Interview: 4-Star 2022 Maryland DE Dani Dennis-Sutton Updates Workouts and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A championship game run for McDonogh High School during the 2019 season helped put the spotlight on defensive end/tackle Dani Dennis-Sutton. The 6-6, 250-pound, defender moved to the interior of the Eagles’ front last season aiding in limiting opposing Maryland offenses to 12 points per game on average. Dennis-Sutton got after it with a lower-end stat estimation of 29 stops, 10 tackles for a loss, two sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. His hard work has brought four-star recruiting status and 27 Division-I scholarship offers his way thus far. The accolades have served as greater motivation for Dennis-Sutton taking to the offseason as a man on a mission.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Dennis-Sutton updates us on his spring workouts with insight on his recruiting process.
*Click link for 2019 RNG regular season interview with Dani Dennis-Sutton
Interview
Dani, looking back on the 2019 season, how do you feel it went for you personally?
“We didn’t end the season the way we wanted, we won every game except for the last one, the championship game. We ended strong, went 11-1, and were undefeated in the regular season. I think my best games were towards the end. I was a little rough at the beginning, but I grew and got better as the season went on.”
When the Eagles closed the year at 11-1, what did you feel were the strengths to your game as an end?
“I played a lot of defensive tackle last year, playing inside got me better overall as a lineman. I had always played outside with more space, but on the inside going against double-teams I was learning better hand-placement and staying low. All of that helped me get better so when I go to college I will have that experience.”
Right on cue, correct me if I am wrong, but from watching game footage on you, the Eagles coaches had you moving around from a 3- to 5-technique. With those different experiences going from taking on tackles and guards, how did that help improve your overall game as a pass rusher?
“It was about keeping it tight. At end, you can go wide, you have the whole side of the field to work with. At defensive tackle, you have to work between center and the guard keeping everything tight – your hips and hands – everything. That will help this year going back to the end. Now I can get to the QB quicker.”
Where all will we see you on the field in 2020?
“I have talked to my coaches about this recently; you will see more of me at the end than tackle last year. Last season we had Curtis Jacobs, who went to Penn State, and Dominic Solis, they were at end so they put me at tackle; that is what was working last year. Mostly likely I will be at end this year, but they may put me on inside some.”
Since the season ended what have you been working on with your technique?
“Staying low, that was a big thing for me last year me being as tall as I am going against shorter guys, staying low with base and power beneath me and my hands. When I look at the players at the next level, their hands are as quick as can be. Those are the two main things, other than getting stronger and faster.”
Are you working on any new moves?
“Not new moves but I am working on the same ones I used last season but trying to perfect them. Wait… the spin move, I did not use that much last year as a defensive tackle, hopefully I will use it more this season.”
Over the last few months what has been your lifting routine?
“During the quarantine I have been working out every day in the mornings doing body weight exercises and then I go outside doing speed drills. Over the last two weeks, my gym opened. I have been going Monday through Saturday to lift to catch back up. I did not lose much, but I have been going back in there hitting it hard.”
Did you get a chance to max out before the quarantine or over the last couple of weeks?
“No, and I don’t do one-rep maxes, I do two to three rep maxes. Today I did 305 for three reps on bench. I have not maxed deadlifted lately but I am lifting 405 for about six reps on deadlift and my squat is around 395 on eight reps. I don’t max out that much on squat and deadlifts.”
Let’s talk recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
“Twenty-seven.”
Nice. Which programs were the last few to offer?
“Virginia, Tennessee, Toledo, Auburn, Texas A&M, Michigan State, and Alabama have all offered during the quarantine.”
Dennis-Sutton’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arizona State, Arkansas, Auburn, Boston College, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Toledo, Virginia, Virginia Tech, and West Virginia
Which schools are showing interest?
“I haven’t talked to too many other programs. My coach has heard from Ohio State, but no others really.”
From the start of the year until they shut down the campuses, did you get to take any visits?
“No, but I had some scheduled. I planned to go to Penn State, Notre Dame, and Ohio State on a four-day road trip over spring break, but that was cancelled.”
When the opportunity opens up, are you planning any trips to visit some programs?
“I have none scheduled right now, but I have a few games I’d like to go to; Penn State verses Maryland and Penn State’s White Out Game against Ohio State. Other than that, I am not sure where I may go right now. Hopefully I can get to a few more schools.”
When do you guys get back on the field to prepare for the upcoming schedule?
“As of right now, we do not know. Our mayor just approved it, but we don’t know when we can start. Assuming we can get going in July, but we do not know yet.”
With the break in the normal every day action, what has the time off done for your view on the game?
“I watched every game of ours three or four times, watching myself and everyone else. While watching film, I am critiquing myself, which foot I step with first, my stance – low or high I come off. I am focused on the little things and on getting stronger and faster every day. After the quarantine, I have come out of this stronger than when I went in and smarter. I definitely have come to a sense of appreciating the game more now that it has been taken away, I know what that feels like now. We can’t go back on the field or the weight room, I can’t imagine a whole life like this, or even a year. There is a greater appreciation of the game now.”
Dani, always great spending time with you and getting updates on your progres.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Twitter; Dani Dennis-Sutton