The Bad: Two Freshmen are ‘Bad’ Men
The Oklahoma Sooners got standout contributions from several of their true freshman against the Western Carolina Catamounts. On defense, in particular, Ethan Downs and Danny Stutsman stood out as future game-changers for Alex Grinch’s defense.
Ethan Downs registered 24 snaps and got in on the action in the first half as part of the rotation with the first-team defense. He graded as the Oklahoma Sooners highest-rated defender per Pro Football Focus and finished third on the team in total pressures behind Perrion Winfrey and Nik Bonitto. Pretty solid company. Downs also registered a tackle for loss and a forced fumble
Danny Stutsman was flying around the field on Saturday and led the Sooners in tackles with eight. Per Pro Football Focus, Stutsman had four stops, which is a play made by the defender that results in a “loss for the defense.” It could be a tackle for loss, a sack, or a play that doesn’t pick up the necessary yardage to be considered a “successful play.” Like stopping the ball carrier for a two-yard gain on first down or short of the first-down marker on third or fourth down regardless of the yardage gained.
The two freshmen were fantastic in extended work against an overmatched Western Carolina. Like Caleb Williams did for the offense, the two Sooners provided a fantastic glimpse of the future of Alex Grinch’s defense.