"Oklahoma Football Hires NFL Scout to Lead Future Recruiting Efforts"

In July 2024, the University of Oklahoma (OU) Athletics Department announced a significant restructuring of its football recruiting operations, appointing Curtis Lofton as the program’s first-ever general manager and engaging former Philadelphia Eagles Vice President of Football Administration, Jake Rosenberg, as a consultant.

This strategic move aims to enhance OU’s talent evaluation, acquisition, and retention processes, aligning them more closely with professional football models.

Curtis Lofton, a former OU All-American linebacker with an eight-year NFL career, transitioned from his role in OU Football’s SOUL Mission player development program to become the general manager. In this capacity, Lofton advises Head Coach Brent Venables on on identifying high school and transfer portal talent, focusing on strategic roster composition. His NFL experience and deep ties to the university position him well to lead this innovative approach.

Supporting Lofton is Assistant General Manager Chuck Lillie, who brings experience from Kansas State University’s scouting department and previous roles with the New York Giants and Clemson University. Additionally, Jolie Ale serves as the Director of Recruiting Strategy, having held recruiting positions at the University of Utah and the University of Southern California, as well as a community relations role with the San Diego Chargers. Together, this team is tasked with implementing a professional-style approach to college recruiting, aiming to keep OU competitive in the evolving landscape of college football.

Jake Rosenberg’s involvement as a consultant brings a wealth of NFL experience to the program. During his 12-year tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles, Rosenberg oversaw player signings, salary cap management, contract negotiations, and strategic planning, contributing to the team’s Super Bowl success. His expertise is expected to guide OU in establishing and refining its new recruiting model, potentially serving as a blueprint for other collegiate programs.

OU’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, Joe Castiglione, emphasized that this restructuring is a proactive response to the dynamic nature of college athletics, particularly in talent management and roster building. By adopting elements of professional football operations, OU aims to navigate the complexities of modern recruiting, including the transfer portal and evolving roster regulations.

This initiative reflects OU’s commitment to maintaining its championship culture by adapting to the changing landscape of college football. By integrating professional-level strategies and expertise into its recruiting operations, the program seeks to position itself at the forefront of talent acquisition and development, ensuring sustained success in the years to come.