Sooner Land Buzz: Defender Ratings, an Olympian, and Coaching Changes
The OU football program is making waves this season, and the buzz surrounding the team is only getting louder. From star defenders earning top spots in EA Sports College Football 25 to an Olympian representing the Sooners in Paris, the news surrounding Sooner athletes keeps coming. And if that wasn’t enough, coaches are also making moves, adding to the excitement of the coming season. Let’s dive into the latest happenings in Sooner land!
- OU defenders Danny Stutsman and Billy Bowman are dominating in the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 video game, with impressive ratings that make them top players to watch out for.
- Vernon Turner, a former Oklahoma high jumper, is set to represent the United States in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, showcasing the Sooner spirit and inspiring athletes worldwide.
- Coaches are on the move in Sooner land, adding to the excitement surrounding the OU football program and hinting at potential changes for the upcoming season.
OU Defenders Dominate in EA Sports College Football 25
Get ready for some serious virtual gridiron action! OU linebacker Danny Stutsman and safety Billy Bowman are both among the Top 100 players in the upcoming EA Sports College Football 25 video game. These two Sooners are bringing the heat in the virtual world, and their ratings are sure to make them fan favorites in the game.
Stutsman, ranked as the No. 52 player overall with a 91 rating, is considered the second-best middle linebacker in college football, trailing only Iowa’s Jay Higgins. His impressive 97 awareness and 88 jumping ratings are sure to make him a dominant force on the field.
Bowman, coming in at No. 94 with a 90 rating, is considered the fourth-best strong safety in the nation. His impressive speed and acceleration will make him a nightmare for opposing offenses in the game. He’s got the skills to make big plays, and his 93 jumping rating might just land him some epic interceptions.
While both Stutsman and Bowman are making noise in the virtual world, it’s worth noting that Deion Burks, the Purdue transfer who’s expected to have a breakout season in 2024, was left off the EA CFB 25 Top 100 list. Based on his spring game performance, he might be the best player on the entire Oklahoma roster!
Turner Takes Flight as an Olympian
The Sooner spirit is soaring high, literally! Vernon Turner, former Oklahoma high jumper, is headed to Paris to compete in the 2024 Olympics. This is a huge accomplishment for Turner, who last qualified for the Olympic trials in 2021 but didn’t make the U.S. team. His dedication and hard work have paid off, and he’s now ready to represent the United States on the world stage.
Turner’s journey to the Olympics is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. He’s a Yukon High School product who went on to win the 2022 NCAA indoor national championship while at OU. He holds the OU program records for the high jump in both indoor and outdoor competition, and was named the 2023 Big 12 Performer of the Year. This is a testament to his talent, dedication, and perseverance.
Turner will participate in the preliminary round of Olympic high jump competition on Aug. 7, and we’ll be cheering him on as he strives to make it all the way to the finals on Aug. 10. He’s an example of how hard work and dedication can lead to incredible achievements.
Coaching Carousel: Criddell Returns, Daub Departs
The OU coaching staff is making some moves too, adding to the excitement of the upcoming season. Jeremiah Criddell, a former Sooner safety, has rejoined the Oklahoma coaching staff as an assistant cornerbacks coach. His experience and knowledge of the program will be invaluable.
Criddell’s return is a welcome addition to the coaching staff. He played at OU from 2019-21 but was forced to medically retire prematurely after sustaining multiple concussions. He then spent time as a graduate assistant at both OU and South Florida before joining Jeff Lebby’s Mississippi State staff. Now, he’s back at his alma mater, ready to help coach one of the deepest positions on the Sooners’ roster.
However, there’s also some news on the coaching front that might leave some Sooners fans feeling a bit blue. Bryce Daub, the Sooners’ director of strength and performance, announced on Instagram that he has been hired by the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets as their new director of athletic performance. Daub has been a key part of the OU basketball program since 2015, helping to build and shape the team’s strength and conditioning program. He will be sorely missed, but we wish him the best in his new role.
Looking Ahead to the Future
The Oklahoma Sooners are heading into a new era, with exciting changes both on and off the field. The news from Sooner land is full of promise, and the future is bright for this storied program. From star defenders dominating in the virtual world to an Olympian representing the Sooners on the world stage, the Sooner spirit is alive and well! We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented athletes and coaches.
