Dude, Seriously? David Oku Enrolls At Lincoln East
8 comments so far
February 23, 2009 by
What in the name of Noel Devine is going on around here? When my friends and I started Big Red Network three years ago, I never really envisioned this being a post I would be compelled to write. But here goes - a highly rated running back prospect has arrived in Lincoln...to attend high school. David Oku - considered by some to be one of the very best high school running back prospects in the country - has transfered to Lincoln East. This is according to the Lincoln Journal Star, who cites the Lincoln Public School registrar's office. So, what can be made of all this? A lot, and nothing at all. It's the intersection of both an amazing new world of non-stop recruiting and one of the age old truths of life.
Drama-Worthy Talent
Every year, there seems to be one really big drama case in recruiting. The aformentioned Devine eventually picked West Virginia. Terrell Pryor settled on Ohio State after letting signing day come and go last year. This year, it's Oku. He originally picked Tennessee, but backed out of the choice and did not sign. Now, he's considering many schools, and taking his own sweet time. And, his talent is significant enough that folks are willing to wait.
What Gives?
So, why in the world did Oku transfer to Lincoln East from Midwest City, Oklahoma? He says it is not about football. In fact, he has said publicly that he has not heard from NU recently. Oku told Rivals.com that Lincoln East is a better school and that it is a better situation for him personally. The current buzz is that this is about a girl.
Ah, the pursuit of the opposite sex. Is there any more universal theme, especially among young people? Apparently Oku met a young woman during his visit to NU last season (during the Virginia Tech game). There is wide speculation that she may be the reason for his move to Lincoln. Oku will not confirm or deny whether or not the young woman is pregnant.
Roster Implications
Okay, let's all assume for a second that geography is, in fact, destiny and that Oku's move to Lincoln and his personal life lead him toward signing with NU. What are the implications? Well, for starters, I would think the coaches would look at it seriously. They offered him a scholarship at one point, right? The kid can play. But, the Huskers have already filled their pre-set number of running back slots by taking Rex Burkhead and Dontrayevous Robinson.
Would Oku showing up at NU affect either Burkhead or Robinson? Maybe. I think it is more likely that a player like Burkhead - a comparable talent with similar skill sets - would keep Oku from considering NU, no matter what his personal life suggests. And, I have to wonder whether or not the very matter-of-fact Bo Pelini would want this kind of drama around his program.
In any or all cases, this is certainly one of the most odd situations I've seen while following football recruiting. All we know is that at Lincoln East, some sophomore is saying "Dude, did you hear? David Oku is in my study hall."
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teamster Feb 24 09
Yea, you've got to wonder what kind of adult supervision and input this kid is getting. Do ya really think it is going to enhance a kid academically by transferring midsemester. midsemester!
Jump in the middle of totally different textbooks, midterm? Yea, that's the ticket. Go figure.
GiveHimABreak Feb 24 09
I go to school with the kid now and he is really down to earth. all of this attention is not what he wants at all he just wants a better education then what the idiots in oklahoma were giving him, and to be closer to his girlfriend.
Aaron Feb 24 09
So why wouldn't you want Oku at NU, granted you won't get the tandem situation like you have with Helu and Castille but two smaller backs, Burkhead and Oku, with burner speed in the corn-spread. Plus Burkhead will be most likely returning kicks and punts so having somebody else to share the carries would be sweet. I think what the hell if he did knock up his lady and wants to stay close to her then by all means find this guy a spot!
Greg Morrow Feb 24 09
East is a better High School than any in his hometown? (I'm shocked, stunned- not really.)
Most, if not all East and Northeast grads have done well, academically, for the Corn. (Southeast, is a little more problematic.)
If anything, if Oku and Pelini ever even talk again, Pelini might offer a greyshirt. Provided he's all clear with his papers and the NCAA. I don't know how pragmatic Pelini is. It's not like he'd be compromising his principles. Or would it?
This reminds me of the Witt deal. Guys like this want to go where they have the best opportunity to showcase, for the next league up.
It's a perception of reality. They go to a team and the team's not supposed to recruit another guy at his position for 2 or 3 years?
I know one thing. Pelini's not trying to recruit potential trainwrecks. A train's already gotta know how to stay on track...
AUJunkie Feb 26 09
I am wondering the "they" are in his comment that"they did not buy me a house I am living in an apartment" Hmm interesting
AUJunkie Feb 26 09
I am wondering who the "they" are in his comment that"they did not buy me a house I am living in an apartment" Hmm interesting
darren Feb 26 09
AU Junkie - not to read the tea leaves too much, but I think the "they" he is referring to is his girlfriend or girlfriend's family. Again, that's just my view on it. Only he knows who that personal pronoun is referring to. Well, I suppose the folks at Rivals might, since they heard it in the proper context.
SKERFANminor Mar 22 09
No pressure on this kid, but....He better have 2000 yards rushing this year, because being at Lincoln East he is going to have cupcake Class A teams to run through. This move could be a disaster for him if he has a mediocre season. Having less than 200 yards against HAC teams will be costly. Good luck Kid.