Back in June at Oklahoma’s camp, there was one defensive back who stood out above the rest. On almost every single snap he was out there, onlookers were asking who was that making those plays?
The recruit in question was cornerback Dakota Austin (Lancaster, Texas/Lancaster). Austin’s ability to lock down receivers made him a star during the summer. But a week before signing day, Austin still hadn’t found a home.
Now, he’s going back to Norman, Okla. During his official visit to OU, he confirmed Saturday morning he has committed to the Sooners. Austin didn’t have an offer going into the visit. But once he got the offer, the choice was made simple.
Austin was sensational at OU’s camp and one of the highlights of the event was Austin going against ESPN Watch List wide receiver K.D. Cannon (Mount Pleasant, Texas/Mount Pleasant).
There was no questioning Austin’s cover skills. The question has always been about his size. Measured at 5-foot-10 and 149 pounds, there's no doubt Austin is a bit light in frame.
But OU coaches are trusting their eyes. OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel told Austin when he left the camp to not commit anywhere without getting in touch with the Sooners first.
Austin never committed and a spot opened up at OU. Simply put, the pieces came together. Austin chose OU over offers from New Mexico, Nevada and UTEP.
Austin is OU’s 22nd commitment for the class and the second cornerback. He joins ESPN 300 athlete Stanvon Taylor (Tulsa, Okla./East Central) as the other pledge so far for OU’s class.
The Sooners are still pursuing two four-star cornerbacks leading up to signing day in ESPN 300 athlete Adrian Baker (Hollywood, Fla./Chaminade-Madonna) and cornerback L.J. Moore (Fresno, Calif./Central East).
Said OU commit Dominique Alexander (Tulsa, Okla./Booker T. Washington) on Austin’s commitment via Twitter: “Say what you want on rankings and stuff. But Dakota Austin is Cold. That boy Lockdown. Good Pick Up.”
Alexander was at the same camp as Austin at OU in June.
