Drake Stoops was announced as one of three finalists Tuesday for the Burlsworth Trophy, awarded to the most outstanding player who began their career as a walk-on.
“Anybody else have the chills,” Venables said after learning of the nomination during his press conference. “It’s okay to admit that, right? That’s cool. That’s really cool. Congratulations, Drake.”
The announcement came moments after Venables praised the redshirt senior wide receiver for his impressive career with the Sooners, one he said wasn’t bad for a “coach’s kid,” mocking the stigma surrounding him being former legendary OU head coach Bob Stoops’ son.
Venables even told Stoops he’ll have “a line of people from here to Padre Island” waiting to hire him once his career is over because of the traits he’s brought to OU.
“He's had to overcome a lot, (number) one — being a coach's kid,” Venables said. “But he never was bitter about the things that he's had to overcome. He's allowed his name and his opportunity to be a blessing as opposed to blocking his own blessing. … He's like, ‘I can have an opportunity to do this, I'm gonna show you.’ And when it’s time to compete, he loves to compete. And he doesn't care who it's against. But he's a great, great teammate.
“Oklahoma has been a benefactor of having Drake Stoops in that locker room. Drake would be the first one to tell you that this place has been amazing to him. But I look at it the other way. Oklahoma is lucky to have a guy like Drake Stoops be a part of this program.”
Along with the praise he’s had for Stoops, Venables’ opening statement included recognition for redshirt senior quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
In addition to being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season, Gabriel was honored as the Davey O’Brien Co-National Quarterback of the Week on Tuesday after his school-record eight total touchdowns against West Virginia.
Gabriel’s 423 passing yards also catapulted him into the NCAA career passing yards top 10.
“Dillon has done outstanding all year,” Venables said. “ ... I don't send out a whole lot of great jobs and fist bumps and man hugs. I usually look at the flaws and the areas that we’re weak and where we need to be better. Certainly, that's who I am, but I would like to recognize Dillon becoming a top 10 player in FBS history in several categories. That's a big deal.
“...This is a place that's represented a lot of offensive superlatives, justifiably so, in college football history. There've been a bunch of good ones, to say the least. And Dillon ranks right there alongside those guys.”
In addition to Stoops and Gabriel, offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby was named one of 57 nominees for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach.
Former Sooners assistants Mark Mangino, Kevin Wilson and Lincoln Riley received the honor during their time in Norman. Venables won the award in 2016 with Clemson.
“Dillon will be the first one to tell you that it takes everybody. An offense, and a defense getting them the ball back and a play caller that, every once in a while, puts them in a good position,” Venables said as a jab toward the media, given recent scrutiny toward Lebby. “And then every once in a while overcoming some of the offensive play calling. Just tongue in cheek there. There ain’t no throwing nobody under the bus or anything else. Just trying to have some fun along with recognizing some excellence that … a couple of our players have done.”
The Sooners (8-2, 5-2 Big 12) face BYU (5-5, 2-5) at 11 a.m. CT Saturday in Provo on ESPN.
