Full story en route, but I spoke to a program source yesterday regarding new transfer LB pledge Konnor Near, who will have two years of eligibility when he arrives in Norman. Said source was highly complimentary of Near’s game and believes the former Ferris State standout can be a plug-and-play contributor at OU.
That source also expressed to me that Oklahoma needs an experienced linebacker more than most realize, and that Near is ideally suited to fill the role. As the source put it, “They need another [LB] bad. What happens if Stutsman gets injured? There’s nobody else on the roster that’s ever started a game at inside linebacker.”
In sum, the Sooners have quite a few capable athletes at linebacker, but experience is one thing they conspicuously lack. That’s why Brent Venables saw fit to make this addition. Near will help stabilize the room and mentor the younger members of the corps.
That source also expressed to me that Oklahoma needs an experienced linebacker more than most realize, and that Near is ideally suited to fill the role. As the source put it, “They need another [LB] bad. What happens if Stutsman gets injured? There’s nobody else on the roster that’s ever started a game at inside linebacker.”
In sum, the Sooners have quite a few capable athletes at linebacker, but experience is one thing they conspicuously lack. That’s why Brent Venables saw fit to make this addition. Near will help stabilize the room and mentor the younger members of the corps.
