All-Time Sooner Great: LB Danny Stutsman
Arguably the best, most memorable, beloved, and iconic linebacker at the University of Oklahoma since Rocky Calmus. That's Danny Stutsman.
As the Oklahoma Sooners prepare for another thrilling college football season, all eyes are on thr nation's best linebacker, Danny Stutsman. Following an All-American 2023 season, expectations are sky-high for the talented linebacker as he aims to lead Oklahoma into the nation's home for premiere defensive talent, the SEC.
Danny Stutsman's 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular. The 6'4", 240-pound linebacker showcased his elite athleticism, football IQ, and relentless motor week in and week out. Here's a breakdown of his impressive stats from last season: Total Tackles: 120 - Solo Tackles: 80 - Tackles for Loss: 15 - Sacks: 6 - Interceptions: 2 - Forced Fumbles: 3 - Pass Breakups: 5.
Stutsman's performance, in 2023, earned him numerous accolades, including a spot on the All-American team and the Butkus Award finalist list. I had resigned to the fact he was going onto NFL glory... luckily I was wrong.
Stutsman returns to Norman to finish what he started. His leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in shaping the Sooners' defense. His work ethic and dedication set the tone for the entire unit, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Teammates and coaches alike rave about his commitment to film study, practice intensity, and game-day execution.
Head coach Brent Venables has often praised Stutsman's football instincts and preparation. "Danny is the epitome of what we want in a linebacker," Venables said. "He's smart, physical, and has a natural feel for the game. He makes everyone around him better."
With the 2024 season on the horizon, Danny Stutsman is poised to take his game to even greater heights. The Sooners' defense is expected to be one of the best in the conference, and Stutsman will be at the heart of their efforts.
Danny Stutsman is a preseason first team All-American selection, a first team All-SEC selection, and the betting favorite to win the prestigious Butkus Trophy (Nation's Best Linebacker). The future first round draft pick is risking a lot of potential money by returning to Norman but he's all in.
This is a perfect example of what a great leader like Danny Stutsman does to a team.
— Dan Lindblad (@DanLindbladTV) December 29, 2023
He sees Jackson Arnold walking with his head down, races over and tells him "I got you every single day. We are family."#Sooners are lucky to get another year with him in the mix. pic.twitter.com/hFvE0MxKwW
Stutsman captain's one of the nation's most complete linebacker units. The strength of the defense is the argument we have for which unit is it's best. The defensive backs are just as elite as the backers. The heart of the Sooners defense, and their entire team, is Danny Stutsman.
The last time the Sooners had a defense with this much potential they won a national title. Will Danny get his Butkus and his Sooners to the college football playoff? You'd be crazy to bet against him. Thanks for coming back Danny. Go cement your college legacy and bring the pain, sir.