In a somewhat surprising, slightly head-scratching move, Oklahoma has lost another defensive player to the professional ranks.
Oklahoma Wednesday night confirmed reports that surfaced earlier in the day that linebacker Tom Wort is leaving the Sooners and making himself available for the April draft. Wort has already graduated from OU.
“We wish Tom the very best as he concludes his time at the University of Oklahoma,” head coach Bob Stoops said in a brief statement. “Tom has earned his degree and has informed me that he plans to declare for the NFL Draft.”
Speculation was that Wort was looking to transfer from the Sooners and, when that didn’t work out, decided to head to the NFL.
Wort started 33 of the 37 games in which he played the past three seasons. He was third on the team this season with 5.5 tackles for loss.
Wort becomes the third Sooner to declare early, joining defensive back Tony Jefferson and wide receiver Kenny Stills.