Two Oklahoma Sooners defenders earn spots on 2024 Preseason Coaches All-SEC First-Team
In their first season in the SEC, two Oklahoma Sooners, linebacker Danny Stutsman and defensive back Billy Bowman, were named to the 2024 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Football First Team. Players were named by the conference's head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own players. This is just the latest accolade for the two […]
In their first season in the SEC, two Oklahoma Sooners, linebacker Danny Stutsman and defensive back Billy Bowman, were named to the 2024 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Football First Team. Players were named by the conference's head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own players.
This is just the latest accolade for the two Sooners, who were also Bowman and Stutsman were also named to the Preseason Media All-SEC First Team.
Bowman, an AP Preseason All-America Second Team selection, ranked third nationally last season with six interceptions. He also led the country with 238 interception return yards and three INTs pick-sixes. He set school records for both interception returns yardage and pick-sixes. As a result, he earned first-team All-America recognition from CBS Sports/247Sports.
Bowman's 11 interceptions have him tied for 21st in Sooners' history. Last season, he joined former Sooners' cornerback Zack Sanchez as the only Sooners with double-digit interceptions since Antonio Perkins recorded 11 from 2000-2004.
Bowman's three pick-sixes are tied for first place in Sooners' history with the aforementioned Sanchez and Derrick Strait. With 149 more interception return yards, Bowman would move into first place in that category as well.
Stutsman's play has him in line for recognition everywhere. The Sooners linebacker is on watch lists for Walter Camp Player of the Year, the Butkus Award, and the Lombardi Award. Additionally, he was named a first-team preseason All-America selection by the Walter Camp Foundation, The Athletic, and ESPN.
Stutsman has led the Sooners in tackles each of the last two years, and registered 104 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, an interception, and two forced fumbles in 2023 to earn second-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Foundation and third-team accolades from the Associated Press.
Stutsman's 267 tackles have him 26th in Sooners' history in career tackles. With another 100-tackle season, Stutsman could move into the top ten in Sooners' history, joining other notable Sooners' linebackers like Daryl Hunt, Jackie Shipp, Travis Lewis, George Cumby, Rocky Calmus, Rod Shoate, Tyrell Peters, and Brian Bosworth.
These two Seniors have served as important catalysts for Oklahoma's defensive resurgence under head coach Brent Venables. With another standout season, they could cement themselves among the all-time greats in Sooners' history.
The two have also launched their own brand together.
