Danny Stutsman talks about Brent Venables' role as scout team quarterback, practice intensity

Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman doesn’t take the intensity of Brent Venables, both at practice and on game-day, for granted.

Joining The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, Stutsman spoke to the affect Venables’ intense personality has on the team. Evidently, it’s helped them get to where they are at the moment, even if it’s taken a lot out of the Sooners leader.

“Coach Venables, a lot of people don’t know but he’s actually our scout team quarterback. For your head coach to be your scout team quarterback and picking apart the defense, because realistically, he built the defense. So when he’s out there slinging the rock, kind of embarrassing these dudes, we have to bring it every single day,” Stutsman revealed. “He’ll lower the shoulder. He’ll run you over. … He’s not in pads man, but you’d be surprised. Coach V’s a guy waking up at 5:00 a.m. to run stadiums.

“He actually hurt his meniscus and he was still at practice slinging the rock. He doesn’t take any days off. … He gets more treatment than some of the guys I think, right now. He puts his body through a lot.”

That’s a pretty awesome story from the Oklahoma linebacker. There aren’t many coaches in the sport who can bring that level of vigor to the football field, especially at Venables’ age.

For now, it’s helped them get back into the College Football Playoff picture, and that’s where Brent Venables and Danny Stutsman expect to remain moving forward.

Brent Venables describes postgame emotions after beating Texas

Meanwhile, Brent Venables was soaking it all in after Oklahoma’s 34-30 win over Texas in the Red River Showdown on Saturday. 

It was a far cry from their loss at the hands of the Longhorns in 2022. Now firmly in the College Football Playoff discussion, Venables explained the emotions he was feeling post-game, and how proud he was of the Sooners.

“You know, just how incredibly proud we are, of so many people,” started Venables. “Players. Their commitment, their work. It was really, really — you know, thankful for them. Happy for them. That moment. They get a chance to get their pride back. That was a tough moment a year ago. Just really happy for them, that they could have a moment like that, because they deserve it. They’ve worked for it. Just a moment. 

“They celebrate hard, don’t celebrate long. We’ve got to get back to work. Really, just proud of all the people that have been a part of that.”

Alas, the victory over Texas is massive, but Oklahoma obviously has bigger plans. If they win out, they could secure a chance at a national title, which would be a major accomplishment for Venables in only his second season on the job.