Oklahoma Sooners linebacker [autotag]Danny Stutsman[/autotag] will see plenty of preseason honors roll in over the next couple of months. The senior got some big-time recognition from Athlon Sports earlier this week.
Steve Lassan, writing for Athlon Sports, unveiled the publication’s All-America Team prior to the 2024 season. Stutsman made the first team at his linebacker position and safety Billy Bowman was a third team selection.
Back in December, Stutsman decided to return for another season of college football, changing course after initially choosing to enter the [autotag]2024 NFL Draft[/autotag]. His announcement on social media was met with excitement by Sooner fans everywhere.
IโM NOT ๐คฌ LEAVING. pic.twitter.com/FfCIy23Q9W
— DannyStutsman (@FbStutsman) December 11, 2023
Stutsman will once again serve as a veteran leader for [autotag]Brent Venables[/autotag], as the head coach enters Year 3 in Norman. Stutsman will also be instrumental in helping to smooth Oklahoma’s transition from the [autotag]Big 12 [/autotag] to the [autotag]SEC[/autotag].
Stutsman tallied 104 total tackles and 16 tackles for loss as a junior. He was an All-Big 12 First Team selection in 2023 and was also named to the Associated Pressโ third-team defense.
Another player who could’ve turned pro but decided to stay, Bowman will have an opportunity to improve Oklahoma’s defense and his draft grade ahead of the 2025 NFL draft.
๐ฝ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐ผ๐ ๐ ๐. ๐พ๐๐๐ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ผ๐.
OU 24, BYU 17#VamosSooners #BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/kKB1Zfg67a
— Los Sooners (@LosSooners) November 18, 2023
Bowman was another first-team all-conference player for Oklahoma’s defense a year ago. He was second in the nation in interceptions with six and led the country in interception returns for touchdowns. He also finished second on the team in tackles.
One former Sooner made the list as well. Oregon quarterback [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] was named the second-team quarterback after transferring to Eugene.
Gabriel spent two seasons at Oklahoma, hitting the [autotag]portal[/autotag] following the 2023 regular season. Gabriel reportedly made the decision to leave because,ย according to Gabrielโs mom via the Athletic (subscription required),ย the former Sooners quarterback was concerned โ[autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] might leave, and he didnโt want that for the program.โ
With the 2024 season quickly approaching, we won’t have to wait long to see if these current and former OU players live up to lofty expectations.
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