Rocky Bright shares his thoughts on the Sooners hosting Josh Heupel and the Vols

As the Heupel Hype Train gets ready to roll into Norman, we sit down with one of the special members of the 2000 Sooners Championship team who faced Josh in practice day in and day out.

Darryl “Rocky” Bright has been a long-time leader both on and off the field. In addition to helping lead the Sooners to the title, he was also named First Team All-Academic Big 12 for three consecutive years.

Craig: What was it like facing Josh every day in practice as a defensive player?

Rocky: When I think back to that season and playing with Josh, I think about that red October when we had that gauntlet of games. It's similar to what the Sooners will be facing ahead in the SEC going forward. The biggest thing with Josh in practice was that he was such a competitor. It never felt like practice with him. He would come after it, full speed. He was in control but laid back in every situation. His demeanor was cool, but underneath he had a fire and was in total control. That helped the team, staying cool and calm in those close games.

Craig: You mentioned that October of 2000 string of games in which you defeated Texas, Kansas State and Nebraska. That series of wins really solidified your confidence that you could line up and beat anyone, didn't it?

Rocky: You're absolutely right. We started to believe. I just remember that the last time we had actually Nebraska, they had beaten us by 62 points in Lincoln. Then they come into Norman, ranked #1 in America and we fail behind 14-0. However, Josh was so cool and collected that we knew we'd come back and win that game. We learned how to finish games under Josh's leadership. We grew up in that month.

Craig: With Tennessee this Saturday Night, how would you go about slowing them down? In three games, they've put up 191 points.

Rocky: The results have been unreal. With any offense, you have to find a way to get them out of their rhythm. You have to find a way to disturb their pacing and natural pacing of doing things.

Craig: When you played, Coach Venables was one of your coordinators. Did you know even back then that he'd become an elite head coach?

Rocky: Yes! Let me tell you why. There are some people who like the game, but then there are people who love it. Coach Venables loves the game. There's nothing better when you have a coach like that. Keep in mind when I played for him, we were really close in age, so it was relatable on levels. He has a tenacity and an attitude and a belief that we can always win.

Craig: You've been around some great defensive players in your day. What's your assessment of Danny Stutsman?

Rocky: He's phenomenal. Danny was an athlete from day one, but you can tell he's been in the film room. He is everywhere where he is supposed to be. When you have a talent like that who doesn't opt for the NFL and elects to come back to the program for his teammates to pursue their goals and he's that motivated in the film room as much as he is on the field, that's the total package. He even gives a portion of his NIL money to the walk ons. He's the backbone of the team and that's why that unit is really a family.

Craig: Are going to see you Saturday Night cheering on the Sooners?

Rocky: Yes! I'm not sure you know this Craig, but I'm actually still enrolled at OU. I'm pursuing my PHD and I might graduate this fall, if not, next spring. I have my tickets, but I didn't use my student discount. (laughs)