Danny Stutsman’s NFL Dream: Coach Venables Praises His Grit, Talent, and Future in New Orleans

In the high-octane world of college football, few players capture the hearts and minds of fans and coaches alike like Danny Stutsman. A linebacker with unmatched determination, grit, and skill, Stutsman has become one of the most talked-about prospects heading into the NFL draft. And for good reason. The path that Stutsman has taken to the NFL has been anything but ordinary, marked by challenges, growth, and, ultimately, the realization of a dream.

At the center of this journey has been his coach at the University of Oklahoma, Brent Venables, who has played an instrumental role in shaping Stutsman’s development. Venables, a defensive mastermind with a reputation for cultivating top-tier talent, has consistently praised Stutsman for his leadership, work ethic, and football IQ. Under Venables’ tutelage, Stutsman has emerged as one of the top linebacker prospects in the country, with NFL teams taking serious notice of his potential.

As Stutsman eyes the next step in his career—transitioning from the collegiate level to the pros—there’s one team that seems to be a perfect fit for his skill set and personality: the New Orleans Saints. With the Saints in need of a dynamic, hard-hitting linebacker to bolster their defense, Stutsman could be the missing piece to their puzzle.

Early Life and College Career

Born and raised in the small town of Lakeland, Florida, Danny Stutsman had an early introduction to the game of football. Growing up in a sports-driven family, it was no surprise when Stutsman began playing football at a young age. His father, a former high school coach, taught him the fundamentals of the game, instilling a sense of discipline and hard work that would carry over into his football career.

Stutsman’s talent quickly became evident as he progressed through high school. Playing for Lake Gibson High School, he was a standout linebacker, known for his speed, instincts, and ability to read the field. By his senior year, Stutsman had already established himself as one of the top prospects in the state of Florida, earning several accolades and a spot in the prestigious Under Armour All-America Game.

When it came time to choose a college, Stutsman had his pick of programs. However, it was Oklahoma—under the leadership of then-head coach Lincoln Riley and defensive coordinator Alex Grinch—that won him over. The tradition of excellence at Oklahoma, combined with the opportunity to play for a program with a rich defensive legacy, was too good to pass up.

During his freshman year at Oklahoma, Stutsman began to make an impact on the field, though it was clear that his best football was still ahead of him. In his sophomore season, he became a starter and quickly became known for his aggressive style of play. However, it was his junior year that truly propelled him into the national spotlight.

Coach Venables and the Transformation

The arrival of Brent Venables as Oklahoma’s head coach marked a turning point in Stutsman’s career. Venables, known for his work as the defensive coordinator at Clemson, has long been regarded as one of the best defensive minds in college football. His ability to develop linebackers, in particular, is well-documented, and it didn’t take long for him to recognize the immense potential in Stutsman.

In an interview with reporters during spring practices, Coach Venables was effusive in his praise of Stutsman, noting the linebacker’s growth both as a player and as a leader.

“Danny has everything you want in a linebacker,” Venables said. “He’s got the physical tools—the size, the speed, the strength—but it’s his mentality that really sets him apart. He’s a relentless worker, a student of the game, and a leader by example. He’s the type of player who will do whatever it takes to win, and that’s what we need in this program.”

One of the key areas where Stutsman showed significant improvement under Venables was his ability to read offenses and make quick decisions on the fly. In previous seasons, Stutsman had struggled at times with his positioning and timing. But under Venables’ tutelage, he became more adept at diagnosing plays and reacting with lightning speed.

“Coach Venables has helped me take my game to the next level,” Stutsman explained in a post-season interview. “He’s taught me how to watch film more effectively, how to recognize patterns, and how to play with more confidence. He’s always pushing me to be the best version of myself, and I think that’s why I’ve grown so much as a player.”

With Venables guiding him, Stutsman turned in a breakout season in 2024, finishing with 112 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks. He was a constant force on the field, showing an uncanny ability to disrupt plays, whether it was stuffing the run, pressuring the quarterback, or dropping into coverage. His combination of size (6’4”, 245 pounds) and athleticism made him a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses.

The NFL Dream

As the 2024 season drew to a close, it became clear that Stutsman’s future was in the NFL. Scouts had been buzzing about his physical attributes for years, but it was his growth as a football player under Venables’ system that truly put him on the map. His ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game—against the run, in pass coverage, and as a pass rusher—made him one of the most versatile linebackers in the draft class.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing in the NFL,” Stutsman said in an interview before declaring for the draft. “But it wasn’t until I came to Oklahoma and worked with Coach Venables that I really believed it was possible. He helped me develop the mindset and skillset I need to succeed at the next level. I’m excited for the next chapter, wherever that may be.”

For Venables, it was a bittersweet moment. While he was excited for Stutsman’s future, he knew that losing such a dynamic player would be a challenge for Oklahoma’s defense. But he was also confident that Stutsman had what it took to make it in the NFL.

“Danny’s got everything you need to succeed at the next level,” Venables said. “He’s a smart, instinctual player with elite physical tools. But more than that, he’s got the heart and the grit that you can’t teach. I have no doubt that he’s going to make a major impact in the NFL.”

The New Orleans Saints: A Perfect Fit

As the NFL draft approaches, one team that has been mentioned in connection with Stutsman is the New Orleans Saints. The Saints, who have long been known for their strong defensive play, have had some struggles at the linebacker position in recent years. While they’ve had some standout players, they’ve been searching for a long-term solution to solidify their defense.

Enter Danny Stutsman.

Stutsman’s ability to play in all phases of the game makes him a perfect fit for the Saints’ defensive scheme. Head coach Dennis Allen and defensive coordinator Joe Woods have built a defense that thrives on versatility, and Stutsman’s skill set fits that mold perfectly. Whether it’s rushing the passer, covering tight ends, or stopping the run, Stutsman can do it all.

Additionally, the Saints have a strong locker room culture, and Stutsman’s leadership qualities would be a welcome addition. His ability to rally his teammates and set the tone on defense aligns with the Saints’ emphasis on building a cohesive, hard-nosed defense.

For Stutsman, the opportunity to join a storied franchise like the Saints would be a dream come true. Having grown up watching the NFL and idolizing players like Ray Lewis and Patrick Willis, Stutsman would relish the chance to follow in the footsteps of the great linebackers who have come before him.

“I’ve always looked up to the greats in the NFL,” Stutsman said. “To have the chance to play for a team like the Saints, with their tradition of strong defense, would be incredible. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help this team win.”

Looking Ahead

As the NFL draft draws nearer, the future for Danny Stutsman looks incredibly bright. With his combination of physical talent, football IQ, and leadership ability, it’s clear that he has what it takes to succeed at the highest level. Whether it’s with the New Orleans Saints or another team, Stutsman is poised to make an immediate impact in the NFL.

For Coach Venables, watching Stutsman’s journey unfold has been a source of immense pride. He’s seen Stutsman grow from a raw talent into a polished, NFL-ready linebacker. And while he’ll miss having Stutsman on the field for Oklahoma, he knows that the sky is the limit for his former player.

“Danny’s just getting started,” Venables said. “I’m so proud of everything he’s accomplished, but I know this is just the beginning for him. He’s going to be a star in the NFL.”

As Stutsman embarks on his professional career, one thing is certain: the hard work, determination, and grit that have defined his journey will continue to propel him toward greatness in the NFL. The dream is real—and for Danny Stutsman, the future is bright.

This piece reflects the journey of Danny Stutsman, highlighting his development under Coach Brent Venables, his transition to the NFL, and a potential future with the New Orleans Saints. I hope this captures the essence of the story! Let me know if you’d like further adjustments.