The Uncommitted: Several Oklahoma prep football standouts still weighing their options before National Signing Day
By Patrick Kays
Photo of Metro Christian's Tagg Campbell (25) by Sadie Rucker
Friday night lights have closed up shop.
For several seniors, they have put the pads on for the final time. For the others, they are navigating a more treacherous than normal recruiting battle.
Many of Oklahoma’s top prep football athletes have decided on their next school.
Owasso wide reveiver Cole Adams is heading to Alabama, joining Nick Saban, who paid Adams’ house a visit earlier this week.
Saban also made a stop in nearby Bixby at the Hasz household. Luke and Dylan Hasz, of perennial power Bixby, are both expected to sign with Arkansas along with Micah Tease of Tulsa Booker T. Washington.
Four-star defensive end Bai Jobe from Community Christian is heading to Michigan State and Tulsa Union’s Demarion Thomas is going to Vanderbilt.
Jacobe Johnson of Mustang, Chapman McKown of Norman North, and Erik Mccarty of McAlester are staying state-side and joining the Oklahoma Sooners, while the Pokes from Oklahoma State get Jaedon Foreman of Del City.
Choctaw quarterback Steele Wasel and his wide receiver, Jax Smith, are both heading to Akron.
Ardmore signal caller Cal Swanson is heading to Illinois, while gunslinger Blaze Berlowitz of Cushing is going to New Mexico State.
The list of commits for Oklahoma high school football players is impressively deep, and could never be highlighted in one article, but many athletes still search for the right college for them.
They continue to post their film, visit with coaches, and compete to earn the attention of recruiters from colleges across the country.
With the early National Signing Day period on the horizon, here are just a few of those athletes, sharing their story, and drawing a picture as to who they are as football players, in no particular order:
Tykie Andrews, WR, Enid
Andrews is considered one of the best receivers in the state of Oklahoma. Opposing coaches were very aware of his ability and knew he had to be game-planned for.
It helps that he is also coached by Oklahoma State receiving legend Rashaun Woods.
Andrews has been grateful for their relationship that started when Woods convinced him to switch from quarterback to wide receiver during his freshman year.
“He has really taken me under his wing,” said Andrews. “He saw the potential in me and turned me into a receiver. We spent countless hours after practice to perfect my craft and get better.”
That work ethic instilled in him is what Andrews adds makes him stand out in this recruiting class.
“I think my work ethic by far helps me along,” said Andrews. “I think mine takes me to the very top.”
Hendrix, Northwestern, East Central, Drake, SE Missouri, Navy and Dartmouth all agree with that, as does his head coach’s alma mater, Oklahoma State.
With only one official visit taken (to SEMO), Andrews has taken his time to make the right decision.
Photo of Tykie Andrews, left, by Michael Kinney
“It has been slow at times and fast at times. I have just been patient,” said Andrews. “I am looking for a school that is really close. A brotherhood. I want to go to a school not for its name but what’s on the inside.”
Andrews, who finished with 1,551 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 135 receptions, also makes it very clear to recruiters on what is on the inside of himself.
“What you see is what you get,” said Andrews. “What you see is someone dedicated to their craft and will give you 110 percent all the time.”
Twitter: @DTykie
Cooper Lai, S, Cascia Hall
Lai may have shined under center for the Commandos in 2022, but on the other side of the ball lies a safety that is catching the attention of recruiters.
That ability on both sides of the ball gives him the position title of ATHLETE. Lai seems to take pride in that.
“I can do anything and everything for you,” said Lai. “You can put me anywhere on the field and I will be successful because I love the game. I am versatile.”
The District 3A-4 MVP finished with 85 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and 20 passes broken up.
He currently holds offers from Emporia State, Drake, Pittsburg State, Central Oklahoma, Missouri State, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, and a preferred walk-on offer from Oklahoma State. Lai is also talking to Yale.
“I couldn’t be more thankful for all the coaches that have reached out,” Lai said as he talked about all of his offers.
As for the decision, academics are at the top for him.
“Coming from a school like Cascia Hall, it's a high academic institution,” said Lai. “I am looking for somewhere that’s going to continue that and will set me up for life.”
The football side of things garner more of a family approach.
“As for football, I am looking for a successful program and number two, a place with good chemistry,” said Lai. “I love playing football because of relationships you build on a football team.
“And third, I want a good coaching staff that will keep me accountable and be mentors to me, making me a better man, not just a football player.”
Photo of Cascia Hall's Cooper Lai (left) by Cooper Lai's Twitter page
Lai says whatever school he picks will get a player with a great attitude.
“I am going to come in with a humble attitude knowing nothing is given to me,” said Lai. “That’s the attitude that has gotten me to this point.
