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From OU to the NFL: Danny Stutsman selected by New Orleans Saints

Bob Przybyloby: Bob Przybylo04/26/25BPrzybylo
Syndication: The Oklahoman
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman (28) warms up before a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Maine Black Bears at Gaylord Family - Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

There were a lot of names OU fans were excited about from the 2021 class. Not sure linebacker Danny Stutsman was at the top of them. Definitely not initially.

But Stutsman became a fan favorite, program favorite and someone who absolutely has left an incredible legacy with the Sooners.

Now? It’s the next step. That step will be taken as Stutsman was selected in the fourth round with the No. 112 overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in the NFL Draft on Saturday.

Stutsman is part of what should be an eventful Saturday across the board for former OU players.

2024 stats: Started and played in 12 games, 109 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, one sack

Career stats: Played in 47 games, started 37, 376 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles, TD.

Stutsman wasn’t even an early enrollee. Nowadays with that being so common, those are the ones who usually jump to the front of the pack.

No, he arrived in the summer and just put in the work. That work never stopped. And after Brent Venables took over as head coach, Stutsman went to that next level.

It was either going to be the perfect coach to get him going, or Stutsman would have been out the door. He matured and became the face of the defense, especially during the last couple of seasons.

Stutsman came into 2024 with massive expectations and lived up to them. Easily one of the best linebackers in the country. Acquitting himself well at the NFL Draft Combine just solidified this night was going to happen.

Best game

2024 at Missouri. You hate to pick a losing effort, but Stutsman’s 19 tackles were the most by a Sooner since 2018. He was all over the field. Honestly, though? You could pick any number of Stutsman games in the last two seasons. Always there to make a massive difference.

Stutsman says…

“I remember coming in as a scrawny three-star and just trying to get the table scraps to get onto the field. From where I am today, a lot of hard work. I couldn’t do it without the other guys, my teammates, the strength staff, Coach Venables and the character he’s instilled in me. I’m happy to be a Sooner, man. One of the proudest things I could ever say.” 

Venables says…

“I know Danny is really soaking up this moment, and I am so proud of him. He grew up so much on and off the field in my three years with him and was one of our program’s unquestioned leaders. He’s earned every bit of this opportunity, and I know he will make the absolute most of it. New Orleans is getting a hard-nosed, gritty, athletic linebacker who gives his absolute all on every play and is as detailed in his preparation as anybody. He’s one of the best linebackers in the storied history of Oklahoma football, and I can’t wait to follow everything he does at the next level. He’s got an incredibly bright future.”

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