“Couldn’t Pass it Up”

Brandon Mahoney is easily one of the best linebackers in the state of Texas and he is one of four linebackers to make an early commitment to sign with the Oklahoma Sooners. Now that he is in the fold he is going to turn his focus towards the recruiting trail. SI Texas analyst Ahmard Vital caught up with him for the latest...

When Keller (TX) Fossil Ridge linebacker Brandon Mahoney made the decision to commit to Oklahoma, it wasn’t one that required a lot of thought or consultation from others.

In fact, it was almost easy.

“I have always had my eye on Oklahoma,” Mahoney said of his recent verbal commitment. “I just wanted to go ahead and get it over with. I didn’t want to waste anymore time looking around. I knew this was an opportunity that I just could not pass up.”

So in the end the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Mahoney chose the Sooners over other schools like Texas A&M, Kansas, and Arizona to name a few. Some of the things that stuck out for Mahoney were the Oklahoma coaches’ consistency and a favorable depth chart.

Of course location and tradition played a major part as well.

“I have looked at their history and know that they always have winning seasons,” Mahoney said. “Plus, the school is really right up the street. When I made my decision, I knew what I was getting into.”

And that is?

“I know I am going to have to go down there and bust my butt everyday in practice and earn a position,” Mahoney said. “I will have to fight for a spot. But the opportunity to play is there because there will be a few linebackers leaving by the time I get there.”

Now that that is out of the way, what are Mahoney is focused on the upcoming season that is months away. After recording 85 tackles, four sacks, and an interception returned 40 yards for a touchdown as a junior, the bar will likely be raised for his senior season.

But one thing is for certain. Mahoney will be amongst a close family friend once he gets down to Norman.

“R.J. Washington is like my brother. We have a really good relationship,” Mahoney said. “He is always at my house and I am sure after my freshman year, we will be rooming together.”

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