"I really had to grind for the spot I am in now. I am going to be loyal to the program.”
Twitter: @CooperLai4
Kamden Sixkiller, QB, Norman North
Kamden Sixkiller is no stranger to being under center.
The Timberwolves' senior finished his 14th season playing quarterback, but now the transition of his playing level goes from high school to college. However, he’s taking a newer version of his quarterback self with him.
“In the past, I have always been a pocket passer. I have always been considered athletic, but I have never been considered fast,” said Sixkiller. “Since being in high school, I have gone from a 5.9 40-time my freshman year to a 4.63. Adding the running game into my skill set definitely helps.”
Now with “new legs," Sixkiller races into his final recruitment stretch with Football Championship Subdivision offers from McNeese State and Robert Morris.
With visits scheduled and his recruiting open, Sixkiller has made it a point to find a place that provides a good relationship.
“The biggest thing I am looking for is how I connect with the coaches, first off,” said Sixkiller. “These are the guys I am going to be spending the most time with. I want to make sure it is a good fit for me.”
Photo of Kamden Sixkiller (with ball) by Michael Kinney
Sixkiller, who was crowned the 6AI-1 Co-District MVP, threw for 2,225 yards and 25 touchdowns, while rushing 108 times for 660 yards and 10 TDs.
With those numbers, he plans to stay patient and let the right place rise to the top.
“It has been rough, but I know it's a process,” said Sixkiller. “I know it is all going to work out and I will find the school for me. I am just being patient.”
Twitter: @Kamden6k
Jayden Bell, ATH, Muskogee
The Muskogee Roughers bounced back onto the 6AII scene this year, falling just short of a championship run in the semifinals.
With a young squad and not many seniors, that senior leadership was as important as ever.
Luckily for head coach Travis Hill, he had one of the best two-way players in the state in receiver/defensive back Jayden Bell.
Bell knew a change in culture started with himself.
“As a team, we always believed we were capable,” said Bell. “We had to go through the process of learning how to win and be successful.
"I had to look myself in the mirror and ask myself if I was ready to work.”
Indeed he worked. Bell had 819 all purpose yards, eight receiving touchdowns, two punt return touchdowns, 38 tackles and six interceptions.
That success makes it easy for Bell to want to continue playing both ways.
“Everybody has asked me offense or defense,” said Bell. “I like the challenge of doing what the coaches ask me to do. If we need it done, I'm going to get it done.”
Another aspect of Bell’s game is his physicality.
In the Roughers' district championship game against Stillwater, Bell stepped up and played with a healing fracture on his arm. With a soft cast on, he made plays both ways for the Roughers in a tough loss.
“I would like to say I always have been physical,” said Bell. “But I had an older brother growing up, so I always kind of had to be physical.”
He also found a high school sweetheart in the weight room.
“I remember the process from sophomore to junior year,” said Bell. “The weight room became different. It became my second home.”
Bell currently has 10 offers. Bethel College, Graceland, Kansas Wesleyan, Texas College, Friends, St. Andrews, McPherson, Ottawa, St. Mary's and Southwestern all want Bell. He is also still talking to Drake and Lindenwood.
“It is a fun process to see what these schools have to offer, and to see what I can do for them and what they can do for me,” said Bell.
Photo of Jayden Bell (3) by Jayden Bell
For Bell however, the education is most important for him.
“The education side of things has to be there for me," he said. "I have always found academics as something to fall back on for me.
"But as for the team, I am looking for a competitive team that I will fit in with - right away.”
Twitter: @Jayden_3_Bell
Tagg Campbell, ATH, Metro Christian
Metro Christian ended the 2022 football season with some hardware.
Unfortunately, it was silver and not gold.
The Patriots presented many weapons in their dominant run to the Class 3A state championship, including one named Tagg Campbell.
Campbell is a bonafide Swiss Army knife that tallied 1,379 all-purpose yards, 25 touchdowns, 62 tackles and three picks en route to a District 3A-1 MVP finish.
With all the charm of a standout offensive player, Campbell prefers defense, big hits and competition.
“I have always been a competitor,” said Campbell. “I have always loved competition and never shied away from it. And that translates really well to the next level, because you are going to have to compete every day.”
Campbell started his Metro Christian career as the first player in school history to start as a freshman, and now he looks to continue that competitive nature in college.
So far, Campbell has three college offers.
The first from Central Oklahoma (where Campbell ended his high school career), Pitt State and Dayton.
As he considers his options and waits for potential offers, Campbell focuses on finding a place where he can help build a culture.
“Obviously, it’s intriguing to go to a historic program with a lot of wins that have always been successful,” said Campbell. “But it’s just as intriguing going to a program that is on the rise and have a chance to make something out of nothing”
There’s that competitive nature.
