NORMAN — In the third quarter on Saturday, Oklahoma defensive lineman David Stone finally had his moment.
Facing third-and-5, Stone cut through the Black Bears’ offensive line to smother Maine’s quarterback Carter Peevy for a loss of 10 yards.
It was Stone’s first sack as a Sooner, and a second month in the making after the five-star 2024 recruit has done most of his behind-the-scenes work.
“I spoke to the coach before that ride and let him know it was coming. It’s going to be this one,” Stone said afterward the 59-14 victory. “I told him I was going to point at him, but I got a little too carried away, too excited and lost myself. It was a fun time being there with the boys.
“Doing what we talk about, dominating the game at the moment. To be able to do that was a surreal feeling. Come to the sidelines, everyone was hyping me. It was a good time.”
It’s tough for a true freshman to make an immediate impact at the line of scrimmage, even one who starred at IMG Academy.
Stone’s high school teammate, Jayden Jacksonis an outlier.
And while Stone’s chances on the field in 2024 are limited so far, OU is coaching Brent Venables has consistently praised Stone’s work ethic.
“He’s in the coach’s office every night trying to gain some more knowledge,” Venables said last week. “And simply: he is a gym rat and does not shy away from difficult moments. And I love that about him. He’s going to be a fantastic player.”
Stone is no stranger to hard work, but he had to change his mentality during spring football and fall camp.
“I just stayed patient and focused on what I need to do,” Stone said. “Develop, become a great player. The coach has preached: stay humble, sober, stay ready. I did that.
“…Getting advice from guys who were in the same position as me made everything a little easier. They told me not to take it as a “You’re waiting.” You don’t wait. You’re getting ready. You prepare for a fight. When the battle comes, be ready. That’s all I did.”
David Stone now has two tackles for loss and one sack on the year. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn images
Stone now has five total tackles on the year and two tackles for loss, including his sack against Maine.
He has gotten defensive snaps in small doses during SEC play, but the matchup with the Black Bears allowed Stone and the other young pieces of OU’s defense to gain crucial experience late in the season.
“We have a long line of young guys who are good players,” the Oklahoma defensive coordinator said Zac Alley said. “The details obviously matter. You don’t like giving up the two checkers at the end of the game.
“I tell them all the time: the standard doesn’t change. Just because you’re not the starter or haven’t played as much as the other guys. When you enter the game, the expectations are the same as for everyone else.”
Stone took his chance at Owen Field and he will remain mentally ready if he is needed in an expanded role in the Sooners’ final three conference games.
“It was fun, playing football. That’s what I like to do,” Stone said. been doing it since i was 4 years old. It was a great time. “…We take it as it comes. One game at a time. On to the next one. Watch a movie on Sunday, Monday, learn from our mistakes and move on. On to Missouri.”
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