The Football Brainiacs

Player Profile

Position: Defensive Lineman

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 253

Class: Freshman

Seasons at OU: 0

Hometown: Tulsa, Okla.

Previous School: NOAH Homeschool

The Path to Norman

Danny Okoye was an in-state recruit out Tulsa who the Sooners had as a priority. Okoye, a highly-sought Edge prospect, received an OU offer relatively early in his recruitment. However, it was a long time until he came to campus for a visit. After becoming more familiar with Coach Venables, Okoye made a few visits to campus in the spring and summer of 2023, followed by an official visit for the 2023 season opener. His top six included Alabama, LSU, Colorado, Texas, and Tennessee, with the latter two and the Sooners making up a final three. Not long after the official visit, he committed to the Sooners. The 2024 defensive line class of David Stone, Jayden Jackson, Nigel Smith, Wyatt Gilmore, and Okoye was one of OU’s most impressive DL groups in years.

Highlights

This Season

Okoye was an early enrollee and received rave reviews. He was called the “most natural pass rusher on the team” this spring and his work ethic and comfort with the college game are already standing out. Okoye is one of several true freshmen defenders with the chance to contribute right away this fall. While the end / Edge spot is backed up with guys like Ethan Downs, Caiden Woullard, R Mason Thomas, and more, Okoye has the tools and the buzz to make a name in year one.