Oklahoma lands commitment from four-star wide receiver Jaquaize Pettaway

Cypress (Texas) Langham Creek four-star wide receiver Jaquaize Pettaway announced his commitment to Oklahoma on Wednesday as the Sooners beat out Texas for one of the Lone Star State's biggest offensive speed threats.

Pettaway entered the summer with Oklahoma and Texas at the top of his recruitment, but it was his official visit to Norman that created the separation that the Sooners would end up taking into his decision.

"I really liked it," Pettaway said about his official visit. "In my eyes, I liked it, my family liked it. I went with my mom, my aunt and my PawPaw and they all really liked it. One thing that stood out was how they treated me and my family well and how much the staff really put the effort and invested into the people and the players. Not just football, they treat the players like regular people."

The Houston-area receiver was paired with Oklahoma standout wide receiver Marvin Mims on his official visit as the two were able to connect on multiple occasions throughout the weekend. Wide receivers coach Cale Gundy was also able to make a big final impression that helped earn his pledge.

"I got to sit down and ask him some questions and hang out with him," he said. "Very cool guy, Coach Gundy said we were like the same person. I can really see that. I told him to keep everything 100-percent with me and every question I had he answered truthfully. He said OU's the place to be and this place will bring that dog out of you."

In two seasons as a starter for Langham Creek, Pettaway has hauled in 105 receptions for 1,798 yards and 16 touchdowns. A standout on the track as well, Pettaway has lightning personal records of 10.41 in the 100-meter and 20.80 in the 200-meter.

At 6-foot-0, 170 pounds, Pettaway is the No. 56 ranked recruit in the country for the class of 2023, according to Rivals. He is the No. 8 ranked wide receiver in the country and the No. 10 recruit from the state of Texas. Pettaway joins Oklahoma's 2023 class as its second highest ranked commit behind Denton (Texas) Guyer quarterback Jackson Arnold.

Pettaway's commitment gives Oklahoma a much-needed boost to its 2023 recruiting efforts as the Sooners add a dynamic playmaker that can play inside, outside and out of the backfield with his built lower half.

His speed will be invaluable in both the Big 12 and SEC as Pettaway is a player that can impact the game both on offense and special teams as soon as he steps on campus.

While his route running bag may need some developing, Pettaway's straight-line speed will make him difficult to cover, especially after the catch. Some of his biggest plays are seen on bubble screens or jet sweeps out of the backfield. Finding Pettaway and getting him the ball as soon as the ball is snapped will lead to big positive gains more often than not.

Pettaway also has a keen ability to fight through tacklers with his above-average strength. Needless to say, the four-star is in absolute nightmare in the open field with the ball in his hands.