Five-star defensive tackle David Stone commits to the Oklahoma Sooners
The drought is over. After a decade-plus with no five-star defensive tackles coming through Norman, the Oklahoma Sooners finally broke Saturday evening through by landing one of the nation’s best players: five-star defensive tackle David Stone.
Stone was arguably the highest priority for the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2024 recruiting cycle. Defensive tackles that move the way Stone moves can be transformative for a defense.
It’s hard to quantify what it means for Oklahoma. However, after missing on five-star edge Williams Nwaneri, landing Stone became more paramount.
The Sooners entered August with the possibility of landing Nwaneri, Stone and Dominick McKinley. Two out of the three would have been spectacular, but not landing any would be concerning, especially if they missed on Stone.
Stone is a native Oklahoman who went to IMG Academy after his sophomore year to take his game and education to another level. He’s been open about being a fan of the OU after growing up in the Sooner State.
Oklahoma had its foot in the door with the previous coaching regime, but Todd Bates grabbed this recruitment when he was hired and ran with it. Last year, Michigan State had positioned itself well. Oklahoma found a way to fend off the Spartans before battling the Miami Hurricanes in recent weeks.
Stone committed at halftime of IMG’s second game of the season. He chose the crimson and cream over Miami, Michigan State, Oregon Ducks, Florida Gators and Texas A&M Aggies. With him committed, Oklahoma has back-to-back years with multiple five-star prospects and back-to-back years with five-star defenders.
BREAKING: Five-Star Plus+ DL David Stone has Committed to Oklahoma!
The 6’5 270 DL from Oklahoma City, OK chose the Sooners over Miami, Michigan State, & others
Stone is ranked as the No. 8 Player in the ‘24 Class https://t.co/DCaOc0xbZN pic.twitter.com/Q5qS3CJ9iG
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) August 27, 2023
Oklahoma rises from 15th to 12th in team recruiting rankings, leapfrogging Clemson, Auburn and Oregon.
Stone is Oklahoma’s 22nd commit for the class of 2024 and will likely be its highest rated.
He’s a consensus five-star across all the primary recruiting services. He’s the No. 10 prospect and No. 3 defensive lineman in the country, according to 247Sports. He’s the third-ranked defensive lineman in the country. He’s the sixth-ranked player on the 247Sports composite.
Bates has been an extremely busy man this summer. This commitment culminates two years of work and building a relationship with Stone and his family.
With Stone in the boat, Oklahoma’s defensive staff will turn its attention to ensuring four-star defensive lineman Nigel Smith II is a Sooner come Sept. 8 when he plans to make his announcement.
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