Early Signee Breakdown: Offense

Related: 2018 Tulsa Commit/Signee List | TU Recruiting Scoop in Hurricane Alley

The new early football signing period for high school seniors will continue through Dec. 22, and mid-term junior college prospects can sign through Jan. 15, 2018, however Tulsa has already collected its crop of early signees.

The Hurricane has signed 16 of its current 18 commitments, as two prospects (WR Marquez Perez and OL Josh Owens) have elected to wait until the regular signing period that begins Feb. 7. Tulsa is expected to sign a total of approximately 23 recruits in the 2018 class, so there will be plenty to keep an eye on between now and February, and we’ll have every inch covered here at Inside Tulsa Sports. Stay tuned!

On offense, TU signed six prospects today, filling needs at several positions. The Hurricane will likely add another offensive lineman and one or two additional receivers in the regular February signing period. Below is a deeper look at the early signees for Tulsa on the offensive side of the ball.

The Skinny: In his two years as a starter for Champion, Brin completed 58-percent of his passes for over 6,600 yards with 57 touchdowns. As a senior, he also ran the ball 71 times for 403 yards and six scores, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He is graduating a semester early from high school and will begin classes at TU in January, allowing him to participate in spring practice. He chose Tulsa over offers from San Diego State, Toledo, Bowling Green, New Mexico State, North Texas, Rice and others.

Why he chose Tulsa: “My offense at Champion is very similar to the high-powered offense at Tulsa, so I knew it would be a great fit and opportunity for me to compete for the job as soon as possible.”

The Skinny: As a senior this season, Cooksey did a little bit of everything for Haltom. In 11 games, he caught 40 passes for 837 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging a whopping 21 yards per catch. He also ran the ball three times for 14 yards and completed a 23 yard pass. As a return man, Cooksey had an additional 407 yards, averaging 25.6 yards per kick return. He even played a little defense, making three tackles and two pass deflections. He chose Tulsa over offers from Colorado State, New Mexico, Bowling Green, Air Force, Arkansas State, North Texas and Texas State.

Why he chose Tulsa: “I felt like I could be a big part in doing some very great things at Tulsa. I think the Tulsa coaches are the best I’ve been around, and it felt like home when I first went.”

The Skinny: Gadlin helped Summit to an 8-5 record, earning first-team All-District 10-5A. He had 70 pancake blocks as a senior and helped his offense average almost 250 rushing yards per game. He picked TU over offers from Tulane, New Mexico State, North Texas, Texas State and Stephen F. Austin.

Why he chose Tulsa: “Just the program atmosphere. They did very well (in 2016), and the entire staff seems intent on building on that, and I'd love to be a part of that.”

The Skinny: Hartin helped NEO rush for 254 yards per game while earning second-team All-Conference accolades. NEO won a conference championship and was ranked as high as No. 4 nationally this year. In high school at Madill (Okla.), Hartin was also involved in wrestling, powerlifting and track. He will enroll at mid-term and participate in spring drills.

Why he chose Tulsa: “Tulsa has a beautiful campus. From an academic standpoint, it’s really a student’s dream, and the football staff has a contagious enthusiasm you can see the whole team shares. The facilities were nice. I like the stadium, and the locker room, I was informed, is getting an upgrade in January, so that’s something to look forward to since I’ll be spending a lot of time there.”

The Skinny: May totaled 16 receptions for 273 yards and three touchdowns as a tight end, averaging 17.1 yards per catch. He only played in the first half of most games due to lopsided victories during a 13-1 season. On defense, he collected 40 tackles, four tackles for loss, three QB hurries and one sack. He also blocked a field goal, recovered a fumble and batted down one pass from his defensive end spot.

Why he chose Tulsa: “The second I walked into the place, it felt like home. They also have an amazing coaching staff that gives a warm welcome to anyone that enters the university.”

The Skinny: Wilkerson rushed for 1,785 yards and 24 touchdowns on 262 carries as a senior, helping Skiatook to an 11-2 record. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry and 137.3 yards per game, earning District 5A-4 Player of the Year honors. Wilkerson also had eight receptions for 78 yards and was selected to play in the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl, where he helped the West defeat East 23-20 last weekend. He chose Tulsa over offers from SMU, North Texas, Howard and Missouri State.

Why he chose Tulsa: “The education. I really like the campus and football facilities, and I love the relationship the coaches have with the players.”