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UA All-America Game: Four-star standout Bonitto opts for Oklahoma

ORLANDO – Oklahoma landed a public commitment from four-star defensive end-linebacker hybrid Nikolas Bonitto on Thursday night during the Under Armour All-America Game, and despite the fact that most of the drama surrounding his announcement vanished weeks ago, there’s plenty of reason for those in Norman to be pleased.

Surprise or no surprise, the Sooners getting a priority target certainly qualifies as good news on Campus Corner.

MORE: Class of 2018 Rivals 100 | 2018 Rivals 250 | 2018 Team Rankings

THE SITUATION

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This is an interesting one, because it was rumored that Bonitto actually signed with the Sooners during the Early Signing Period and the act was kept quiet in an effort to preserve his televised announcement. So goes recruiting in 2018. And even if things had long been official, Thursday’s announcement made things public, which should be pleasing to the Sooner faithful. A Florida product, Bonitto chose OU over a long list of offers, including ones from fellow finalists Louisville and Texas.

HOW IT HELPS OKLAHOMA

Bonitto has incredible length and the frame to add significant size. He also brings a measure of versatility, as he can play upright or with his hand on the ground. Bonitto’s pledge gives the Sooners a second linebacker in the 2018 class. And while the Sooners hold letters of intent from a pair of defensive ends, the versatility Bonitto brings could help bolster that group should OU so choose.

HOW IT HURTS TEXAS 

Bonitto was obviously a bit of a longshot for Texas, and the Longhorns had backup plans in place. But Tom Herman cared enough to bring him in for an official visit on Oct. 20, so at one point in time Bonitto had UT’s undivided attention. That said, Texas currently holds commitments from a pair of linebackers, including Rivals250 member Ayodele Adeoye. And while Bonitto is certainly capable of coming off the edge, Texas is more concerned with natural defensive linemen at this juncture.

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