Crimson Countdown: No. 28 Danny Stutsman
The Crimson Countdown is officially on for the 2023 Oklahoma football season. It’s the second season under head coach Brent Venables and expectations are high once again. The Sooners are looking to rebound from the uncharacteristic 6-7 season in 2022.
Every day as we get closer to kickoff, SoonerScoop.com will count down the days with you. Starting with No. 99 and working our way to No. 0, we’ll be there every step of the way.
Crimson Countdown: No. 28 Danny Stutsman
2022 stats: 125 tackles (68 solo), 10.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, two interceptions, five passes defended.
2023 outlook: Last year there were considerable hopes laid at the feet of Stutsman, who had flashed promise for the Sooners in 2021. However, in talking to Stutsman and the entire staff it’s clear that perhaps too much was expected too soon.
“Danny would be the first one to admit that 17 months ago he wasn’t capable of leading,” Venables said at Big 12 media days.
But in 2023, it feels as though the stars are starting to align for the talented junior.
“He’s in a much different place now, the whole team follows Danny,” Oklahoma’s head coach continued. “His emotion, his work, his action. He’s a doer and he’s a giver. I love the maturation that has taken place off the field as much as on the field. His seriousness, his commitment to excellence every day.
“A year ago at this time he couldn’t run a player run practice, a player run walk through. He wasn’t equipped to do that. I think that’s a reflection of a lot of guys on our team.”
Stutsman is one of the few returning starters that looked set for a starting job for the Sooners on defense. As Oklahoma’s WILL linebacker Stutsman will need to not only be a leader but one who is instrumental in the Sooners attempts to find their feet again defensively.
2023 Inside Linebacker Outlook
Oklahoma isn’t lacking talent at inside linebacker. But it does lack experience. Of course, Stutsman returns as last year’s starter at WILL linebacker, while redshirt freshman Kobie McKinzie and sophomore Jaren Kanak battle for the MIKE spot. Sophomore Kip Lewis could also be a contributor after an impressive spring. And the Sooners added a linebacker in the transfer portal in Ferris State’s Konnor Near. This group has a lot to prove in 2023 – especially Stutsman – but it does appear to have the talent and depth to find success.
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