Drake Stoops breaks down decision to return to Oklahoma for 2023 season

Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver and son of legendary head coach Bob Stoops, Drake Stoops, recently decided to return for his sixth year. However, that decision was much tougher than some might believe, as Stoops explained when he broke down his decision to play for the Sooners in 2023.

“I thought about it for a long time just because, being in my fifth year now, it’s a lot of school. It’s a lot of being in college, being in the system of everything,” said Stoops. “I definitely thought about it for quite a while. And then, I had some clarity and came to a decision after talking to my family, praying about it, and talking with my coaches.

“Coming back in, I just wanted another year in coach Leby’s system, playing under coach Venables. And also going out on top, attempting that next year. Just trying to leave a better taste in all of our mouths whenever I leave here. And also, it’s a year that I’ll never get back if I don’t choose to use it. So I figured it’s a great opportunity.”

Stoops is one of the players around the nation making the most out of his extra year of college eligibility from the COVID-19 impacted season, bringing five years of experience back to the Sooners next year.

When Stoops kew it was time to make a decision

It didn’t take too long for the senior wideout to make his decision. Still, Stoops felt it best to wait to think about his future plans. Instead of mulling over the decision for most of the season, he waited until after Oklahoma’s final game of the regular season to start deciding.

“I didn’t really start thinking about it until after the Texas Tech game because I didn’t think it would be fair to be thinking about what my next move is when we haven’t finished the season yet. I wanted to be all in on that and have my mind focused there. And I knew I had time to talk to everyone I needed to talk to.

“They seemed pleased. They wanted me back. That made me happy. But at the end of the day, I was trying to figure out what was best for me, and I think this is it.”

Stoops has racked up 78 receptions for 887 yards and seven touchdowns over his career in Norman, and is looking to add a little bit more to his totals and then some in 2023. Stoops is glad to be at Oklahoma for one more year and his coaches are glad to have him back too.