Oklahoma lands linebacker Konnor Near in transfer portal
Ferris State linebacker Konnor Near is transferring to Oklahoma, he announced Thursday.
Near was a two-time All-American at the Division II level and won two national titles with Ferris State. Last season, he totaled 66 tackles and three sacks. He entered the transfer portal this spring and received offers from Cincinnati, Texas Tech and Michigan State, among others. At 6-foot-2, 235 pounds he’s a versatile linebacker who is known for his physicality.
He joins a linebacker room with loads of young talent. Junior Danny Stutsman is the only returning contributor, starting all 13 games for the Sooners last season. Redshirt freshman Kobie McKinzie and sophomores Jaren Kanak and Kip Lewis are expected to compete for the other starting role alongside Stutsman, but all lack experience. With Near now in the mix, that competition at linebacker will be a bit more interesting.
