As the Oklahoma Sooners march through their 2024 spring camp, the focus on player development is more intense than ever. One of the most intriguing stories emerging from the team’s spring practices is the development of defensive lineman David Stone. Known for his powerful presence on the field and his raw physical talent, Stone’s growth during the offseason has quickly become one of the brightest narratives for the Sooners. According to coaching staff, teammates, and observers, Stone’s performance during spring camp has been nothing short of spectacular—he is, as many have noted, “moving better than ever.”
For any elite athlete, the combination of physical conditioning, technical refinement, and mental focus can unlock a new level of play, and David Stone’s spring camp is a testament to this. Coming into his sophomore year after a standout freshman campaign, Stone has not only been working on his physical strength and endurance but also on refining the intricate skills that will help him dominate at the college football level. The young defensive lineman, whose talent has been undeniable since his high school days, is now seeing the results of his offseason efforts, and it’s becoming clear that he could be in store for a breakthrough season.
This article takes a closer look at Stone’s journey, his growth during the spring, and what his increased development means for the Oklahoma Sooners’ defensive line as they look to become a more formidable force in the Big 12 and on the national stage.
David Stone’s Early Career at Oklahoma
David Stone arrived at the University of Oklahoma in 2023 as one of the most highly touted defensive line recruits in the country. Hailing from Dell City, Oklahoma, Stone was a consensus five-star prospect who had amassed an impressive high school career. He was ranked among the top defensive line recruits in the 2023 class, known for his combination of size, strength, and quickness. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing around 290 pounds, Stone has the physical tools to be a disruptive force in the trenches, and his potential was immediately evident.
In his first season with the Sooners, Stone showed flashes of brilliance but also faced some of the typical growing pains of a true freshman. Defensive line play in college football is a significant step up from high school, and Stone had to adjust to the speed of the game, develop his technique, and refine his understanding of offensive line blocking schemes. While his raw athleticism allowed him to make an impact, especially as a pass rusher, Stone often found himself battling with inconsistent technique and decision-making, which limited his ability to dominate on a consistent basis.
However, despite the typical freshman struggles, Stone still had moments that showcased his potential. He contributed in several games, providing pressure on the quarterback and stopping the run at key moments. His performances, particularly late in the season, gave the Sooners hope that he would grow into one of the top defensive linemen in the Big 12 and beyond.
The 2024 Spring Camp: A New Level of Development
As the calendar flipped to 2024, David Stone entered spring camp with a renewed sense of purpose. After a full season in the college football trenches and a focused offseason, the defensive lineman is now operating with a much more refined skill set. According to several reports from spring camp, Stone has looked like a different player. His movement, agility, and overall comfort on the field have been noticeable improvements, and coaches and teammates alike are taking notice.
One of the most talked-about developments in Stone’s game has been his ability to move better than ever. While the 290-pound defensive lineman was always explosive, his agility and footwork have taken a significant leap in 2024. Early in camp, Stone was seen making sharp, quick cuts, changing direction effortlessly, and displaying remarkable flexibility for a player of his size. These improvements, coupled with his already impressive strength, have made him an even more dangerous threat to opposing offensive linemen.
This improved movement has also translated into increased effectiveness as both a pass rusher and a run defender. Stone’s ability to shed blocks and get into the backfield has become noticeably more fluid, allowing him to disrupt plays with greater consistency. During team drills, he’s shown the ability to diagnose plays quicker, read offensive linemen’s moves more efficiently, and adjust his approach in real-time. All of these attributes make him a more well-rounded player, and the Sooners’ coaching staff has taken notice.
Working with Defensive Line Coach Todd Bates
One of the key elements behind Stone’s development has been his work with Oklahoma’s defensive line coach, Todd Bates. Bates, who has earned a reputation as one of the top defensive line coaches in the country, has been instrumental in refining Stone’s technique and helping him elevate his game to the next level. Bates, known for his ability to mold young talent into NFL-caliber players, has worked tirelessly with Stone on improving his hand technique, pass-rushing moves, and overall understanding of defensive line responsibilities.
During spring camp, it became clear that Stone’s relationship with Bates is paying dividends. Stone has become more comfortable using a variety of pass-rushing moves, incorporating power moves like the bull rush with finesse techniques like the swim and rip. By expanding his toolkit, Stone is now able to keep offensive linemen guessing, making it difficult for them to predict how he will attack. This versatility is critical in a defensive lineman’s development, as it allows them to adjust to different offensive schemes and pass protection techniques.
Another area of improvement for Stone has been his ability to stay low in his stance. Defensive linemen must be able to explode off the line and maintain leverage throughout the play, and Stone has become much more disciplined in his posture and pad level. This improvement is particularly important for Stone, as it helps him disengage from blockers more effectively and move with greater speed and precision. Bates has emphasized these techniques during camp, and Stone’s increased mobility is a direct result of his focus on maintaining proper form.
Physical Conditioning and Mental Focus
In addition to the technical improvements, Stone’s physical conditioning has also been a focal point of his development. Coming into spring camp, the 290-pound lineman was in the best shape of his life. Oklahoma’s strength and conditioning staff have worked closely with Stone to help him build endurance, improve his explosiveness, and maintain his power throughout an entire game. The results have been impressive—Stone’s conditioning has allowed him to maintain a high level of performance across multiple series, which was an area where he struggled as a freshman.
The mental aspect of the game is also an area where Stone has taken a significant step forward. As a freshman, Stone relied heavily on his athleticism, but now he is learning how to be more deliberate with his movements and how to study opposing offenses. His football IQ has grown, and he is becoming more adept at recognizing offensive linemen’s tendencies and adjusting his technique to take advantage of weaknesses. This mental growth has enhanced his overall game, and it is clear that Stone is starting to embrace the full complexity of defensive line play.
Impact on the Oklahoma Defense in 2024
David Stone’s development during spring camp has had a ripple effect on the entire Oklahoma Sooners defense. With Stone looking more refined and explosive than ever, the Sooners now have a game-changing player who can create chaos on the defensive line. A more powerful, agile Stone means more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, more tackles for loss, and more forced turnovers—ultimately improving the team’s overall defensive performance.
The defensive line, which has often been a strength for Oklahoma, has the potential to be even more dominant in 2024 with Stone leading the charge. The Sooners have a strong defensive unit with talented players in other positions, but Stone’s improvements add a new level of ferocity to their front seven. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt offensive flow will be invaluable for head coach Brent Venables, who is known for his aggressive, attacking defense. With Stone anchoring the defensive line, Oklahoma’s pass rush will become even more dangerous, and the team’s run defense will be significantly stronger.
Stone’s growth also means that the Sooners have a potential leader in the making. As one of the most talented players on the roster, Stone will be expected to step up as a leader both on and off the field. His work ethic, combined with his technical growth, serves as an example for younger players, and he can now mentor up-and-coming defensive linemen to help ensure Oklahoma’s defensive line remains among the best in the conference.
Looking Ahead: 2024 Season Expectations
With Stone’s rapid development during spring camp, the expectations for him and the Sooners’ defensive line are high heading into the 2024 season. As Oklahoma faces challenging opponents like Texas, Baylor, and Kansas State, Stone will be tasked with wreaking havoc on the opposing offense. His ability to disrupt plays and collapse the pocket will be pivotal in these high-stakes matchups.
Oklahoma’s defense as a whole has a chance to be one of the strongest in the Big 12, and David Stone’s progression during spring camp has significantly raised the ceiling for the Sooners. If he continues to refine his game, stay healthy, and maintain his focus, he could very well emerge as one of the top defensive linemen in the entire country.