OU linebacker Danny Stutsman not worried about All-Big 12 snub
When the All-Big 12 preseason team came out a couple of weeks ago, it wasn’t expected to be littered with OU names.
The Sooners were 3-6 last year in the conference. And there aren’t a lot of guys on Oklahoma you can point toward as automatic inclusions.
Linebacker Danny Stutsman felt like he was one of them, though. It was a bit of a surprise to not see Stutsman make the First Team list, as voted by the media.
From Stutsman’s point of view, however, he’s just fine with it. That isn’t what is driving him or the team this summer, this season.
“I mean, none of those lists really do anything for me,” said Stutsman last week at Big 12 media days. “I think personal accolades, personal stats – that’s not my motivation. Obviously, I think, where we were last year, I think the only goal can be a top five defense, and that’s something that I will strive to do.
“And that maybe I don’t have as many tackles but as long as the defense does their job, I’ll be a happy man. I have to be consistent. Being a leader, I can’t be the guy to make those mistakes on third downs. I have to be the example every single play every time on that field.”
The only position player to make the cut for all-Big 12 honors for OU was defensive end Ethan Downs. But it’s hard to discredit what Stutsman did as a sophomore in 2022. And head coach Brent Venables keeps pushing Stutsman to strive for more.
If you attempt to the base the team on returning production, Stutsman checks that box. If you want to base the team on potential, well, Stutsman has only begun to scratch the surface.
He led the Big 12 with 125 tackles last season, adding 10.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions. He is expected to be the leader of the defense and is embracing that responsibility.
The easy thing to say is it doesn’t matter about making a list in July. The goal, obviously, is Stutsman will earn that honor when the season is over.
