Offensive tackle spent last 2 seasons at Lackawanna JC; will play for Sooners next year; listen to audio Podcast interview with former Red Tornado player here
JEFFREY REINHART jreinhart@LNPnews.com
Oklahoma, which takes on Florida in the BSC National Championship Game next week, is known for producing mammoth, NFL-ready offensive lineman.
The Sooners have inherited the services of another mammoth offensive lineman, who will join the team next season as a sophomore eligible.
Former McCaskey standout Jeff Vinson – all 6-6, 345 pounds of him – has accepted a scholarship offer to continue his football career for Oklahoma. He will play the coveted left tackle spot for the Sooners.
The incredible thing about Vinson’s football resume is that he didn’t start playing until 10th grade for McCaskey.
After playing for three seasons for the Red Tornado, he headed to Lackawanna Junior College in Scranton, and fit in quite nicely at left tackle.
Vinson did so well the last two seasons that a number of major Division 1 programs came calling – including Oklahoma, which is ranked No. 1 in the BCS poll.
Vinson said he’s been in touch with coach Bob Stoops, and that the offensive line coaches said he’s got a shot to contribute right away on the Sooners’ offensive line next season – where maybe he’ll get to block for reigning Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford, who could jump to the NFL next spring, or come back and play his junior-eligible season for OU.
I caught up with Vinson this week, and we chatted about his scholarship, and how incredibly excited he is to be heading to Norman.
As you can tell from the interview, he’s pretty pumped up.
Vinson has one semester to go at Lackawanna, where he’ll earn an associates degree in business. Then it’s off to OU next spring to study business and play football for the Sooners.
You can listen to the interview with Vinson by clicking on the ‘play’ button above.
You can also download the Podcast and play it on your favorite mp3 device by clicking right here.
Not the greatest quality ever. Sorry gang. All I had was a speaker phone and a digital recorder.
But I’m sure you’ll be able to tell how excited Mr. Vinson is about this opportunity.
