Why Barry Switzer’s ace recruiter took a sportswriter on a 1985 recruiting trip

The Berry Tramel Show: Barry Switzer’s ace recruiter, Scott Hill, says he took me on a memorable recruiting trip in 1985 because he thought "the players would like it.”

By Berry Tramel

| Dec 19, 2023, 1:05pm CST

By Berry Tramel

Dec 19, 2023, 1:05pm CST

On the latest episode of The Berry Tramel Show, I’m joined by Scott Hill, ace recruiter from the Barry Switzer glory days of the 1980s. In 1985, I joined Scott on a four-day Trans-America trip in which he visited a variety of recruits, including at least one future Sooner star. Scott and I recollect that trip and discuss the many changes in college football recruiting. Among Scott Hill’s observations:

*How coach-media relationships were different in 1985.

*Why he took me on a cross-country recruiting trip.

*What made Scott Hill a good recruiter.

*Why he knew OU would get Jamelle Holieway

I can be reached on Twitter/X, Instagram or via email at [email protected].

Producer: Jacquelyn Musgrove

Creative Director: Michael Lane

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Berry Tramel is a 45-year veteran of Oklahoma journalism, having spent 13 years at the Norman Transcript and 32 years at The Oklahoman. He has been named Oklahoma Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association. Born and raised in Norman, Tramel grew up reading four newspapers a day and began his career at age 17. His first assignment was the Lexington-Elmore City high school football game, and he’s enjoyed the journey ever since, having covered NBA Finals and Rose Bowls and everything in between. Tramel and his wife, Tricia, were married in 1980 and live in Norman near their daughter, son-in-law and three granddaughters. Tramel can be reached at 405-760-8080 or at [email protected].