Brent Venables reveals importance of five-star David Stone's commitment

Oklahoma brought five-star plus DL David Stone back to his home state this week by signing him as a member of their recruiting class. Now, with him in the fold, Brent Venables knows how significant it is that he’s going to be a Sooner.

Venables spoke about the addition of Stone during his press conference on National Signing Day this week. Venables is glad that, with his signature, OU was able to bring in more than one player that, to him, had arguments as best player in the state for the class. It also means a lot considering their relationship with him and his family paid off in an important way and should continue to with him joining the program.

“You’re looking at, obviously, if he were here in the state? Arguably, whether it’s Devon (Jordan) or it’s Xavier Robinson or David competing for the number one player in the state,” said Venables. “David is tremendously talented but he has got a lot of the right stuff that you want. Everybody loves David that has met David. He has got really endearing leadership qualities to him – humble, hard-working, tough. Smart, really smart, articulate. He is a leader of young men, players follow him.”

“That’s over a two-year relationship with he and his family. You love that being in a relationship-driven program. You want it to be about that. This is a forever decision for each and every one of these young men,” Venables continued. “For David? Again, it’s probably one of the longest relationships that we’ve had. He is a great leader and guys will follow him. He has got tremendous respect, both in high school football and in the recruiting circles. He’ll have some influence there along the way.”

Stone finished playing high school football at IMG Academy (FL) where he was a five-star prospect. He is the No. 7 overall recruit in the 2024 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He finished as the top defensive lineman and the No. 3 player out of Florida, although he would have been the top player out of Oklahoma by rating had he finished his career there as a native of OKC.

Stone comes as the cornerstone of the Sooners’ No. 8 class in the nation. He leads the way in a group of 27 signees as the lone five-star of the bunch.

Venables was thrilled for all of the prospects that decided to come play for him in Norman this week. That included Stone as the crown jewel of yet another great class to start his tenure with the Sooners.

“This is a day, again, of celebration for David amongst all the other amazing young men and families that get to join the Sooner family forever,” said Venables. “Excited for David as well as we are with the rest of the guys.”