Oklahoma Sooners Defensive Players To Watch vs. Texas Longhorns

The Oklahoma Sooners struggled heavily in the 2022 season defensively. However, more familiarity with OU's defensive strategies, along with the return of some of its all-star defensive players, could be dangerous for the Texas Longhorns in Week 6 of the 2023 season.

The Oklahoma Sooners had the No. 13 ranked offense in the country last season, but they also had a losing 6-7 season record. One of the only logical explanations? The Sooners' defense was a disaster. 

In 2022, out of 131 FBS teams, Oklahoma ranked No. 106 in rush defense, No. 119 in pass defense and No. 122 in total defense. Needless to say, OU's defense had some work to do before the start of the season and improvement was needed for the Sooners to have a successful year.

But now, the Sooners currently sit with a 5-0 record. As far as total defense goes, Oklahoma has improved to No. 30, according to NCAA. 

Here are the defensive players the Texas Longhorns will need to keep a close eye on in Week 6 of the 2023 season.

LB Danny Stutsman

Stutsman played and started in all 13 games of the season last year. He led the Big 12 Conference in 2022 with 125 total tackles and ranked No. 18 nationally (No. 1 in the Big 12) with an average of 9.6 tackles per game. The linebacker also placed second on OU's roster in tackles for a loss (10.5).

Decided by the league's head coaches, Stutsman was recognized with the All-Big 12 honorable mention award this past season. 

So far this year, Stutsman leads Oklahoma's roster with 49 total tackles and two sacks. The two sacks have combined for a total loss of 13 yards. 

LB Jaren Kanak

Kanak currently sits at the No. 2 ranking on the Sooners' defense with 22 total sacks (seven solo). On top of that, Kanak has one sack under his belt within the first five games of the season.

LB Kip Lewis 

At 6-foot-1 and 208 pounds, Lewis has recorded 20 total tackles this season (11 solo and nine assisted tackles). He has yet to add any sacks or turnovers to his 2023 season statistics, but if he can get by Texas' offensive linemen, he can do damage. 

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You can follow Tori Garcia on Twitter @ToriCGarcia

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