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Oklahoma ramps up interest in Blakley

There's still something to be said for a visit from Oklahoma.
And when it takes place in Northern Idaho, it's said with increased excitement. It's why four-star tight end Chase Blakley, a junior at Coeur d'Alene (Id.) High School, doesn't hide his jubilation when he discusses the Sooners' decision to stop by his high school.
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The ordeal didn't bring a scholarship offer, but no matter. Blakley is pumped anyway. Plus, he thinks one of those is coming in the near future. At this point, the tone in his voice is molded by anticipation.
"It was definitely exciting," Blakley said. "Coach [Jay] Boulware came to my weights class and introduced himself and that was it. He just talked to my coach for the rest of the time. He had me give him a call later, so I did. We had a good conversation. He was telling me about his history coaching and the program. He told me Coach [Bob] Stoops is going to give me a call when he gets back into town, so I'm expecting that."
There's some history between Blakley and the Sooners. This wasn't the first interaction. It did, however, represent the next step. The process is ongoing.
"They want me to come up there for camp and check out the faculties, meet all the coaches and everything like that," Blakley said. "I believe an offer is coming, so I'm probably going to do that."
On top of the increased interest from Oklahoma, Indiana and Oregon State have ramped up their pursuit of the 6-foot-6 tight end in recent days. Florida remains involved as well. A member of the Gators' coaching staff is slated to drop into Coeur d'Alene next Tuesday.
Washington, which represents Blakley's lone BCS-level offer to this point, was in on Friday. As was Utah State.
"Oregon State is coming by, too," Blakley said. "Things are really starting to pick up."
Blakley, whose hometown houses just 44,000 people, holds offers from Eastern Washington, Idaho and Idaho State in addition to his invitation from Washington. He knows there isn't much guesswork for somebody trying to deduce a frontrunner by examining his offer list. According to him, though, that may change soon.
"I think a lot of people think Washington is my favorite for sure, but I'm just keeping my options open and seeing what else is out there," he said.
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