Josh McCuistion
SoonerScoop.com Associate Editor
A lot of Oklahoma prospects are already beginning to make a name for themselves, some did so thanks to big runs through the playoffs but while Blake Belcher’s Guthrie Bluejays went to the 5A state semi-finals they did so without the help of their standout 6-foot-6, 270-pound offensive tackle. Belcher was injured in a freak accident just before the start of the playoffs but that hasn’t stopped coaches from taking notice of him.
Belcher is one of the state’s more promising lineman.
Recently he went to Norman for Oklahoma’s junior day and spent a lot of time with the Sooner coaching staff. And though Belcher had been to Norman plenty of times the trip did provide some new aspect for the big lineman.
“It was good, we got a tour of the weight room, ate lunch, that was nice,” Belcher said. “I’ve never seen the weight room, the medical room or recovery room, or pools or anything like that. I got to see both weight rooms they have and I got to see their little freshman lounge area they have.
“It was really impressive, I really liked it, I sat down with coach Bob Stoops and he talked to me and coach (Cale) Gundy talked for a while. I just liked the atmosphere and everything about it.”
Belcher knew a few players from the camp circuit but was most familiar with Jenks superstar Alex Ross from their time in school together in South Tulsa. That said the person he spent the most time around was offensive line coach James Patton.
“Coach Patton stayed by me the whole time but a main guy that was leading the tour was (recruiting coordinator) (Bruce) Kittle,” he explained. “I told coach I’m almost done with my highlight tape but they may have seen some film from earlier and coach Patton watched us play Duncan earlier this year and stuff like that. They haven’t said anything as far as film yet.”
During their conversations through the day Belcher and Patton got into the inevitable questions of where he might fit into Oklahoma’s recruiting plans for the class of 2012. It seems that nothing has been decided but Belcher did say the Sooners have a big class of linemen planned.
“We talked for about 15-minutes and he pretty much told us what he is looking for effort wise and size wise and what sizes he likes at their position,” he recalled. “He pretty much said he was going to take four or five offensive lineman for next year but he didn’t narrow it down to who might be offered or anything.”
One other thing that Belcher enjoyed about this trip over some others was the chance to watch Patton work with his offensive line in a practice setting.
“Today the only one-on-one stuff they did was pass rush, he wouldn’t let them move on without getting it right. He seemed like he was coaching them really well and let them know what their mistake was.”
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