Oklahoma football: LB Konnor Near transfers to Sooners through the transfer portal

Post Spring 23′ transfer portal addition #2 – LB Konnor Near

The Oklahoma football program has received another transfer addition from the NCAA’s transfer portal. Ferris State linebacker Konnor Near has committed to the Sooners on Thursday evening.

Near is originally from Saint John’s, Missouri. The 6’2” – 235-pound linebacker was unranked in high school but quickly proved his worth while at Ferris State. During his final season in Grand Rapids, Michigan (home of Ferris State), he was named a first-team, Division II All-American after registering 66 total tackles (34 solos), 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery.

Near has built a reputation as a physical linebacker that plays fast downhill and brings excessive power at the point of contact. Physically he is a big, solid football player. He is known for his immense work ethic and consistent production on the defensive side of the football. He puts himself in positions to be successful and fends off defenders well at the point of contact.

Near joins a linebacking core full of talent. Expected starting backers Danny Stutsman and Jaren Kanak’s play styles are similar to Near’s. The prototypical Brent Venables linebacker is starting to stack up in Norman. Between Stutsman, Kanak, freshman freak Phil Picciotti and now Near, the Sooners’ linebacker room is physical. Kobie Mckinzie and Kip Lewis will also see plenty of playing time next season. Near will have an opportunity this Fall to earn a good amount of playing time on Ted Roof’s second-year defense.

I could see the inside starters being Kanak and Stutsman, with their rotators being Mckinzie and Lewis. Picciotti and Near will also be rotation pieces for the Sooners’ linebacker core.
Near chose the Sooners over Michigan State, Texas Tech, and Cincinnati offers. He marks the Sooners’ second official transfer portal addition of the post-Spring session along with former Texas wide receiver Brenen Thompson.

Coach Venables knows linebackers. And if he approves of Near, so should Sooner Nation. He looks the part, and his reputation as a hard-nosed, tough, physical linebacker precedes him. I am excited about this addition. The Sooners’ defense is adding some much-needed physicality.

Welcome to Norman, Mr. Near. We’re excited to watch you work. We know a storm is coming with you.