In the 2024 season, the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense was anchored by a formidable linebacker duo: senior Danny Stutsman and redshirt sophomore Kip Lewis. Their exceptional performances were pivotal in the team’s defensive successes throughout the year.
Danny Stutsman, standing at 6’4″ and weighing 241 pounds, concluded his collegiate career with a standout season. He led the Sooners with 104 total tackles, including 51 solo stops and 16 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses consistently. Additionally, Stutsman contributed three sacks, an interception, three pass breakups, and two forced fumbles, underscoring his versatility and leadership on the field. His performance earned him consensus All-American honors and a first-team All-SEC selection, solidifying his status as one of the nation’s premier linebackers.
Kip Lewis, at 6’1″ and 221 pounds, emerged as a dynamic playmaker in his redshirt sophomore season. Starting all 12 games, Lewis recorded 28 solo tackles and demonstrated a knack for game-changing plays with two interceptions returned for touchdowns against Auburn and Alabama. His ability to read offenses and execute pivotal plays was instrumental in the Sooners’ victories, particularly in high-stakes matchups.
The synergy between Stutsman and Lewis provided the Sooners with a robust defensive core. Stutsman’s experience and leadership complemented Lewis’s emerging talent, creating a balanced and formidable linebacker unit. Their combined efforts were particularly evident in the 24-3 victory over Alabama, where the defense stifled a typically potent offense, with Lewis contributing a crucial interception return for a touchdown.
As the season progressed, Stutsman’s mentorship was evident in Lewis’s development. Lewis acknowledged the impact of Stutsman’s guidance but emphasized his intent to carve out his own identity on the field, stating, “I feel like I’m my own player and my own leader in how I do things… I don’t think I need to step into his role and be the Danny. There’s only one.”
Looking ahead, with Stutsman’s departure, Lewis is poised to take on a more prominent leadership role within the defense. His performances in 2024 have set a solid foundation for him to become a central figure in the Sooners’ defensive strategies in the upcoming season. The progression from a supportive role to a leadership position mirrors the path taken by his predecessor, indicating a promising future for Lewis and the Oklahoma defense.
In summary, the 2024 season showcased the Oklahoma Sooners’ linebacking corps as the heartbeat of their defense, with Danny Stutsman and Kip Lewis leading the charge. Their combined talents and leadership were instrumental in the team’s successes, setting a high standard for future defensive units.
For a firsthand account of the team’s performance, here’s Danny Stutsman discussing the victory over Alabama:
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