The Oklahoma football program fell to the Arizona Wildcats 38-24 in the Alamo Bowl last week, closing the door on their 2023 season. The conclusion of their most recent season also closes the door on the college career of wide receiver Drake Stoops, the son of longtime Sooners head coach Bob Stoops. The elder Stoops coached in Norman from 1999 to 2021, winning the National Championship in 2000. Meanwhile, Drake, a former three-star Norman North High School prospect, joined the Sooners in 2018. With the conclusion of Drake’s six-year career at Oklahoma, Bob joined The Rush on Tuesday and spoke about his son’s career donning the crimson and cream.
Bob Stoops: Talks Drake’s Time with Oklahoma Football
“It’s been rewarding. You want to see your son’s hard work pay off and be rewarded and recognized. We are, of course, proud of him and proud of what he stood for. The leadership, being vocal with his leadership, and leaving a mark that way,” said Bob about his son’s time in Norman playing for the team he once led for over two decades. The younger Stoops joined Oklahoma as a preferred walk-on in 2018, opting to play for the Sooners despite owning scholarships from the Air Force, Iowa, Memphis, and Ohio, among others.
Bob Stoops continued, saying, “Being a great teammate. I see his teammates interact with him. That, to me, is probably more pleasing than anything. It’s been fun.”
Drake Stoops earned high marks during his career for his leadership on and off the field. Oklahoma football fans lauded Stoops for his energy on the football field and how he held him and his teammates accountable off the field.
“His coaches did a great job of giving him opportunities and targets. Jackson (Arnold) did the other night, and Dillon (Gabriel) was ahead of that. It’s been really fun to watch him all year.”
Drake Stoops finishes his six-year career with the Oklahoma football program with 164 catches, 1,876 yards, and 17 touchdowns. He caught a career-best 84 receptions for 962 yards and ten scores this season.
Drake Stoops: NFL Prospects
Per the NFL Mock Draft Database, Drake Stoops projects as an undrafted free agent. The five-foot-ten wideout will enter this year’s draft class as one of the smaller yet older receivers. However, being undrafted is not a death sentence for receivers entering the NFL. Former New England Patriots standout Wes Welker, current Carolina Panthers leading pass-catcher Adam Thielen, and College Football Hall of Famer Rod Smith dominated in the NFL despite not hearing their names called during the draft.
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