Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman received preseason honors from Athlon Sports ahead of the upcoming college football season. Stutsman was named to the first team All-America team at linebacker, while safety Billy Bowman received a third team selection. Excitement among Sooner fans is palpable as they eagerly await to see how Stutsman will play a key role in helping the team transition from the Big 12 to the SEC in his fourth year with head coach Brent Venables.
During his junior season, Stutzman totaled 104 tackles and 16 tackles for loss, earning him a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team and the Associated Press Third Team All-Defense. Bowman, another player who opted to stay another season, is looking to improve Oklahoma’s defense and his draft value as he prepares for the 2025 NFL Draft. He was a first-team all-conference pick in 2023, finishing with six interceptions and led the nation in interception returns for touchdowns.
Former Sooner quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who committed to Oregon after the 2023 regular season, was named second-team quarterback by Athlon Sports. Gabriel made the decision to transfer because of concerns that teammate Jackson Arnold might leave the program. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on these current and former OU players to see if they can live up to the high expectations placed on them. Follow @SoonersWire for ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions.