Oklahoma’s Danny Stutsman Earns First-Team All-America Honor
University of Oklahoma senior linebacker Danny Stutsman has been named a first-team All-American by the Walter Camp Foundation. This prestigious honor was announced during the ESPN College Football Awards Show on Thursday evening.
Stutsman’s impressive performance this season earned him a spot among the nation’s top players. He started all 12 games at middle linebacker, recording 109 total tackles, which ranks fourth in the SEC and 24th nationally. His average of 9.1 tackles per game also ranks fourth in the SEC and 22nd nationally.
The senior linebacker’s achievements are a testament to his hard work and dedication. “He’s a war daddy,” said linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Zac Alley. “I mean, he goes after it every play, he’s got everything he has and has an incredible instinct for the ball, behind the ball, and just finds ways to make plays.”
Stutsman’s career-high 19 tackles against Missouri on November 9 were the most by a Sooner since the 2018 season. He logged double-digit tackles four times and at least 15 tackles three times this season, leading the Sooners in tackles in eight of 12 games.
Despite having a “very favorable” NFL Draft grade, Stutsman chose to return for his senior year. “At the end of the day, the NFL’s always gonna be there,” he said. “But having my senior year at such a great university that’s given me so much — more than I could ever think.”
Throughout his career, Stutsman has played in 47 games, starting 37 consecutive games over the last three seasons. He has totaled 376 career tackles, ranking ninth in Oklahoma history. His 36.0 career tackles for loss tie him for fifth among OU inside linebackers.
Stutsman’s achievements have not gone unnoticed by his coaches. “I mean, that’s pretty special,” said head coach Brent Venables. “Easily one of the best linebackers in the last decade and certainly in the country this year.”
The Oklahoma Sooners will face Navy in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl on December 27.
