Three Oklahoma players — two experienced and one new addition — received votes to make the preseason All-SEC teams this week during SEC Media Days.
The league announced its preseason All-SEC teams on Friday, which include selections for first, second, and third teams across offense, defense, and special teams. These selections were voted on by the media at SEC Media Days in Dallas.
Oklahoma’s linebacker Danny Stutsman, safety Billy Bowman Jr., and wide receiver Deion Burks were chosen for the preseason All-SEC roster. Stutsman and Bowman were both named to the first-team defense, while Burks secured a spot on the third-team offense.
The selection of Stutsman and Bowman wasn’t unexpected. Both players played crucial roles in Oklahoma’s defense last season, contributing significantly under Brent Venables’ leadership. Stutsman received All-America honors, and Bowman was recognized on the All-Big 12 first team in 2023.
Both Stutsman and Bowman considered entering the NFL Draft after their junior seasons but decided to return to Oklahoma for another year. They aim to lead the Sooners’ defense during the transition to the SEC.
Stutsman led Oklahoma in tackles and tackles for loss last season, despite missing a game and a half due to injury. He recorded 104 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, three sacks, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and an interception returned for a touchdown. Pro Football Focus credited him with 20 total pressures, highlighting his role as a defensive leader for the Sooners.
Bowman, meanwhile, contributed 63 total tackles for Oklahoma’s defense, ranking third on the team. He made three tackles behind the line of scrimmage, broke up four passes, and intercepted six passes, returning three for touchdowns.
Bowman tied for the second-most interceptions in college football last season and led the Big 12 in this category. He also set Oklahoma records with his three interception returns for touchdowns and 238 return yards.
Burks, who transferred from Purdue, arrived at Oklahoma in the spring after leading Purdue in receiving last season.
He had 47 catches for 629 yards and seven touchdowns at Purdue last year. Now, he’s poised to start as the slot receiver for Oklahoma, taking over from last year’s top receiver, Drake Stoops.
Standing at 5 feet 9 inches and weighing 190 pounds, Burks made a strong impression during his first spring with the Sooners. He stood out in spring practices, quickly adapting to Oklahoma’s offense.
His spring performance peaked with a five-catch, 174-yard game, including two long touchdown receptions from starting quarterback Jackson Arnold—one for 64 yards and another for 50 yards.
