It’s no secret: To say the Oklahoma Sooners have a linebacker-centric staff would be an understatement.
But it became clear over the course of the 2025 cycle that OU was going to have a hard time landing multiple players at that position. The depth of the room at that time became well-known on the recruiting trail and it ended up working against the program to a degree.
The early signing period in December arrived and Oklahoma made it official with one linebacker prospect. However, that lone backer recruit has several in-house thrilled. An in-state star with every trait you can imagine, Marcus James has head coach Brent Venables and the other OU staffers who love the linebacker spot on the edge of their seat.
“Marcus James comes from one of the best, again, we signed three guys from one of the best programs in the state of Oklahoma, Carl Albert, and what they’ve been able to achieve is really special,” Venables said. “To have the level of elite consistency is really remarkable. But Marcus has been a big part of that.”
Power Four caliber linebacker talent isn’t something you see often in the Sooner State. So you can imagine the excitement Venables and others had as someone like James popped up on the radar. It didn’t take long for James to cement himself as a priority target for OU.
“We noticed him a few years ago coming to camp,” Venables said. “Just a really long, rangy athletic guy, and really excited to see what he’s going to develop into.”
Much of James’ profile has to do with the developmental upside. But the steps forward he took in his high school career alone reiterated what this player brings to the table.
James still has some time to learn ahead of him. But his growth sets the table for a promising future in a Sooner uniform.
“He’s a very versatile outside linebacker, plays tight end, can play middle linebacker,” Venables said. “Can rush the passer really well. A good athlete. Plays in space… Got a great frame as well. So love where he’s at right now.”
According to the industry generated 247Sports Composite Player Rankings, the world of recruiting combines to see James as the No. 758 overall prospect in the ’25 cycle. The three-star also ranks as the No. 78 backer across the country and the No. 13 player inside the Sooner State. As for the 247Sports Network’s specific rankings, James is considered the No. 79 linebacker nationally and a top-12 player in the state of Oklahoma.
The following is the 247Sports scouting report on James. This courtesy of network national scouting analyst Gabe Brooks:
“Versatile high school player with functionality at receiver, H-back, and multiple defensive spots who could project to either side of the ball. Viewed initially as an off-ball linebacker projection, but yet-to-be-verified size could dictate an eventual change to edge. Easy, fluid mover across all duties. Still developing short-area suddenness and explosive twitch, but possesses good physical tools and upside to his frame. Also plays basketball, which reflects in body control and fluidity. Plays with some early hesitancy but does flash periodic short-area pop as a tackler. Don’t necessarily view as a ‘tweener; rather, more of a legitimate big “athlete” who could project to the P5 level as a matchup pass catcher, rangy off-ball linebacker, or scheme-fit edge rusher.”