Why Oklahoma Sooners Fans Should Feel Encouraged by Pair of Freshman Defenders
The Oklahoma Sooners pulled off a coup in their 2024 recruiting class, securing the commitments of IMG Academy teammates David Stone and Jayden Jackson, both defensive linemen. Stone was a five-star recruit and a top-five defensive lineman in the 2024 class, while Jackson was a four-star and a top-200 player, per the 247Sports Composite rankings. […]
The Oklahoma Sooners pulled off a coup in their 2024 recruiting class, securing the commitments of IMG Academy teammates David Stone and Jayden Jackson, both defensive linemen. Stone was a five-star recruit and a top-five defensive lineman in the 2024 class, while Jackson was a four-star and a top-200 player, per the 247Sports Composite rankings.
The pair helped the Sooners land a top-ten recruiting class in 2024, and now, the pair is set to help the Sooners even more.
Both Stone and Jackson made it on Oklahoma's initial depth chart released yesterday. Surprisingly, Jackson was the one listed higher. Even more surprising, Jackson was named an outright starter. Jackson was the only true freshman to be named a starter.
On Sunday night at Oklahoma's Sooner Sport Talk show, Sooners head coach Brent Venables raved about Jayden Jackson's character.
"Since Jayden got here he’s really shown a different level of maturity, He knows what he wants. He’s willing to sacrifice things that don’t help get him what he wants. He just lives a really disciplined lifestyle and that’s a prerequisite in order to earn an opportunity to play at a consistent level. He’s starting because he’s worked for it."
Oklahoma Sooners release first depth chart of the season ahead of Week 1 against Temple
The Sooners are just about ready.
At his press conference Monday morning, Venables doubled down on Jackson's character and skill set.
Not Set In Stone
David Stone was further down the depth chart, checking in as the third-string defensive tackle. While this may be the case for Week 1, Venables and I seem to agree that won't last long.
"He’s just learning how to be an every-down player. He didn’t have as much of a foundation with his fundamentals. He was a guy that just relied on being real explosive and talented. But nobody has worked harder on our whole football team than David Stone. And I brag on him in front of the players and he deserves that. He just comes every day with a crazy humble mindset. He’s up in our defensive staff room every single day."
Venables elucidated that Stone led the defensive tackles in sacks throughout camp. Oklahoma defensive tackles coach Todd Bates has produced some of the best while at Clemson (2017-21). If Stone's fundamentals can match his tools, it's not hyperbole to think Stone could be Oklahoma's best defensive tackle since Gerald McCoy.
Between Stone and Jackson, the future of Oklahoma's defensive line seems bright. A much-maligned group for years now seems set, giving Sooners fans hope that the defense has turned a new leaf after years of poor play.
