Oklahoma lands top-rated quarterback
NORMAN, Okla. – Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley has developed a reputation as the best in college football at developing quarterbacks.
That’ll happen when a program has two Heisman Trophy winners and three other top-four finishes among quarterbacks in a five-year span.
That success continues to pay off on the recruiting trail and it did in a big way Saturday when Caleb Williams, the No. 1 quarterback in the 2021 class and the No. 4 overall player in the class according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings, committed to the Sooners.
Williams said the success of Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray and Jalen Hurts helped persuade him to commit.
Williams (6-foot-1, 200 pounds), from Washington, D.C., chose OU over Maryland and LSU. He is a dual threat, with the speed and elusiveness to make plays happen with his feet in addition to an accurate and powerful delivery both in the pocket and on the run.
– Ryan Aber of The Oklahoman
Gundy deal altered after review
STILLWATER, Okla. – Oklahoma State football coach Mike Gundy’s contract was altered following an internal review of the program, athletic director Mike Holder confirmed.
Gundy’s contract was reduced by $1 million and one year, going from a five-year rollover contract to just a fouryear rollover deal. His buyout was also reduced.
Holder said Friday that Gundy suggested the changes.
Holder and OSU President Burns Hargis both had released statements of support for Gundy late Thursday after the investigation that began June 16.
On June 15, a picture emerged on social media of Gundy wearing a One America News Network T-shirt. OAN is a far-right, pro-Donald Trump cable news network rated by Media Bias/Fact Check as being “not a credible news source.” The photo angered his players, and star running back Chuba Hubbard tweeted that he would not participate in team activities until changes were made. Several current and former players showed support for Hubbard.
– Jacob Unruh, The Oklahoman
Tanaka tweets ‘all good’ after liner
NEW YORK – Masahiro Tanaka was struck in the head by teammate Giancarlo Stanton’s blistering line drive during a Saturday afternoon simulated game at Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees’ pitcher appeared to have avoided serious injury; a CT scan came back negative and he was released from a hospital just before 8 p.m.
An upbeat-sounding Tanaka posted in English to his verified Twitter account: “I appreciate all the support. I feel it a bit right now, but I’m all good,” adding that he was “going to try to get back on the mound ASAP!”
– Pete Caldera, NorthJersey.com
NC 3-0 in NWSL Challenge Cup
HERRIMAN, Utah – Defender Abby Erceg’s header in the 81st minute gave the North Carolina Courage a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Challenge Cup.
The two-time NWSL champions have won all three of their games to sit atop the tournament standings.
– The Associated Press