Stone-Cold Sooner: David Stone Opens Up on Choosing Oklahoma Over Powerhouse Programs
NORMAN, OK — In an exclusive and far-reaching interview that traces ambition, loyalty, and destiny, five-star defensive tackle David Stone finally opens up about his decision to join the Oklahoma Sooners—one of the most talked-about recruiting moments of the 2024 college football season.
The 6-foot-3, 294-pound phenom, whose blend of explosive power, elite footwork, and commanding field presence made him a top national recruit, stunned many when he chose to commit to Brent Venables’ Oklahoma squad over offers from Michigan State, Florida, Miami, Alabama, and Texas A&M. Now, after a full season donning the crimson and cream and a whirlwind spring capped with brief speculation about a transfer, Stone is telling the full story behind his commitment—and why, in his words, “this is always where I was meant to be.”
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Coming Home in a Helmet
“It wasn’t just a decision,” Stone says, adjusting his OU cap, “it was a return.”
Born in Oklahoma City, Stone spent his early childhood mere miles from the University of Oklahoma campus. His first memories of college football are wrapped in images of packed stands at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, the roar of the crowd, and the larger-than-life Sooners legends who inspired an entire state.
“This place made me love football,” he says. “As a kid, I didn’t dream of just playing college football—I dreamed of being a Sooner. Watching Gerald McCoy, watching that defense fly around in the Stoops era. It was a culture.”
Though his path would take him out of state—Stone played his high school ball at national powerhouse IMG Academy in Florida—the magnetic pull of Norman never faded.
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The IMG Experience: Shaped by Fire
At IMG, Stone transformed from a local Oklahoma prodigy into a national superstar. Facing elite talent every day in practice and playing under the spotlight week after week helped hone his skills to a razor’s edge. Yet, even among the country’s best, he stood out—both as a player and a leader.
Recruiting analysts described him as “an immovable force,” with 247Sports and Rivals both ranking him among the Top 10 players in the country. He was courted relentlessly. SEC juggernauts made offers. NIL deals were rumored to be seven figures. But for Stone, the final decision came down to three things: trust, vision, and legacy.
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Brent Venables’ Vision: Defense, Development, and DNA
The moment that sealed it for Stone, he reveals, wasn’t flashy.
“It was when Coach Venables pulled up tape—not of NFL stars, but of guys who came in raw and got developed right here,” Stone explains. “He talked about development. About my ceiling. He wasn’t trying to sell me on money or fame. He was talking about technique, hand placement, pad level, reading the center’s shoulders. Real football.”
Venables, a defensive guru known for building elite units at Clemson before returning to lead his alma mater, personally led Stone’s recruitment.
“He didn’t treat me like a celebrity,” Stone continues. “He treated me like a future All-American who had to work for it.”
That message resonated. So did Venables’ commitment to restoring Oklahoma’s defensive dominance—a legacy that had faded in recent years but was showing signs of resurgence. Stone saw himself not just as a piece of the puzzle but as a cornerstone.
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Loyalty Over Leverage: Choosing Heart Over Hype
When asked about other schools, Stone doesn’t name names—but he makes it clear the offers were tempting.
“I could’ve gone where the bag was bigger,” he admits. “I could’ve gone to a place that already had a playoff-ready team. But that’s not who I am. I want to build something. I want to be part of the class that brings Oklahoma back to the top. That doesn’t just play in the SEC—we win the SEC.”
For Stone, loyalty wasn’t just to the coaching staff, but to the people who had supported him since youth leagues: his family, his community, and fans across the Sooner State who had followed his every move since he was a teenager.
“When I put on this jersey,” he says, “I’m playing for my city, my neighborhood, my state.”
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Early Challenges, Lasting Impact
Stone’s freshman season in 2024 wasn’t a headline-grabber on the stat sheet—but his presence was felt. Appearing in all 13 games, he racked up 6 tackles, two tackles for loss, and a sack. More importantly, he drew double-teams, clogged running lanes, and brought attitude to the trenches.
“It’s not always about stats,” he says. “It’s about pressure. It’s about doing your job so someone else can make the play.”
His maturity and work ethic earned him praise from both players and coaches. Defensive line coach Todd Bates described Stone as “a future captain” and “one of the most coachable elite prospects I’ve worked with.”
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The Portal Scare: A Moment of Reflection
In April 2025, Stone briefly entered the NCAA transfer portal—a move that sent shockwaves through the college football world. But within days, he withdrew.
“It wasn’t about leaving,” he clarifies. “It was about thinking. Making sure I was where I needed to be—not just physically, but mentally. There’s a lot of pressure when you’re labeled a five-star. Everyone expects you to dominate every snap. I needed to breathe.”
After conversations with his family, Venables, and a few teammates, Stone reaffirmed his commitment. In his own words: “This is home. I just had to take a walk around the block to appreciate it again.”
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What’s Next: SEC Stardom and Beyond
As Oklahoma prepares for its second season in the SEC, all eyes are on Stone. He’s expected to take on a starting role alongside Damonic Williams and Gracen Halton in what many analysts predict will be one of the most disruptive defensive lines in the conference.
“I’m ready,” Stone says simply. “The SEC is real. Big bodies, fast backs, smart quarterbacks. But that’s why I came here. Iron sharpens iron.”
NFL scouts are already watching closely. If Stone continues to progress, he could be a first-round pick as early as 2027. But for now, he’s focused on helping Oklahoma chase championships—and silencing doubters who still question whether the Sooners can dominate in the SEC.
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Final Word: More Than a Recruit
Asked how he wants to be remembered at OU, Stone doesn’t hesitate.
“Not just as a recruit,” he says. “As a leader. As someone who helped bring toughness back. Who left it all on the field. Who made Oklahoma proud.”
And with that, David Stone stands up, flashes the “OU” hand sign, and walks back into the locker room, ready for the next chapter of a story that’s just getting started.
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