Oklahoma Football Recruiting: 7 Late Targets Sooners Hope to Sign

Things are getting hectic for every program across the country as National Signing Day is merely a few hours away.

The majority of recruits have already made up their minds and are preparing for their ego-boosting press conferences where they will personify their decision by putting the corresponding ball cap on their head. Hopefully, they get a little more creative this year.

For others, however, the decision will come right down to the wire. They are sitting at the dinner table with their families mulling over the pros and cons, while coaches literally beat down the doors to try and win them over.

Oklahoma is no different. The Sooners are right in the middle of a handful of recruiting battles that will decide whether this is a "good" or "bad" class according to the numerous ratings services.

Things got interesting when defensive coaches (and heavy recruiters) Willie Martinez and Brent Venables left the staff. Their departure sent a few recruits packing and forced the remaining coaching staff to make a handful of late offers to fill the voids. 

Let's take a look at the most recent (as of Tuesday afternoon) updates on seven late recruiting targets  that have recently taken the Sooners into consideration.

Davonte Neal, ATH

Davonte Neal is the No. 8 player in ESPN's overall rankings, potentially making him the highest-rated player to sign with the Sooners since Adrian Peterson. The Sooners were not even on his radar until former Arizona defensive coach Tim Kish joined the OU staff last week.

Kish had developed a strong relationship with the Neal family while trying to recruit him to Arizona, but since his switch to Norman, he has convinced Neal to consider Oklahoma.

He has already visited Ohio State, Notre Dame, North Carolina and Arkansas and was planning on visiting Arizona for his final visit. Word has it that he might hold off his decision and visit Norman instead.

This battle will last beyond National Signing Day, so don't expect to hear word on Neal tomorrow.

Zack Sanchez, DB

After losing defensive backs DaVonte Harris and Kevin Peterson in the wake of Brent Venables and Willie Martinez leaving Oklahoma, the Sooners have been pressing hard to fill the much-needed position.

Zack Sanchez, a 3-star cornerback, had originally committed to Baylor, but when the Sooners came calling last week, he changed his mind.

He has reportedly made the switch, but it is always best to wait until signing day. You never know what can happen. If the Sooners do indeed win Sanchez's services, it will be yet another case of OU's national prestige winning out.

Damien Williams, RB

Damien Williams ran for 1,931 yards and 26 touchdowns last season at a San Diego junior college and was originally committed to attend Arizona State next year.

However, after the Sooners lost three running backs to transfer last season, an offer came his way. After an official visit to Norman, Damien has been singing OU's praises nonstop.

Kenny Stills, Tony Jefferson and Brennan Clay, all originally from the San Diego area, apparently had a big hand in the switch. With regards to the "Cali Trio," Williams said, "They’re the San Diego kids that are setting the bar at OU. I want to come in and set the bar even higher."

He has yet to officially switch his verbal commitment, but don't be surprised if OU brings him in tomorrow, adding much-needed depth at the position.

Gary Simon, DB

Just like Zack Sanchez, Florida corner back Gary Simon opened his decision back up when OU came calling late.

He was planning on deciding between Iowa State and Arkansas, but decided to delay his decision and take a visit to OU. He literally drove to Norman from Fayetteville after his visit.

Even after the hectic week, Simon seemed to enjoy his extra trip. “It was a lot of fun. I enjoyed hanging out with the players,” Simon said. “Tony, we were just joking around the whole time. He was real cool.”

Sam Grant, TE

There was not a bigger need this recruiting season for the Sooners than tight end. After graduating two seniors, losing one to transfer and another to career-ending injury, the depth chart was left painfully empty at tight end.

Luckily, when a school like this has a glaring need, recruits get all doe-eyed at the prospect of early playing time.

OU has verbal commitments from three talented tight ends so far, but need at least one more to fill out the roster. Sam Grant, a 6'5" 230-pound former Boston College commit, looks like he will be that fourth tight end.

It was reported earlier today that he had let Bob Stoops know his decision to attend Oklahoma. Again, we will wait and see where he actually signs tomorrow, but things look good for Oklahoma.

Collin Blake, DB

After the coaching change at Texas A&M, 3-star defensive back Collin Blake opened his decision back up to a three-team race between OU, Florida State and TCU.

Simon hasn't let on which school he is leaning towards, but OU has a slight advantage in that Simon's teammate Kyle Marrs is already committed to the Sooners this year.

As previously mentioned, this is an area of great need for the Sooners, making his signature tomorrow a valuable one.

Michael Onuoha, DE

It's going to come down to the finish for Edmond, OK product Michael Onuoha. Missouri has been courting the youngster for more than a year, but OU's late charge has the defensive end torn between the two schools.

“It’s tough. It is definitely something that is 50-50 right now,” Onuoha said. “I’m going to talk it over with my coaches, my family and make the best decision for me.”

Oklahoma graduates six defensive lineman after next season, so another signature to go along with the two others in the 2012 class would be a big win.