2018 National Signing Day Primer
Tulsa Football signed 17 prospects in the early period, including seven mid-term enrollees, and also added Baylor transfer QB Zach Smith. In-depth information on those players can be found below, but first, we take a look at the Hurricane's five additional commitments that plan to sign on Wednesday.
The following recruits are expected to sign National Letters of Intent with Tulsa during the regular signing period that begins on February 7.
• BRANDON JOHNSON, Cover Safety, Tyler Junior College
The Skinny: Johnson is an absolute ball-hawk and has a knack for getting his hands on opposing passes. He committed to Tulsa on January 21 after an official visit and chose TU over offers from East Carolina and Texas State.
2017 Stats: As a sophomore this season, he totaled 51 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 19 pass breakups and 4 interceptions.
Why he chose TU: "The reason I committed was because the coaching staff is awesome. I love the way they were treating me, it felt like home again."
Read more about Brandon: Johnson talks Tulsa
• TIENEAL MARTIN, Star Safety, Yuba Community College
The Skinny: A very physical player, Martin played both strong safety and outside linebacker at Yuba, which makes him a perfect fit for TU's 'Star' position. He committed to Tulsa on January 28 after an official visit.
2017 Stats: As a sophomore this season, he racked up 70 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, six sacks, five pass breakups and five interceptions, including a 92-yard pick for a touchdown. He also forced two fumbles and collected a fumble recovery.
Why he chose TU: "The coaches showed loyalty, especially Coach (Luke) Olson and Coach (Brian) Norwood. I feel like it’s a good fit for me, and I have family out in Oklahoma."
Read more about Tieneal: Martin talks Tulsa
• JOSH OWENS, Offensive Lineman, Bixby (OK) High School
The Skinny: Owens committed to Tulsa back in May but chose not to sign during the early period in December. He made an official visit to TU on January 19 and also held offers from Air Force, Ohio, North Texas, Nevada, Utah State, Texas State and several others.
2017 Stats: Owens helped Bixby back to the state title game, but the Spartans fell in the championship to Booker T. Washington. He helped the Bixby offense average over 391 yards per game this season.
Why he chose TU: "Tulsa is close to home, and the coaches are great people. It’s an amazing education, and they are a great football team. It’s a great place. I like the campus, how it’s kind of all close together."
Read more about Josh: Owens talks Tulsa
• JAMES PALMER, H-back, Moore (OK) Westmoore High School
The Skinny: Palmer picked up early offers from Oklahoma State, Colorado State and others before an Achilles injury as a junior slowed his recruiting process. After working hard in rehab, he returned for a strong senior season and racked up several more offers before committing to Tulsa on February 3 after an official visit.
2017 Stats: In 10 games as a senior, Palmer had 28 receptions for 448 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 16 yards per catch. He also helped Westmoore rush for 227 yards per game this season.
Why he chose TU: "I loved everyone on the coaching staff. (Head) Coach (Philip) Montgomery is a very great coach and person, and I look forward to winning a lot of ball games at TU."
Read more about James: Palmer talks Tulsa
• MARQUEZ PEREZ, Wide Receiver, College Station (TX) High School
The Skinny: Perez committed to Tulsa in July but didn't sign in the early period. He also earned offers from Kansas, Houston, Rice, Bowling Green and others while leading his team to a state title. Perez made his official visit to Tulsa on January 26.
2017 Stats: As a senior this season, Perez played mostly at quarterback and completed 169-of-255 throws (66%) for 2,366 yards with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also had 202 carries for 1,645 yards and 31 scores on the ground, averaging 8.1 yards per rush.
Why he chose TU: "I just felt like Coach (Calvin) Lowry really wanted me. We would talk literally every day about football and just life. Their offense is similar to what we run at my high school, so I know I can use my skill level in this offense."
Read more about Marquez: Perez talks Tulsa
TULSA FOOTBALL EARLY SIGNEES
The Golden Hurricane signed 16 prospects on December 20, during a new three-day early signing period for high school players (Dec. 20-22) that coincides with the start of the mid-term junior college signing period (Dec. 20 - Jan. 15). TU later signed an additional junior college prospect, DL Jajuan Blankenship, on January 12 and also added Baylor transfer QB Zach Smith.
The following links provide information on all of Tulsa's early signees, and profiles are also provided below in alphabetical order. Click on a profile to see video highlights.
- Jajuan Blankenship signs with TU