The Oklahoma Sooners got a massive boost today and it wasn’t from the recruiting trail or the transfer portal. With rumors swirling that leading tackler Danny Stutsman was declaring for the draft, the linebacker took to social media to announce he would be returning for his senior season.
BREAKING: Oklahoma LB Danny Stutsman has announced he will return in 2024 instead of declaring for the NFL Draft
"SEC, see you soon" https://t.co/HxaYrrEX4G pic.twitter.com/BVKZBAPMqV
— On3 (@On3sports) December 11, 2023
“SEC, see you soon,” Stutsman posted on social media. The heart of the Sooners defense will be returning for another season. He led the Big 12 in tackles in 2022 and followed it up with a team-leading 99 tackles. Stutsman also racked up 16 tackles for loss, three quarterback sacks, two forced fumbles, and one pick-six. This is the second defensive standout that is returning for his senior season with Billy Bowman Jr. coming back as well. The Sooners’ defense will be a force to be reckoned with.
The SEC is going to be an absolute gauntlet in 2024. With Texas and Oklahoma joining the likes of Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Missouri, and Auburn, there is going to be a huge matchup every week. Having an upperclassmen-led defense will be essential in slowing down the daunting offenses of the SEC. Head coach Brent Venables has to be happy about having two of his big veterans back.
Can Oklahoma win the SEC in their first year? They certainly have the talent to do it and I doubt that Venables is done bringing it in this offseason.
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