5-star DL David Stone visits Oklahoma

Oklahoma hosted numerous blue-chip prospects this weekend for its spring game. One of them was Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy five-star defensive lineman David Stone.

The 6-foot-4, 278-pound defender has visited the Sooners more than ten times. While in Norman, he spent time with co-defensive coordinator/defensive tackles coach Todd Bates, as well as recruits including Melissa (Texas) four-star defensive lineman Nigel Smith II and Conroe (Texas) Oak Ridge four-star defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye.

#BoomerSooner pic.twitter.com/D4VuWfKwdB

— Nigel Smith (@NigelSmith_25) April 23, 2023

Stone is the No. 10 overall prospect and No. 2 defensive lineman in the 2024 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 3 player in Florida.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, it is a close race for Stone’s commitment between Michigan State (43.9%) and Oklahoma (38.1%). He already knows that the Sooners will get an official visit from him.

Previously, Stone’s most recent trip to Oklahoma was on March 13.

“This visit was really about me and Coach Todd Bates,” Stone told On3’s Chad Simmons on March 22. “They were on spring break, but Coach Bates was there and we spent some time together. With Coach Bates and Oklahoma, it is a little different. He goes over the playbook with me. We talk about the scheme. That way if I do decide to go there, I would be ready to play. That is something different with Oklahoma. That is the only school I am doing that with.”

At the moment, Oklahoma’s 2024 recruiting class does not contain any defensive linemen. The Sooners’ group ranks No. 17 in the 2024 On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 10 in the SEC.

Stone is gradually working towards his decision

Stone has been very busy on the recruiting trail this spring. In addition to Oklahoma, he has visited Michigan State (April 15), Miami (April 1 and March 25), Florida (March 9) and Texas A&M (March 4).

“I feel like these visits helped me,” Stone shared with Simmons. “It gave me more options to look at and consider. These visits will help me narrow things down and figure out who I want to consider over other schools.”

Right now, Oklahoma and Ohio State are two schools set to receive officials from Stone, with Michigan State likely to get one, as well. According to the five-star, he is still deciding what other programs he will see officially.

“There are a lot of schools in the mix…,” Stone said. “I hope to make my decision before the season. I want to have everything done before the season, then make a smooth transition to college after signing day in December.”