The Oklahoma Sooners have landed ESPN 300 outside linebacker Nikolas Bonitto, who announced his commitment at the Under Armour All-America Game. Here's how this Sunshine State prospect can make his mark in Norman:
What he brings: Bonitto is a lean, athletic edge defender whose strength is getting after the QB. With good length and a quick first step, he is best in attack mode as he can get upfield and displays decent bend to work a tight path as well as agility to counter inside. The four-star defender also demonstrates a good closing burst to finish. Can be productive against the run in pursuit with a good motor and range to be a factor in backside pursuit. More of a vertical attacker, he possesses enough range and athleticism to drop into coverage and be effective in underneath zone coverage.
How he fits: Bonitto, an ESPN 300 edge rusher from Saint Thomas Aquinas in South Florida, is a big out-of-state pickup for the Sooners. The four-star recruit could benefit from some time in OU's strength program to further fill out his frame and add needed bulk to help him round out his game and become stronger against the run. More quickly, he could contribute as a pass-rusher, and that ultimately could be how he makes his biggest impact while in Norman. With leading pass-rusher Ogbonnia Okoronkwo moving on, the addition of Bonitto gives the Sooners a player in that mold with similar upside.
Reminds us of: A little further along as well as a little more highly touted and with better length at the same stage, Bonitto reminds us some of current Sooners defender Okoronkwo. A prospect who needs to continue to develop entering college, Bonitto also shows good quickness, promising upside and the tools to be a defender who can disrupt and get after the QB.
How the class is shaping up:The Sooners are looking good to secure a second straight top-10 class for the first time in 13 years. Signing ESPN 300 offensive tackle Brey Walker was a huge in-state win after a late run by Texas A&M, as was inking ESPN 300 defensive ends Ron Tatum III and Ronnie Perkins over archrival Texas. Adding to the defensive line haul was the signing of four-star end Jalen Redmond and three-star tackle Jordan Kelley. ESPN 300 running back T.J. Pledger is an impactful signing out of California, and signing ESPN 300 quarterback Tanner Mordecai out of the Lone Star State will be remembered down the line. Joining Walker on the offensive line are signees Darrell Simpson and ESPN JC 50 and one-time Oklahoma State signee Tramonda Moore. ESPN 300 prospects Jaqualyn Crawford and Jaylon Robinson are playmaking signees out of Texas. The Sooners went to Tennessee to sign four-star receiver KunDarrius Taylor. Four-star recruit Miguel Edwards and Starrland Baldwin Jr. were need-filling signees at cornerback.