: 5-10. Weight: 195. Committed: March 31.

Breakdown: Bryant has been the steal of the class for the Sooners at this point. Nobody, including Bryant himself, thought he would commit on his unofficial visit last month. He is known for his natural athletic ability and vision in the open field. Since committing to OU, Bryant hasn't been bashful about showing off his crimson and cream colors.

Coach's take: "Nobody is going to work harder than Greg. There is nothing he cannot do. When he was younger, he was one of our leading receivers. He can play both ways. But nothing compares to his natural competitive nature." -- American Heritage coach Doug Socha

No. 36 RB Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/Ranch)
Height: 5-10. Weight: 200. Committed: March 3.

Breakdown: Ford was the first commit of the class and gave OU fans a reason to celebrate with his commitment during the Sooners' second junior day. If Bryant is a highlight waiting to happen, Ford is more of a bruising back. But he is not limited to just his power, either, as he has good speed and elusiveness. Ford already has accepted an invitation to the 2013 Under Armour All-America Game in January.

Coach's take: "He doesn't really like all the attention, to be honest with you. He's the best player I've ever coach and the most humble kid. When he was a sophomore, I told people this is probably the best player I've ever coached. He's unparalleled, and it's not even close." -- Cy Ranch coach Gene Johnson

No. 93 DE D.J. Ward (Lawton, Okla./Lawton)
Height: 6-3. Weight: 225. Committed: April 14.

Breakdown: The top in-state prospect in the class, Ward has been on OU's radar since he was a sophomore. He listed OU in his top three two weeks ago and accelerated the process with his commitment during Saturday's Red-White spring football game. Known for his incredible wingspan and speed off the edge, Ward has been a fan favorite among OU supporters for a long time.

Coach's take: "D.J. won't always put up the numbers because the other team keys in on him so much. You look at film, and he has two or three guys on him almost every play. But he still makes things happen. He's a special kid that works for and has deserved everything he has gotten." -- Lawton coach Randy Breeze


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