The last set of Top247 player rankings has been dropped by the 247Sports Network. This means the ratings for these recruits have been finalized for the future.

Including OU’s lone linebacker signee, James Nesta. His final ranking has been set.

At the end of the cycle, Nesta debuted as one of 12 newcomers to the final Top247 rankings for the 2024 class. He reaches this impressive mark as the No. 231 overall prospect of the cycle for 247Sports.

Nesta also concludes his high school career as a top-20 linebacker nationally in 247Sports’ rankings. He lands as a top-10 player in the state of North Carolina at No. 9, too.

These are all metrics that are higher than the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Player Rankings. The 247Sports Network is high on Nesta’s talents, and it shows.

The 6-foot-2.5 and 210-pounder was just at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas where network experts got one more chance to evaluate Nesta in-person. After a solid showing during the week of the showcase, 247Sports opted to place him inside the final set of Top247 standings.

Nesta is a tall, thin backer type, but that’s to be expected from someone who also pitches on the baseball diamond. A versatile defender, Nesta can rush the passer, track down the ball carrier or cover with plenty of comfort. His skillset translates to a number of positions, and the frame shows plenty of growth potential for the next level.

At Oklahoma, all this is expected to show. The Sooners’ staff sees a versatile chess piece in Nesta, someone who could play linebacker, the ‘Cheetah’ which is the nickel-backer position within the defense or even kick down to the defensive line as an edge rusher.

Whatever he does at Oklahoma, Nesta has the natural abilities and projectable build to fit any role well. He’ll take on another role, too, as a pitcher with Oklahoma baseball.

“When I sat down and talked with (baseball) coach Skip (Johnson) I really walked out of that meeting believing I could play two sports. They were really detailed and went in-depth how it looked and how it is done, just from doing it with Kyler Murray. So that was a really big part in the decision as well… From the start with building such a good relationship with (defensive coordinator and linebackers) coach (Ted) Roof and (director of on campus recruiting) coach (Lee) Davis, and as soon as I got on campus it felt different. Really their whole demeanor to make you a winner on the football field, but also a winner in life after and in becoming a better person as a man. Their whole program like that really intrigued me a lot and made me want to become a Sooner.”

He’s now a Sooner who takes this fresh ranking with him to Norman. Nesta, even as a dual-sport athlete, has earned more and more recognition in both sports as he heads towards the collegiate ranks.

The last set of Top247 player rankings has been dropped by the 247Sports Network. This means the ratings for these recruits have been finalized for the future.

Including one of OU’s more talented receiver signees, Ivan Carreon. His final ranking has been set.

Carreon moves up 12 spots, from No. 218 to No. 206 overall nationally. Interestingly enough, he takes the spot formerly occupied by fellow OU signee Jayden Jackson who jumped up the rankings himself. Carreon completes the cycle as 247Sports’ No. 35 wide receiver and the No. 34 overall player in the state of Texas. All of these slots are higher than Carreon’s industry-generated Composite Player Rankings.

The following is the 247Sports scouting report on Carreon. This courtesy of network national scouting analyst Gabe Brooks:

“Jumbo outside receiver with the frame potential to become a flex tight end. Elite height, big catch radius. Generally a hands catcher. Highly productive in volume and big-play punch across sophomore and junior seasons.

Processes DB leverage and finds ways to beat it. Builds above average top speed thanks to long-striding gait. Fluid mover with loose movement patterns. Better run-after-catch athleticism than expected relative to the long-framed build.

Often wins with physical traits but also knows how to position himself in contested situations, before the ball arrives and as it arrives. High-pointer and red-zone threat, but willing to work the middle of the field as well. Plays as a big wideout but has occasionally gotten reps at H. Flashes some conviction as a blocker. Also serves as a punter (46.6-yard average as a junior) and provides short-yardage Wildcat snaps.

Strong athletic profile that includes basketball, hurdles, and high jump. Functional athleticism is obvious, but combine testing data suggests room to improve explosiveness. Regardless of long-term position, needs to add mass and strengthen. Release quickness / explosion comes and goes. Does a traditional position fit exist, and if not, does that necessarily matter?

Talented West Texas weapon with immediate size mismatch advantages for an offensive staff. Projects to the Power Five level as a potential impact player during college and a long-term ceiling possibly beyond.”

The 6-foot-6 and 196-pounder is compared to Johnny Wilson, the former jumbo wideout for Florida State who’s off to the NFL Draft. Carreon’s multi-sport background, ability on the field and projectable frame all indicates a promising future.

Carreon ends things as OU’s second-highest tanked wide receiver signee, only behind Zion Kearney out of an incoming freshman class of four at the position. An impressive haul of players with complimentary strengths, Carreon obviously stands out among the bunch almost literally. He takes a promising future and this final ranking to Norman as an early enrollee with the program.