On April 24, after the annual Red-White Oklahoma football spring game, head coach Lincoln Riley awarded Drake Stoops a scholarship.
What followed was a loud eruption from the fans that had assembled for the popular spring scrimmage. They understand how much it means to the Norman native and son of former OU head coach Bob Stoops.
In 2011, ESPN produced a film documentary, “Training Days with the Oklahoma Sooners,” going behind the scenes before the 2011 football season. The ESPN crew showed clips of Drake at the field with Bob, and he seemed to be enjoying every bit of it. Drake was one of the young kids playing catch with some of the Sooners stars at the time: Ryan Broyles, Landry Jones, and Travis Lewis.
The younger Stoops was hoping one day he could live on and continue the Stoops legacy at Oklahoma. Bob retired after the 2016 season, so he could spend more time around his family, especially twin brothers Drake and Isaac. He wanted to see his son’s dreams come true of wearing the crimson and cream.
Now those dreams are becoming a reality.
The hometown kid walked on for the Oklahoma Sooners and quickly earned a scholarship and has become a huge part of the Oklahoma offense. Stoops has proven to be a reliable receiver and an elite blocker for his size. He’s been known by his Sooner teammates as “Mr. Reliable.”
Drake Stoops has become an icon in Norman and without a doubt has earned respect from the Sooner fans. “I take tremendous pride in just any opportunity to catch the ball, which is my personal favorite,” Stoops said. And we have seen just that out of the young Stoops.
The redshirt junior receiver has taken full advantage of his opportunities with 14 catches for 177 yards on the year and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams last week. Stoops finished with three receptions for 57 yards vs. Texas Tech.
“Stooooooooops” is what the Sooner fans chant every time Drake Stoops makes a big play. The chant seems to occur various times throughout the game, simply because of how much of a spark Stoops provides to the offense. No matter if it’s catching passes or blocking for his teammates, Stoops seems to be in the right spot at the right time. As FOX play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson would say, “They’re not booing folks, they’re Stoopin”.
Drake Stoops has been a huge part of the Sooners’ 9-0 start and hopes to continue that way. Stoops was recently announced a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy which is given to the most outstanding player who started their career as a walk-on. He has an opportunity to be the second Sooner to win the award (previously Baker Mayfield.)
It’s safe to say, the Stoops legacy has lived on.