Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman has been recognized with preseason honors from Athlon Sports ahead of the upcoming college football season. Stutsman was named to the first team All-America Team in the linebacker position, while safety Billy Bowman received a third team selection. Stutsman’s decision to return for another season of college football after considering the 2024 NFL Draft was met with excitement from Sooner fans.
As a veteran leader for head coach Brent Venables in his third year at Oklahoma, Stutsman will play a key role in helping the team transition from the Big 12 to the SEC. During his junior season, Stutsman recorded 104 total tackles and 16 tackles for loss, earning him a spot on the All-Big 12 First Team and the Associated Press’ third-team defense. Bowman, another player who chose to stay for another season, is looking to improve Oklahoma’s defense and his draft grade as he prepares for the 2025 NFL draft. He was a first-team all-conference player in 2023, finishing with six interceptions and leading the country in interception returns for touchdowns.
Former Sooner quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who transferred to Oregon after the 2023 regular season, was named the second-team quarterback by Athlon Sports. Gabriel made the decision to transfer due to concerns about teammate Jackson Arnold potentially leaving the program. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on these current and former OU players to see if they can meet the high expectations set for them. Follow @SoonersWire for ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions.
