Brent Venables’ program adds their third marquee defensive back prospect, recruiting safety Makari Vickers. The Florida native chose the University of Oklahoma over finalists Alabama and Michigan.
The Sooners offered the four-star DB in January, joining 26 other programs that attracted interest in Vickers. Two months later, he attended Junior Day at Norman’s campus. Over the summer, Vickers returned for his official visit and the “Party at the Palace” recruiting event. After sharing his commitment date, he decided to take his talents to Oklahoma.
Co-defensive coordinator Jay Valai gets the nod for bringing in Vickers. Venables assisted him in the recruiting process. Valai enters his first year on the Sooners’ staff after spending 2021 at Alabama. He was the cornerbacks coach for Nick Saban’s crew.
What the new staff has already brought in is what excites me. The OU fanbase, current players and commits believe so much in what Coach V is building and it just excites me that so many people believe in this new staff. Plus Coach V’s resume speaks for itself. He is going to bring that defensive with him wherever he goes.”
-Makari Vickers
A Look at Makari Vickers
Nicknamed “Seatbelt,” the 6-foot-1, 180-pound safety attended St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee, FL for his junior year. He played both sides of the ball, playing wide receiver on offense.
On defense last season, Makari Vickers recorded 69 total tackles, eight passes defended, and two sacks. The Sooner commit returned punts and kickoffs as well. Vickers is transferring to Robert F. Munroe High School for his senior year.
In the spring, Vickers participates in track&field. He qualified for states in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and long jump. As a junior, “Seatbelt” placed 8th at Florida’s 1A track meet in the 100-meter dash and 5th in the long jump.
Im home 🤘🏾👇🏾 #committed #AGTG pic.twitter.com/FaqjndgASf
— Makari “Seatbelt” Vickers (@MBegreat) August 27, 2022
In Conclusion
Vickers joins a stacked DB class, with Jasaiah Wagoner and Jacobe Johnson all set to join the Sooners. Venables’ squad jumped to No. 4 on 247Sports national recruiting list after adding their 22nd prospect.
Oklahoma totals one five-star, 11 four-star, and 10 three-star players. Venables has done a great job with his 2023 recruiting in his first year as their head coach. After building a dynasty at Clemson as Dabo Swinney’s defensive coordinator, his reputation has helped the Sooners gain serious talent for their future.
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