How Oklahoma Defensive Lineman David Stone has Built a "Support System" in Norman
NORMAN — On Wednesday afternoon, Oklahoma defensive lineman David Stone spoke to the media for the first time since arriving in Norman.
A 5-star recruit and coveted prospect, Stone has plenty of expectations as he begins his collegiate career. As a handful of other talented freshman come into the fold with Stone, the former IMG Academy standout says that he has developed a good bond with his new teammates.
"(There are big expectations) especially on the d-line. Jayden Jackson Jr., that's my guy. So, you know, we always take care of each other whenever it comes to the off the field things," Stone said.
"Even on the field things, you know, try to look out for each other when it comes to watching film extra, you know, studying the playbook, whatever it comes down to. So, definitely have a way of working. We have a little support system that everyone looks out for each other and I'm really grateful to have that around me."
Rated the No. 9 overall player and No. 2 defensive lineman in the 2024 recruiting class, Stone is the highest-ranked interior defensive lineman the Sooners have landed since Gerald McCoy in 2006.
Being such a talented prospect, fans expect Stone to make an impact on the field early in his career, especially with the lack of depth in Oklahoma's defensive tackle room.
Jacob Lacey was likely set to start on the interior, but with the former Notre Dame transfer being forced to medically retire, Stone will have even more opportunities to earn reps in 2024.
The Del City, OK, product said he was able to learn from Lacey during the brief time they spent together at OU, adding that he has gotten advice from a handful of other veteran defensive lineman.
"Lacey was someone when I came in I watched everything that he'd do, because he's such a great leader. He leads by example and by his voice, you know, that's something I really took acceptance to," Stone said.
"Just the way he approaches the game, every day he's so consistent. He's such a great leader. The guys that are still here, Da'Jon Terry, Ashton Sanders, you know, those guys right there, they also contribute and lead in a way that is needed and I'm very appreciative of them too."
In addition to the other players in his position group, Stone said that he has been able to soak up advice from some of the other veteran leaders on OU's defense.
With players like Billy Bowman, Woodi Washington, Danny Stutsman and Ethan Downs all returning to school despite potential futures in the NFL, the Sooners' should have a mature group on that side of the ball.
As Oklahoma transitions into the SEC, it will need talent and experience to compete with some of the premier programs in college football. Fortunately, Stone adds a level of talent that Todd Bates has not seen yet during his time in Norman.
"Those guys, they're leaders, and they definitely have a great work ethic. Just seeing it and being able to feed off the energy they provide for the team is definitely going to make our defense better," Stone said of the veterans on OU's defense.
"Just seeing those guys now is definitely a surreal experience, because, you know, I was watching them on TV a couple months ago, but now I'm in the room working with them. ... I rarely see them get tired, if they ever do. Man, it's just like they're soldiers on the field. I just love being able to see this and experience it and hopefully I can get to the same level as them one day."
With Stone's impressive combination of size, strength and speed, the 6-foot-4 lineman should be able to reach his goal of being a leader on the Sooners' defense, especially if he continues to make strides under Bates.
In addition to his impressive athletic traits, Stone's effort and intensity should help him succeed at the collegiate level. During Under Armour All-American practices in Orlando back in early January, the former IMG Academy standout played with high energy and competitiveness in one-on-one drills, running back to the start of the line eager for his next rep.
When asked on Wednesday about what he adds to the Sooners' defensive front, Stone highlighted this competitive nature, also saying that he knows the importance of filling his role.
"All I can say is that I'm a competitor, you know, I'm going to do my best to compete. I love winning, so I'm just trying to win any opportunity I have in front of me," Stone said. "Coach Bates, you know, he's going to do everything he can to put me in the best position to win. We're going to just do our job... my one-eleventh, and hopefully the accolades come."
Earning a 5-star ranking, participating in the Under Armour All-American Game and playing in the Polynesian Bowl, Stone racked up an impressive list of accolades at the high school level. Now stepping into Brent Venables' defense, the Oklahoma native has the chance to become a difference-maker, and a fan favorite, early in his Sooners' career.
With OU's spring practices starting on Monday, Stone will become more ingrained in Venables and new defensive coordinator Zac Alley's scheme. On April 20, OU will host its annual Spring Game, giving Oklahoma fans their first opportunity to see how the true freshman fairs against collegiate offensive lineman.
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