Until a few seasons ago, when you thought of a player wearing the crimson and cream with the number 28, images of running back Adrian Peterson would come to mind. Everything has changed with the emergence of All-American linebacker Danny Stutsman. When you think of Stutsman, you recognize that he is not only an exceptional athlete but also a great teammate. Although it received little publicity at the time, Danny generously donated $50,000 of his NIL earnings to support 18 walk-on players for the Sooners.He's a throwback to an olden time when players stayed committed to a university and a cause.
Dependable, tough, loyal, and a captain; these words don't express the depth of praise this man deserves. Of the twelve regular season contests played in 24', he led the OU in tackles 67% of the time. He's started his last 37 games, and this season registered a team high 109 tackles.
Jon Cooper is a senior draft analyst at Ourlads Draft Service. Here's Jon’s assessment of Danny's all-around game as bowl preparations quickly merge into next spring's NFL Draft.
Check out more of Jon’s work at Ourlads.com.
Craig: Tell our readers what you've seen and liked thus far?
Jon: Stutsman is an athletic high motor player with an ideal frame and length for an NFL off the ball linebacker. In Oklahoma's scheme, he plays the Mike position but has experience as an OLB as an overhang player.
Craig: Do you like the way he attacks opposing offenses?
Jon: He's patient with the initial read but when he "sees it" he's quick to react. He gets downhill quickly and will take an open window with a knack for the big play. Danny has a large tackle radius, and flashes the ability to make plays in space.
Craig: Anything he needs to improve upon?
Jon: When he's right, he can square up a tackle and gather and drive. He's solid, but sometimes an inconsistent zone defender. He's flashed some man-to-man skill but may not be quite athletic enough to consistently mirror shifty running backs.
Craig: What's the biggest improvement he's made from year to year?
Jon: Danny's run defense has improved greatly this past season. He's showing better inside run fits and improved tackling. His missed tackle percentage is still higher than desired and will need to continue to improve. The progress he's made though, made him a Butkus semifinalist and I believe he has the upside of becoming an every down starter in the NFL.
Original story appears here on Athlon Sports website.