From the OU 247 board this afternoon:
How did it get to this point?
From an Oklahoma perspective, the Sooners have been on the verge of landing Stone's on more than one occasion. There was confidence expressed out of Norman a couple different instances, but a commitment was never finalized. Michigan State smoke was also very real as the Spartans surged in this recruitment months ago but weren't able to land a verbal. Even this decision date fell into question several times as there were rumors throughout July and early August that Stone could close things down. Now, with time continuously extended and things remaining open, that's allowed a program like Miami to go full steam ahead. The Canes have expressed their goal of bringing in an elite defensive line class this cycle, and Stone has long been a name on that board. As a result of the extended timeline, Miami's relentless pursuit of Stone and his family has altered the outlook with little time remaining.
Where do things stand now?
Stone and his entire family sat down together after the IMG-Lipscomb Academy game to hash out how they felt and come to a decision
Both OU and Miami staffs were aware of this plan. Going into that dinner meeting, both staffs felt good where things stood.
Stone has great admiration for OU, its coaches and the relationships that are present there, but Stone has also been greatly appreciative of the effort Miami has shown prioritizing Stone and his family members. A concern behind the scenes is that Stone may have to handle some challenges in a potential return to home in Oklahoma. This has increased interest in the thought of staying in Florida and playing at a place like Miami.
Stone still has a lot of admiration for Oklahoma, but his family loves Miami and he has connected with several people in the program.
On the question of Jayden Jackson and his relationship with Stone:
The two have essentially formed a brotherhood while spending time away from their families at IMG Academy. But not too long ago, Jackson was prepared to make a decision independently that had nothing to do with Stone. Schools like Texas, Miami and Ohio State were involved until OU was able to jump into the top spot down the stretch. The OU reporter says that several sources told him that Jackson's decision to commit to OU was his own which has to be considered regarding Stone.
Miami is trying to counter with relationships of its own at this stage in the process.. Stone is close with several current players on the Canes' roster, including a former teammate at IMG in
Francis Mauigoa.
Oklahoma feels it has the advantage from a coaching relationship perspective in
Todd Bates, but Miami's coaches have really connected with Stone's family. Other commits for OU are also trying to help pursue Stone like
Jaydan Hardy, but the Canes are countering with communication from any outlet imaginable.
The 247 reporter says Stone's relationships with Oklahoma's staff and commits remain crucial, but Miami has literally gone all-in on pursuing Stone's family. The Canes' staff called Stone's family members during their 10-hour drive up to Nashville to check in, something that Stone mentioned really stood out.
His siblings love their visits to Miami and I know Stone's mother has discussed the advantages of Stone staying in Florida with the Canes' coaches. Both schools can check the 'early playing time' box with actual proof being shown in the depth charts.
Both schools feel good right now. The 247guy says he couldn't in good conscience put a cb in or anyone right now. He expects this recruitment to go down to the wire with info locked up tight until possibly right before the weekend.
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