Oklahoma lands Peach State DB Jalen Huff
Jalen Huff was at Oklahoma for the first time last weekend and before leaving Norman to head back home, he was a Sooner.
Nobody knew about that decision then though.
The 2020 defensive back out of Buford (Ga.) gave Lincoln Riley and his staff a silent commitment, but on Friday afternoon, Huff announced it publicly and he is excited about his name now appearing on the Sooner's commitment list.
IN HIS OWN WORDS
"Oklahoma offered me during the spring and they immediately had my attention," said Huff. "I had watched them on TV, I saw them doing big things and it was a program I liked right away.
"Coach Kerry Cooks came out to my practice, watched me and then offered me that day. Since then, we stayed in touch. We have really built a good relationship. We have been talking after every game. We talk technique, how he rotates his guys, how he plays freshmen and how he likes how I play.
"I have really been liking Oklahoma for a couple of months now. Seeing them play and talking to coach Cooks really opened my eyes.
"I went out there last weekend and the first impression they made on me was a good one. I saw the facilities, their fans were loud and it really exceeded my expectations. I talked with coach Cooks and coach Riley before and after the game. It was great hospitality. I liked it a lot.
"I really did not have it in my mind that I was going to commit, but the atmosphere and the coaches got me. I told coach Cooks about my decision and we went right to coach Riley to let him know. They both were congratulating me when I committed and it was great.
"It feels great to be committed to Oklahoma. It is really a proud feeling. It is also a reminder that there is a lot for me to still do. I have to work hard in the classroom, on the practice field and I still have to work very hard. I have to get ready for Oklahoma every day. There is still a lot for me to do.
"Kentucky was up there for me and Mississippi State was another school high on my list, but Oklahoma is the right school for me."
RIVALS REACTION
Huff is a good athlete playing for one of the top high school programs in the country. Buford's coaching staff will have Huff prepared to compete the day he arrives in Norman. As a defensive back, Huff is a versatile player. He can play corner or nickel due to his size, skill-set and ability. His ball skills are a plus and he is starting to get stronger, which helps him against the run and bigger wideouts. Huff is an athlete who has played both sides of the ball in high school, but his home on the next level is defense. He will continue to add weight, get bigger and will be a defensive back the Sooners can expect to compete early in his career.
