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Caleb Kelly to Oklahoma: Sooners Land 5-Star LB Prospect

February 4, 2016

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Caleb Kelly, a 5-star outside linebacker out of Clovis West High School from Fresno, California, announced his commitment to play college football for the Oklahoma Sooners on Wednesday.

Tom Loy of 247Sports had the news on Kelly's decision and featured his comments on why he chose Norman over Notre Dame, indicating his relationship with Sooners defensive coordinator Mike Stoops was a big factor:

I just felt the security there with coach Stoops. That was a key for me. He said he would be there for a few more years and should be there the whole time I'm there. I talked to head coach Bob Stoops and he told me the same thing. I know that they will continue to coach players to the best of their abilities and I know they are going to continue being a really strong program. I just felt like it was the place I had to be at for my future.

Kelly is rated as the third-best outside linebacker, the No. 5 prospect out of California and the 25th-ranked prospect in the class of 2016, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. He is listed at 6'3 ¼" and 215 pounds.

Such gaudy national status is merited because Kelly is the real deal. His blend of lateral quickness, recovery ability when he's out of position and sheer speed is enviable. It drew him enough notice to be presented with the Butkus Award in December as the nation's top linebacker.

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When one watches his game tape and highlights, what stands out about Kelly is that he can line up as an inside cornerback and almost functions as another safety. Not only does he have tremendous instincts in pursuit, but he's also plenty athletic enough to drop in coverage at the next level of competition.

This gives Kelly schematic versatility and an all-around skill set rarely seen on the high school level. Whether he's ultimately deployed as a safety or a linebacker, the abilities are there for Kelly to be a college star—and perhaps an immediate contributor as a freshman.

With the way the Sooners draw up their defense, Kelly seems like an ideal fit.

The Big 12 is known for its spread offenses and shootouts. If Oklahoma is meant to continue contending for the College Football Playoff, it needs players such as Kelly to help the team stand out from the top-tier competition.

Oklahoma runs a 4-2-5 defense (h/t Ourlads), so Kelly ought to fit right in as a roaming inside linebacker or a nickelback. He could capitalize on his safety-like strengths in either situation—or even fill the void left by departed NFL draft entrant Eric Striker for a great opportunity to see the field as a freshman.

If Kelly can add even a little more weight to what already looks like a muscular frame, he can improve his tackling power and also free himself up for a more diverse arsenal of moves as a pass-rusher.

The Sooners have to feel fortunate to land Kelly as a marquee member of their 2016 incoming crop of freshmen.

There is certainly room for Kelly to at least contribute on special teams, but he's bound for a bigger role in his first year based on his swift development and playmaking penchant from all areas of the field.

Recruit star ratings and rankings via 247Sports, unless otherwise noted.