Oklahoma LB Kip Lewis Ready to 'Fly Around' After Building on Last Year's Key Experience

Kip Lewis enjoyed a breakout campaign last year, and he's ready to play at an even high level back alongside Danny Stutsman in 2024.

Sep 9, 2023; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

NORMAN — Kip Lewis’ breakthrough into the starting lineup was a revelation for Oklahoma’s defense in 2023. 

The then-redshirt freshman was a little light for the ideal linebacker, but it didn’t hamper his production. 

Lewis, who was described as a “ball magnet” by OU head coach Brent Venables, ended last year with 66 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack and a fumble recovery. 

He blew up multiple plays on the goal line against Texas to help the Sooners get a key stop, which propelled him into a starting role down the final stretch of the year. 

Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. (2), Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Kip Lewis (10), Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Jaren Kanak (7) and Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Dasan McCullough (1) stop Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24) during the Red River Rivalry college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the University of Texas (UT) Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Oklahoma won 34-30. / BRYAN TERRY/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

Now, as he enters his third year with the Sooners, he’s over 220 pounds and is ready to take on the SEC.

“I feel like it's a good weight, being able to go fly around, hit people, knock people back,” Lewis said after Oklahoma’s practice concluded on Saturday night. “So it'll be fun.”

Lewis brought stability alongside Danny Stutsman a year ago, and the duo is back again. 

Though he performed well alongside the veteran linebacker, Lewis and the entire unit struggled to replace Stutsman’s production when he exited the second half against Kansas and then missed Bedlam due to an injury. 

Venables brought Zac Alley in over the offseason to serve as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in place of Ted Roof, and Alley’s introduction helped Lewis digest the defense to get even more comfortable in Year 3 of the system.

“We call [Alley] like the mini BV. He's got tendencies of V,” Lewis said. “So he's amazing. He really brings out the best in us.

“…  Just learning, getting, schematically wise, the defense down. It's been amazing.”

Though Lewis is more comfortable in the defense, he won’t have to digest opposing offenses by himself. 

Stutsman spurned the NFL Draft to return for another year under Venables, and his experience is crucial for his fellow linebackers as well as the entire defense. 

“He brings that leader mentality, that pushing, that edge that pushed,” Lewis said. “He will bring out the best in you, and that's the best thing about Danny, is your gonna get his best and he's gonna motivate you to do your best.”

Lewis is looking to take another step forward, too. 

Though he’s not always been the loudest guy behind the scenes, Lewis said he gained confidence from last year’s game experience and it’s helped him take on a larger leadership role in the locker room. 

“Getting snaps in general, it just helps you grow as a player,” Lewis said. “Game-speed wise, you can’t replicate that in practice. I was grateful enough to be put in that position and have the opportunity to go out and play and get experience underneath my belt.

“… Now [I’m] starting to step into trying to be vocal. Trying to become better and better at that every day.”

Like the rest of the defense, Lewis is ready to show just how much he’s improved this offseason once the season starts. 

But in the meantime, he’s focused on making the most of every practice in fall camp leading up to the Aug. 30 opener against Temple in Norman. 

“It's really good to get back,” he said.