Owasso's Triplett aiming to prove he's the state's top linebacker
O WAS SO—Players often set high goals for themselves before the start of every season.
For E maud T rip lett, he wants to do more than just break personal achievements. The senior linebacker at O was so wants to blow everyone else out of the water.
Last season, Triplett helped lead the Rams to the Class 6A-I state title for the second time in three seasons while leading the classification in tackles. He broke out as one of the best linebackers in the state.
But that's not enough. He wants more.
“I'm going to prove to everyone that I'm the best there is when it comes to linebackers in Oklahoma,” Triplett said. “I don't let distractions get in my way. There was too much room for critique last year, and I don't want that again.”
Triplett is already one of the state's top linebackers, but he's not satisfied. That hunger and tenacity to get better is propelling him ahead of an important senior season.
Trip let tis No .23 on The Oklahoman's 2021 Super 30 list of the top high school recruits in the state.
He recorded 140 tackles and eight sacks last season, breaking out as one of the state' s top recruit sin the 2021 class. The 5- foot- 10 ½ , 210- pound prospect' s recruiting gained traction in the spring, but one notable thing was missing. Power-5 offers.
He got offers from Army and Navy. Eastern Michigan and North Texas. Abilene Christian and Western Illinois. But those top- tier Power- 5 schools weren't offering Triplett, even though his tape showed one of the best linebackers in the country.
“If he was a couple inches tall er, they wouldn't hesitate to offer him,” Owasso coach Bill Blankenship said. “He's one of those guys who was hurt by not being able to take on-campus visits in the spring because of coronavirus. If those schools could get him on campus, they would offer him on the spot.”
Trip let tc om mitt ed to Army on June 7, but that hasn't stopped his recruitment.
Multiple schools are intrigued to see what he does as a senior. After his sophomore year, he moved f rom outside linebacker to inside, and Blankenship is glad the switch paid off. This year, though, Triplett is going to be used even more.
He' ll line upon the inside and stuff the run or the outside and rush the quarterback. Triplett will also drop into coverage and clog passing lanes. On offense, he'll line up and running back and use his strength to plow through defenders.
Blankenship knows he has a talented athlete, so he's going to use him myriad ways.
T rip lett knows his worth, too. He doesn't feel slighted because bigger programs aren't offering him. He doesn't want to make excuses.
He's just working to help Owasso win another gold ball and achieve more personal records.
“I know all of the things I can do to help us win,” Triplett said. “I'm excited for this season. It's one last time togo out and prove something.”