Norman North's Isaac Stoops: Driven Athlete of the Month sponsored by Landers Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Norman

With no hesitation, Isaac Stoops gave up playing wide receiver a little more than two years ago – a position he had played his entire life – to the defensive backfield as a starting cornerback. And during the next two years, Stoops jokingly told Norman North football coach Brent Barnes that he was always ready to switch back.

The natural flow of the roster opened up a spot on offense for Stoops this season, his last with the Timberwolves, and Barnes went from needing to get Stoops on the field in some capacity two years ago to adding him to one of the more potent offenses in the state.

“Not very many people handle that as well as he did,” Barnes said of Stoops’ move to defense. “It really shows the character that he has and hat a great kid he is and a great teammate. He puts the team first. That goes a long ways.”

Through seven games, Stoops has 33 receptions, eight touchdowns catches and leads the Timberwolves with 682 yards. He and his twin brother, Drake, have combined for 72 catches, 1,351 yards, and 19 touchdowns so far this season.

Norman North is averaging almost 300 passing yards and more than 45 points per game.

“He’s just one of those guys that comes to work every day,” Barnes said. “He works extremely hard. … I truly believe he’s just one of the best teammates we have. I think he truly cares about the guys on the team. He cares for their success.”

Stoops is having his own success since making the switch. He has received offers from Army, OBU, UCO and Emporia State to play receiver, but he and his brother still haven’t received any matching scholarships, which isn’t a deal breaker for either.

Having spent time on defense has turned Stoops into a better receiver as well.

“I can look into the mind of a corner and know what I’d do,” said Stoops, who is also a member of the National Honor Society and grew up playing the piano. “… I had to learn the position down to the smallest details to play it at a high level. It developed my football IQ and my eyes. That’s just transitioned with me over to receiver.”

Norman North made the state title game last year, and Stoops, although not the most vocal of leader, is hoping he can help get the Timberwolves back to the championship game as team captain.

“We just have to keep bringing everybody along with us,” Stoops said “We have to get better every week, every practice, every day. … We have to keep making plays and getting everyone to come along with us on this journey.”

From Barnes’ perspective, Stoops is an easy person for his team to follow.

“You want guys like that who are hungry to learn and listen and then are also some of your hardest workers,” Barnes said. “When your best players are your hardest workers, you have a chance to be a really good team.”