Oklahoma Football Recruiting 2017: 5 must-have recruits for Sooners

Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops reacts on the sidelines in the first quarter of 2017 Sugar Bowl against the Auburn Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops reacts on the sidelines in the first quarter of 2017 Sugar Bowl against the Auburn Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
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Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Mark Andrews (81) reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver Mark Andrews (81) reacts after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. Stephan Zabie, 4-star OT (Austin, Texas)

Oklahoma’s offensive line was one of the most improved position groups in 2016, cutting down the sack numbers from the season before. In fact, Baker Mayfield was sacked just 18 times this past season as opposed to 39 in 2015 which was a huge sign of improvement.

Even better news for the line is that it’s extremely young. Looking at the projected starters for 2017, there are three juniors, a sophomore and a senior. However, there could be changes after fall and spring ball, but the line is looking solidified and the expectations are higher than they’ve been in a while.

That’s not to say that the addition of another four-star prospect in the trenches isn’t needed. The Sooners are currently bringing in Creed Humphrey to play center, Adrian Ealy as an offensive tackle and Tyrese Robinson and Marquis Hayes as guards. That’s a full class, but there’s still room for a guy like Stephan Zabie.

The four-star tackle from Austin, Texas, is one of the top remaining uncommitted offensive linemen in the class and would add some impressive depth to an already young group. He’s ranked the No. 246 overall recruit and No. 23 offensive tackle.

Texas is the main competition for him.

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