Belcher ‘s commitment turns golden for Tulsa

When Tulsa hired Bill Blankenship has their new head football coach many in the state knew he would get some of the elite players in the state.

Blankenship, a former head coach at Tulsa Union, received a big verbal commitment Thursday morning. How big? How about 6-foot-6, 270-pounds.

Guthrie’s left tackle Blake Belcher became the 16th commitment for Tulsa’s 2012 recruiting class.

“I came to this decision because it was not only best for me, but for my family and friends. I talked it over with coach Watkins one day and I decided to go
with Tulsa,” Belcher told Guthrie Sports Page.

Verbal commitments are non-binding. The first day football athlete’s can make their official commitment is February 1, 2012.

“I wanted to get this decision over with so I would be able to fully focus on my senior year and have none of my recruitment get in the way,” Belcher added.

The senior had several offers from BCS schools such as Arizona, Stanford, Oregon State, and Iowa State as well as Air Force, but Belcher decided to stay closer to home.

“Originally being from Tulsa had somewhat to do with it. I grew up with coach Blankenship at Union so I know how good of a person he is and respect him greatly,” Belcher said.

Belcher, a three-year starter for the Jays, moved into the Guthrie district after his eight grade season at Tulsa Union.

“He (Blankenship) is a very good coach as well as a good person. I also really liked the facilities and the offensive line coach Denver Johnson. He is very good at what he does and knows what he is talking about. I really liked the small school atmosphere and the whole campus in general,” Belcher concluded.

Belcher is rated as a three-star prospect by Rivals.com and Oklahoma’s No. 6 overall prospect.