Austin Stogner brings 'urgency' in OU football return after South Carolina sabbatical
NORMAN — Few names within the OU football team carry as much weight as Jerry Schmidt.
Both former and current players have horror stories from their workouts with the Sooners' strength and conditioning coach, whose routines are designed to test physical limitations.
But even in the midst of a "Schmitty" special, senior tight end Austin Stogner's spirit can't be broken.
"You go out there, and he's got a smile on his face," OU tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley said of Stogner on Aug. 1. "He's bringing everybody along and dragging everyone along with him."
Stogner is playing with a new sense of appreciation this season.
After arriving at OU in 2019 as a four-star freshman, Stogner transferred to South Carolina in 2021 following the conclusion of his junior year. He spent one season with the Gamecocks, catching 20 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown along the way.
Stogner then exercised his final year of eligibility this offseason, and he decided he wanted to spend it at OU.
"I just missed the whole culture of this place and how great this place is," Stogner said on March 27. "People think of Oklahoma and what it stands for, and I just wanted to get back and represent this university."
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Of course, OU still had to be willing to take Stogner back.
The former Sooner had to gain approval from the likes of head coach Brent Venables and Finley. And when he did, he completed the process by transferring back to OU on Dec. 8.
"More than anything, I think he just appreciates being here and being back home," Finley said. "He's excited to hopefully put on a show for the Sooner fans."
Stogner's constant enthusiasm isn't limited to his workouts with Schmidt.
The veteran tight end is equally eager to catch up in the film room, where he's tasked with learning offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby's system.
It's an up-tempo offense that comes with a new playbook and new terminology, but Stogner has soaked it up.
"There's an urgency because he knows he only has one year," Finley said. "When we watch tape, he's already watched every single clip before we watch it as a group. ... If you have that as a leader, the best guy in your room setting an example like that, it's a lot of fun to coach."
Stogner's leadership is invaluable for an OU tight ends room that doesn't have much college experience.
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The Sooners' second-best option is Texas A&M transfer Blake Smith. Despite being a redshirt junior, he has only appeared in seven games throughout his career due to numerous injuries.
OU also has a pair of second-year tight ends in Kaden Helms and Jason Llewellyn. Helms made one catch for four yards last season, while Llewellyn didn't make any catches.
Then there's Josh Fanuiel and Hampton Fay, who are both walk-ons. Fanuiel played Division II basketball at Cameron last season, while Fay transferred from Michigan State after not playing in his first two seasons.
Developing depth at tight end has been an emphasis for Finley during fall camp.
But the group will be in good shape as long as Stogner produces. The go-to tight end made 47 catches for 654 yards and eight touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Sooners, and he'll be leaned on more than ever this time around.
"He's a playmaker," Finley said. "He has made some of the biggest plays on the biggest stage. I'm extremely excited about Stog and happy for him."
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OU tight ends depth chart
Name, Class, Ht., Wt., Hometown (Previous school)
The starter
Austin Stogner, Sr., 6-6, 255, Plano, Texas (South Carolina)
The reserves
Blake Smith, RJr., 6-4, 252, Southlake, Texas (Texas A&M)
Kaden Helms, RFr., 6-5, 235, Bellevue, Neb. (Bellevue West)
Jason Llewellyn, So., 6-5, 250, Aledo, Texas (Aledo)
Josh Fanuiel, RSo., 6-3, 250, Missouri City, Texas (Cameron)
Hampton Fay, RSo., 6-5, 241, Fort Worth, Texas (Michigan State)
Kade McIntyre, Fr., 6-3, 223, Fremont, Neb. (Archbishop Bergan)
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU football: Austin Stogner looks to lead TEs in return to Sooners
