Oklahoma Sooners defensive tackle David Stone is doing what he's always wanted to do, and it should be an annual event

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David Stone (0) runs drills during football practice for the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman, Okla., on Monday, Aug. 4, 2025. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Oklahoma Sooners have some really good players on their squad, on and off the field. In this instance, David Stone is proving that.

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Oklahoma Sooners defensive lineman David Stone is positioning himself as one of college football’s most dominant interior defenders heading into 2026.

The former five-star recruit, who many project as a first-round NFL Draft pick, recently returned to his hometown of Del City, Oklahoma, to host his first youth football camp. Stone’s decision to pour back into the community where he grew up says a lot about the player he’s becoming, both on and off the field.

“I want to be a huge positive for Del City, and I want to do as much as I can to pour into the kids,” Stone said.

Stone’s path from Del City to Norman

Stone was one of the most highly rated recruits in the country coming out of high school. He was a five-star-plus prospect with a 98.51 composite rating, the No. 1 player at his position, and the No. 3 player in Oklahoma across every major recruiting service. He played at Del City from 2020 to 2021 before transferring to IMG Academy to further develop his game.

His career at Oklahoma didn’t start the way many expected. As a true freshman, Stone didn’t see the field as much as anticipated. But as a sophomore last season, he emerged as a rotational piece and made the most of his opportunities. He finished with 42 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

Those sack numbers won’t blow anyone away, but context matters. Stone plays on the interior, where he faces constant double teams. When you watch the tape, it jumps out that this guy is the real deal.

That’s why so many evaluators believe he’s tracking toward the first round. When I did my mock draft, I had him as a top-10 pick. At 6-4 and what looks like 310 pounds of pure muscle, Stone has the frame and the skill set to be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines in 2026.

What the camp means for Del City

Stone mentioned that he wants to host this youth camp every single year. For kids from the Del City area, that consistency matters. Showing young players from that community that you can make it to a place like Oklahoma and compete at the highest level carries real weight.

Stone didn’t stay in-state for high school, and that’s a different conversation. But the fact that he’s choosing to invest in the community he originally comes from can only help Del City continue to develop football talent. If there’s anybody who should be pouring into the youth, it’s a guy like Stone, who understands what it means to come from that area and reach the stage he’s on now.

A different David Stone in 2026

Stone seems to be a player who has genuinely turned his attitude and demeanor around since last year. The flashes he showed as a sophomore were undeniable. He played the run well, the pass well, and made it clear that a breakout was coming.

Now, with a full offseason of development and the maturity that comes with giving back to his community, Stone is set up for a monster junior season. The Oklahoma Sooners will need him to be exactly that. And if the early signs are any indication, Stone is ready to deliver.

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