Obviously the coach was thrilled to bring in a class that includes a pair of five-star recruits and a third that was a first team JC All-American.
“ It is good to have the three guys signing,” Stoops said. “They are going to be
a big part of our program and will be a tremendous help in getting us to
the point we want to get."
Although the team has had mixed results with JC players of late, Stoops is more than optimistic that the three will make an instant impact. In fact, he is counting on it.
"We have never recruited a junior college player to do anything but start,
and that is what we have in mind for these three,” Stoops said. “They provide us not only
depth but give us more strength and size along the line.
"We have worked really hard and our staff did a good job of evaluating
players and staying on players we really wanted. It is just working on a
daily basis to move us to another stage in our program."
The best part of the class was not getting Long and Holmes because of their rankings, it was landing two elite players at positions of need. The defensive line was a weak spot for the defense and they will be counted on to shore up the front.
“(Holmes) wants to take us to the next level,” Stoops said. “He is a big time player. He
is a dynamic player who will bring some excitement and some stability
along our d-line.
"Holmes is so unique, to have that size, strength and speed is not
typical for your average player. He is so explosive. There is so much he
can do."