University of Oklahoma senior defensive back Billy Bowman Jr. and senior linebacker Danny Stutsman were named to the 2024 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Football First Team, the conference office announced Thursday. Selections were made by the league's head coaches, who were not permitted to vote for their own players.
Bowman and Stutsman were also named to the Preseason Media All-SEC First Team, announced following SEC Media Days in July. Both players have been named on preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award and the Senior Bowl.
Bowman, who is also an AP Preseason All-America Second Team selection, ranked third nationally last season with six interceptions (one off the lead) and led the country with his 238 interception return yards and three INTs returned for touchdown. He set school records for both interception yardage and pick-sixes, and also earned first-team All-America recognition from CBS Sports/247Sports. The Denton, Texas, product started all 13 games last season, totaling 63 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and four pass breakups. In 35 career games (29 starts), he has compiled 145 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, nine interceptions, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 11 pass breakups.
Stutsman is also on watch lists for Walter Camp Player of the Year, Butkus Award and the Lombardi Award, and was named a first-team preseason All-America selection by the Walter Camp Foundation, The Athletic and ESPN. He has led the Sooners in tackles each of the last two years, and registered 104 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles in 2023 to earn second-team All-America honors from the Walter Camp Foundation and third-team accolades from the AP. The Windermere, Fla., product has played in 35 career games and made 25 starts, compiling 267 tackles, 28.0 TFLs, 7.0 sacks, three interceptions four forced fumbles and eight pass breakups. The 28.0 tackles for loss are most among current Sooners.
OU, which is celebrating the 100th season of Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, opens the 2024 campaign on Friday, Aug. 30, against Temple in Norman. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.