Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman (28) is pictured at OU media day in Norman, Okla., on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023.
When it came to one of Oklahoma’s best players’ future, Brent Venables was very discreet.
During a joint Alamo Bowl press conference on Thursday with Arizona coach Jedd Fish, the Sooners’ second-year coach was questioned about whether he had spoken with Oklahoma linebacker Danny Stutsman about his future plans. Stutsman plans to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL Draft, as well as to decline to play in the bowl game on December 28, according to a report published by Sooner Scoop on Wednesday night.
As Venables put it, “Everything has its time.” In the interest of respect for Danny, I will hold off on speaking until he is ready to tell everyone what his plans are for the future.
Although Stutsman hasn’t made a public statement regarding his future plans, judging from Venables’ remarks, it seems likely that the 6-foot-4, 236-pound linebacker has played his final game for the Sooners. Since Venables took over as head coach two years ago, Stutsman has been one of Oklahoma’s defense’s most vital and effective players, starting 24 of the team’s 25 games in the previous two seasons.
Over the previous two seasons, Stutsman has led Oklahoma in tackles. He finished his sophomore year in 2022 with 124 total tackles, a Big 12-leading total, and finished this season with 99 tackles in 11 games. This season, he has played in just six quarters for No. 12 Oklahoma, a team that finished 10-2. He sustained an ankle injury late in the first half of a 38-33 loss at Kansas, and he also missed the following week’s 27-24 loss to Oklahoma State.
Stutsman led Oklahoma in tackles and placed second in the Big 12 in tackles for loss (16), despite the lost time. Pro Football Focus reports that he finished the season with 99 tackles, 16 for loss, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 pass breakups, an interception returned for a touchdown, and 16 total pressures. He was named to the first team of the Big 12 and was named an All-American by Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports/247Sports.
