Austin Stogner brings ‘urgency’ to OU football’s return from a hiatus at South Carolina.
NORMAN — Few names on the Oklahoma football team carry the same weight as Jerry Schmidt.
Former and current players both have horror stories about their workouts with the Sooners’ strength and conditioning coach, whose routines are meant to put physical limitations to the test.
Senior tight end Austin Stogner’s spirit can’t be shaken even in the midst of a “Schmitty” special.
“You go out there, and he’s got a smile on his face,” OU tight ends coach Joe Jon Finley said on Aug. 1. “He’s bringing everybody along and dragging everyone along with him.”
This season, Stogner is playing with a newfound appreciation.
Stogner, a four-star freshman when he arrived at OU in 2019, transferred to South Carolina at the end of his junior year in 2021. He played one season for the Gamecocks, catching 20 passes for 210 yards and one touchdown.
Stogner then used his final year of eligibility this offseason, deciding to spend it at OU.
“I just missed the whole culture of this place and how great it is,” Stogner explained on March 27. “People think of Oklahoma and what it stands for, and I just wanted to get back and represent this university.”
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Of course, OU has to be willing to accept Stogner’s return.
The former Sooner had to get the OK from people like head coach Brent Venables and Finley. When he did, he finished the process by transferring back to OU on December 8.
“More than anything, I think he just appreciates being here and being back home,” Finley went on to say. “He’s excited to hopefully put on a show for the Sooner fans.”
Stogner’s constant enthusiasm isn’t limited to his workouts with Schmidt.
The veteran tight end is equally eager to catch up in the film room, where he’s tasked with learning offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby’s system.
It’s an up-tempo offense that comes with a new playbook and new terminology, but Stogner has soaked it up.
“There’s an urgency because he knows he only has one year,” Finley went on to say. “When we watch tape, he’s already seen every single clip before we watch it together….” It’s a lot of joy to coach if you have that as a leader, the best guy in your room setting an example like that.”
Stogner’s leadership is crucial for an OU tight ends room that lacks college experience.
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The Sooners’ second-best option is Texas A&M transfer Blake Smith. Despite being a redshirt junior, he has only appeared in seven games throughout his career due to numerous injuries.
OU also has a pair of second-year tight ends in Kaden Helms and Jason Llewellyn. Helms made one catch for four yards last season, while Llewellyn didn’t make any catches.
Then there’s Josh Fanuiel and Hampton Fay, who are both walk-ons. Fanuiel played Division II basketball at Cameron last season, while Fay transferred from Michigan State after not playing in his first two seasons.
Finley has prioritized developing depth at tight end during fall camp.
However, as long as Stogner performs, the group will be in fine shape. In his first three seasons with the Sooners, the go-to tight end had 47 catches for 654 yards and eight touchdowns, and he’ll be relied on more than ever this season.
“He’s a playmaker,” stated Finley. “On the biggest stage, he’s made some of the biggest plays.” I’m very excited for Stog and happy for him.”
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