Why Konnor Near could be a key contributor for Oklahoma

When Konnor Near entered the transfer portal in April, he didn’t know what to expect — he certainly didn’t expect a call from Brent Venables and Oklahoma.  A two-time Division II All-American linebacker and national champion at Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan, Near didn’t even know if he’d get a Power Five offer. In fact, he told the Ferris State coaching staff that if he didn’t get a Power Five offer, he’d return to school and “be the best linebacker Ferris State’s ever had.” Instead, the offers came rolling in. Washington State, Duke, Georgia Tech, West Virginia, Texas Tech, and, his favorite school as a kid, Michigan State. But then, after five days in the portal, Venables and Oklahoma called.