Hot Links: Rattler can live up to the hype, OU staffers earn major recognition, and more!

September 10, 2020

Photo by David Stacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Annie Hanson and Drew Hill were recognized as Player Personnel Directors of the Year by FootballScoop.

Happy Thursday, friends and fans!

This morning, Football Scoop announced that the Oklahoma Sooners ’ Annie Hanson and Drew Hill have been voted as the 2019 Player Personnel Directors of the Year . Both Hanson and Hill have been extremely instrumental in building OU Football’s brand on the recruiting trail, as well as promoting the program’s presence on the social media front.

Pls join us & @AstroTurfUSA in congratulating Annie Hanson and Drew Hill of @OU_Football — 2019 Player Personnel Directors of the Year https://t.co/rvUJ4m5eUD

— FootballScoop Staff (@FootballScoop) September 10, 2020

Hanson’s official title/role is Assistant AD, Recruiting Strategy and Administrative Engagement for OU Football. Coach Drew Hill is the Sooners’ Director of Player Personnel. Together, this dynamic duo has logged over nine years of work to keep Oklahoma at the forefront of collegiate athletics.

Their impact also goes beyond the recruiting trail. Not only have Hanson and Hill helped Lincoln Riley sign some of the nation’s top prospects, they’ve brought the very concept of ‘OUDNA’ to life. Recognition and relevance can be the ultimate game changers when it comes to staying ahead of the competition, and Oklahoma brings both of those qualities to the equation thanks to the efforts of this award-winning staff.

Why OU?

Why not? ‍♀️#LincUp21 pic.twitter.com/6GDT5Y5i4l

— Annie Hanson (@AnnieHanson_) March 9, 2020

Now for today’s Hot Links! Oklahoma aims to fire on all cylinders this Saturday, ‘Bookie’ is eager for redemption, the NFL is back and more!

OU Links

247Sports’ Brandon Marcello took a close examination at what distinguishes Spencer Rattler from his Heisman-caliber predecessors at Oklahoma . Following greatness presents its own unique challenges, but for a player who has grown accustomed to the pressures of hype, he may just have the tools necessary to meet, if not exceed, those expectations.

Senior CB Tre Brown has received a world of praise from his teammates and coaches coming out of fall camp, and if he’s able to elevate his game to another level after last season’s quietly strong campaign, look out.

Most forced incompletions among Big 12 DBs last season

▪️ Trevon Moehrig – 15

▪️ Tre Brown – 15

▫️ Kolby Harvell-Peel – 14

▫️ Jeff Gladney – 13

▫️ Parnell Motley – 13 pic.twitter.com/eyoeOr34J1

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 10, 2020

Redshirt junior center Creed Humphrey says the team is focused on starting fast this weekend against Missouri State since it’ll be the only chance the Sooners have at tuning up before Big 12 play begins. I like the sound of this.

Start off strong.#OUDNA pic.twitter.com/WMZspOxboq

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 10, 2020

Compared to most of his teammates, junior starting nickelback Brendan Radley-Hiles has a lot to prove after coming to OU with a ton of promise with only flashes to show for it. Not only that, but the last time he was on the field, he was tossed for targeting an LSU player. Now the chip on Bookie’s shoulder is as big as it’s ever been , writes SI Sooners’ Parker Thune.

Sooner Scoop’s Bob Przybylo shared his thoughts on Oklahoma’s depth chart release from Wednesday, and relayed Alex Grinch’s continued emphasis on creating takeaways this season.

I must admit, I wasn’t sure about the fit at first, but after seeing Adrian Peterson in his new Detroit Lions threads, I’m feeling a little better about the decision. AD, how about you give us another thousand this year? Boomer!

Just. Keep. Running. #AllDay pic.twitter.com/pmgI2nebcY

— Adrian Peterson (@AdrianPeterson) September 9, 2020

The latest episode of the Oklahoma Breakdown Podcast has dropped, and hosts Kamiar and Stephen had plenty to discuss this week. The fellas shared their thoughts on the OU depth chart release, from concerning units to surprise starters. Also, the Sooners are just a couple days away from playing an actual football game! Hear what the guys had to say on Missouri State and the upcoming season at large. As always, this pod does contain some NSFW language.

Around the Sports World

The Kansas City Chiefs are back and ready to defend their Super Bowl title against the Houston Texans tonight in the 2020-21 NFL season kickoff! The fun begins at 7:20 p.m. CT on NBC.

FOOTBALL IS BACK! (by @DIRECTV )#Kickoff2020 | #ItTakesAllOfUs

: #HOUvsKC — TONIGHT 8:20pm ET on NBC

: NFL App // Yahoo Sports App pic.twitter.com/fHskWVf3yF

— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2020

Speaking of defending champs, on Wednesday, the Toronto Raptors toppled the Boston Celtics , 125-122 in a double-overtime classic to force a Game 7. It was definitely one of the most exhilarating games of the NBA restart inside the Orlando bubble, and through it all, it was veteran point guard Kyle Lowry who came up clutch.

INSTANT CLASSIC

the TOP PLAYS from 2OT as the defending champion @Raptors top Boston in an incredible, thrilling finish to FORCE GAME 7! #NBAPlayoffs

Game 7: Friday at 9:00pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/N9nYaIrgcf

— NBA (@NBA) September 10, 2020

Houston Rockets starter Danuel House could potentially miss the remainder of his team’s series with the Los Angeles Lakers as he’s currently being investigated for a possible violation of bubble rules .

The Atlanta Braves set a new franchise record and nearly tied the all-time MLB mark with 29 runs scored in a rout over the Miami Marlins . ATL’s fiery at-bats were led by Adam Duvall , who paced his team with three homers and nine RBI by himself. Wow.

All SEVEN home runs from last night in one video!

Anytime the #Braves hit 2 or more home runs, you score $100 off a new set of 4 select tires at Mavis Discount Tire! pic.twitter.com/OL03VS3cL3

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 10, 2020

Follow Crimson & Cream Machine on Twitter !

Click Here for the Full Story