NOTEBOOK

updated 9:14 p.m. ET April 11, 2008

It looks like Oku is leaving Oklahoma.

Midwest City (Okla.) Carl Albert four-star running back David Oku will be leaving the state of Oklahoma to play his college football. Oku, the nation's No. 40 player, said he has reduced his list to six schools and that Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have been eliminated.

The lucky six?

"I've reduced my list to Ohio State, Florida State, USC, Tennessee, Illinois and Michigan," Oku said. "I have offers from all of those but USC and Ohio State, but I've been given good indications that I'm really high on USC and Ohio State's list. I'm hoping those offers will come through.

"I'm excited about cutting my list down. I sat down with my mom, and we figured the best decision was to cut it down to six. I like these schools because they all have great tradition, I like their offense and I know players on many of the teams."

Oku, who rushed for 1,628 yards and 20 scores in 2007, said each school has its own strengths.

"Ohio State is a running back school, and I love the tradition they have. I know Michael Brewster, and he's telling me about how good it is there. I've developed a good relationship with him. He's a really cool guy, and it'd be fun to play there.

"Florida State has always been a school I've liked. They have one of the best traditions in college football. When you think of all the great players from Deion (Sanders), to Charlie Ward to guys like Derrick Brooks, you can't go wrong with FSU.

“I've also developed a good relationship with Matt Barkley, and he's told me some great things about USC. The coaches are really great, and they bring a lot to the table."

He also said Tennessee, Illinois and Michigan stand out as well.

"I have a great relationship with assistant coach Steve Caldwell at Tennessee," Oku said. "He's a real great guy. They're going to be moving more toward a West Coast offense, and I'm a big fan of the West Coast offense. I also know (freshman wide receiver) Gerald Jones and have know him really well for a long time. I'll be going up there to the spring game. I'm going to be going up there with his mother.

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"You saw what the coaches at Michigan did when they were at West Virginia. It shouldn't be a problem to turn it around up there. The only thing missing is a really good dual-threat quarterback. If they get a good one, they'll be great again. I liked the offense he ran up at WVU. It's a mix between pass and run. I know I'll fit in.

"Illinois is a school that's up and coming. Coach Zook has brought in some great classes, and he's changing things around. He makes you want to be part of something special there. I know I could go in there and help them out right away."

Oku said the reduced list will help make things a little easier in the spring calling period.

"That was a big thing," he said. "My mom didn't want people calling and bugging her all the time. It's also to a point where I can now stay focused on school. I want to make the best decision I can, and this is good step toward making that happen."

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