Twitter: @CampbellTagg
Reese Roller, LB, Verdigris
There are not many linebackers with the stat line of Verdigris’ Reese Roller.
With 19 sacks on a semifinal team, Roller enters his recruitment with a need to prove himself to recruits, that his talent tops any potential lack of size.
“What sets me apart from most people is the motor that I bring,” said Roller. “I am not the tallest or fastest linebacker, but I believe I am the best football player.”
If you watch his film, you will probably agree.
“You’re going to see a relentless pass rusher,” said Roller. “I can fit in any defense. Whatever they need me to be, I will be.”
His legs seem to always churn and he rarely gives up on a play.
That tenacity gives Roller some much-deserved confidence as he considers which school to attend.
“If you look at the last three years, I don’t think you can say there has been a better linebacker in the state,” said Roller. “I almost put up 20 sacks and if you watch the film, I am getting double-teamed almost every play.”
Photo of Reese Roller (11) by Christian Potts
That competitive nature comes from a Roller family that has deep veins through Oklahoma high school football. His older brother, Sloan, inspired a lot of what you see.
“Coming from a very competitive family, we are kind of expected to be hard workers,” said Roller. “My brother inspired me to get in the weight room, and it just went from there.”
So far, UCO, Pitt State, Central Missouri and SW Baptist (where his brother Sloan is) have offered Roller. He has a few marks of criteria to consider before making a decision.
“Family is everything. That's why I am waiting to go on visits to see where I fit best,” said Roller. “Also, if I can go to a school with great academics, that’s also a big plus.”
Twitter: @ReeseRoller
Brandon Harper, WR, Noble
Noble wide receiver Brandon Harper has as good of an argument for college attention as anybody.
The senior tallied 1,700 total receiving yards on 100 receptions and 17 touchdowns. The yardage mark was a state high and was good enough for third in the nation.
Most of those yards came from his ability to shed tackles and gash secondaries.
Harper credits his competitive nature for that.
“I am a really good competitor,” said Harper. “I have been like that my entire life. When it comes to me sliding off people, it’s because I am strong.”
The wide receiver squats 375 and benches 240.
“It helps that I am shifty too. It’s hard to get me down running full speed.”
As of now UCO, East Central, Houston Christian, Langston, Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Panhandle State have offered Harper.
A few Division I schools have been in contact, but none have offered just yet.
“None of them have taken a shot yet,” said Harper. “I don’t really know why they haven’t taken a shot, but I don’t think it would be a bad idea to give me a shot.”
He believes his size may have something to do with it, but Harper presents a rebuttal to anyone who checks him off for his size.
“I think my size has been looked down upon,” said Harper. “I feel I am just as big as some of the slot receivers at the schools I have visited.
“I finished with 1,468 yards last year and 1,700 this year. You can't just make that stuff up, especially in a tough classification.”
Photo of Brandon Harper by Brandon Harper's Hudl page
Harper, from a tight-knit Noble community, wants to play somewhere with a similar feel, while having the facilities to get him to his biggest goals.
“I want somewhere that feels like home. I come from a community that is very close,” said Harper. “I also want good schooling. I want to become a (physical therapist).
"I also want to make my dreams of making the NFL, so just a place to develop me and make me into the best player I can be.”
Twitter: @brandonupnext22
Hayden Milner, DE, Washington
Hayden Milner is one of the most resilient defensive linemen in the state. That resiliency was taught in unfortunate circumstances in the form of back-to-back losses in the state championship game his sophomore and junior years.
As a senior, Milner and the Warriors finally broke through a silver wall and hoisted a gold ball with a 17-14 win against Oklahoma City Millwood.
“High school has taught me, especially losing two state championships, that hard work doesn’t always pay off,” said Milner. “But you can’t stop trying. You have to push through even if you fall short.”
Milner, who finished his senior year with 29 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 17 QB hurries, seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles, is looking to bring leadership on defense to college scouts.
That leadership is married to a devotion to his team, as evident by his recruitment just now getting started due to his focus being on the Warriors' title run.
Photo of Hayden Milner by Hayden Milner's Twitter page
“I haven’t went on any visits yet because I was busy with high school football. That was my main priority,” said Milner. “I was focused on winning a state championship. I wanted to get that bag and move on from there.
"Since I have that done, I will start focusing on going on visits now.”
With offers from Westminster, MidAmerica Nazarene, Culver-Stockton, Southwest Baptist, Southwestern and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Milner continues to be patient in his search for a dedicated culture to join.
“I'm looking for a college where guys are going to work hard and guys are going to be dedicated,” said Milner. “I want a good culture in college.”
Washington clearly left an impact that will suit the collegiate level well for Milner.
Twitter: @milner_hayden
