Oklahoma Lands Top D-II Transfer LB Konnor Near
Brent Venables and Oklahoma continue to bolster their roster after a disappointing 6-7 season in 2022. The Sooners’ main issue last season was a lack of defense, a unit that surrendered 30.0 points per game and couldn’t get off the field when it needed to.
With an impressive haul in both the 2023 recruiting and transfer portal class though, Oklahoma hopes to turn things around quickly. On Thursday night, Venables reeled in what might be OU’s final defensive transfer of the cycle in graduate transfer linebacker Konnor Near.
Near, a two-time D-II All-American at Ferris State, is listed at 6-2, 235 pounds and is fresh off of helping the Bulldogs win back-to-back national championships.
In 2022, Near totaled 66 tackles (34 solo), three sacks, and a fumble recovery, earning him a first-team All-American selection.
With Near on board, the Sooners’ depth at linebacker is improved tremendously, especially when you look at experience. Oklahoma’s last two recruiting classes have ensured that there is no lack of talent in the room, but nobody outside of Danny Stutsman has started a game at inside linebacker.
Near will compete with Kobie McKenzie, Kip Lewis, and Shane Whitter for snaps, while also potentially pushing starter Jaren Kanak for opportunities as well.
Near brings valuable experience, leadership, and physicality to a linebacker room that is looking to flip the script in 2023. The unit already looked much improved in the Sooners’ spring game, but now, as we press into summer, it’s time for Brent Venables and OU to prove it when it really counts.
