Stormin in Norman
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Oklahoma football: Seven Sooners pivotal to OU’s success in 2023

By Chip Rouse

Oklahoma's Billy Bowman (5) celebrates an interception with Danny Stutsman (28) and Jeffery Johnson (77) in the first half during the Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov., 19, 2022.
Oklahoma's Billy Bowman (5) celebrates an interception with Danny Stutsman (28) and Jeffery Johnson (77) in the first half during the Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov., 19, 2022. /
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Oct 8, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) reacts during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2022; Dallas, Texas, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) reacts during the first half against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

LB Danny Stutsman

Weakside linebacker Danny Stutsman was a one-man wrecking crew at the linebacker spot last season, leading the team and the Big 12 in tackles (125) along with 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and two interceptions. The Sooners have added more depth and experience around him at linebacker this season, which should make Stutsman more impactful than ever.

Stutsman told reporters during the second week of fall training camp that he welcomes the pressure that is being put on the OU defense to show improvement this season. “Pressure is there,” he said, “but pressure forms diamonds. All the greats have had pressure and managed it. I want to be one of those guys.”

Stutsman is a preseason candidate for both the 2023 Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in college football, and the Bronko Nagursku Trophy, which every season honors the best defensive player in the college game.

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