Interview: 5-Star 2022 DE Dani Dennis-Sutton Talks Maryland Visit and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Easy to guess that if an anonymous poll was taken of high school head coaches, offensive coordinators, offensive linemen, and quarterbacks in Maryland, there would be a 100 percent consensus that those surveyed are all ready for defensive lineman Dani Dennis-Sutton to matriculate to the collegiate level. The bad news for the aforementioned, Mr. Dennis-Sutton is just a sophomore and has two years left of terrorizing the competition.
Watching game tape on Dennis-Sutton, it just seems unfair. The 6-6, 250-pound, standout is too fast and too strong for most offensive lineman. If he is going up against someone bigger, the lineman might as well be a statue because his get off is so fast. If he is going up against someone smaller and quicker, his strength overwhelms. On the off chance that a double-team has kept him from breaking the pocket, his crafty way of shadowing the quarterback at the line of scrimmage leads to batted down passes.
Against the run or the pass, the 15-year-old McDonogh rising star gets after it, and has since starting every game for the Eagles as a freshman. In partial stats from the 2019 season, he has already tallied 16 stops, 10 solo, with eight tackles for a loss, and two sacks. The work has helped turn a 3-6 Eagles team a year ago into a 5-0 squad in 2019 with an in-state No. 7 ranking (MaxPreps). While Dennis-Sutton can be seen at nose guard, tackle, and end, 11 college football programs so far see the five-star recruit as being a do-all end at the next level.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with Dennis-Sutton covering his growing talents on the field with a quick update on his recruiting opportunities.
Interview
Dani, the Eagles have been killing it on defense this season holding the opposition to 10 points per game on average. What is clicking so well for you guys on that side of the ball?
“Our defensive line has played really well. Me and Kwan Williams, he is a five-star defensive tackle, we have been killing it. Our linebackers have been amazing and our defensive backs are amazing. They are holding down receivers giving us more time to get into the backfield to make plays. We are all connecting this season.”
The team just took care of Green Street Academy winning 54-6. Overall, how is the team looking at the halfway point of the season?
“We are looking great. I don’t think we will lose a game this year. I’m not to being cocky, we are looking good. We are way better now than we have been over the last few years. Our chemistry is great. Everyone has been working hard. All players are contributing and working. We are looking really good against all the schools we have played. We are handling our business.”
What are you doing well on the field leading to the great start?
“I’m trying to play as aggressive as possible. I’m in the weight room every day in-season to maintain my strength from the offseason. I am staying hungry. I am not satisfied with the offers I have received; I will continue to work hard. I have to take care of business in highs school now and I will worry about the other stuff later. I am staying in the now focusing on winning. All the other stuff will come later.”
You got time in on the field as a freshman. How did that experience help you over the offseason in your preparation and subsequently into your sophomore season?
“Last year, I did not lift as much as I should have. Against Malvern Prep last year, it was bad. I was 13 or 14-years-old going against 17 and 18-year-olds. They were handling me. I took that to heart. My mentality is that will never happen again. I was not fully committed last season. After seeing what lifting does, I will stay on it. Last year opened my eyes. In middle school if you stand out you get comfortable. In high school you realize you are not the biggest or the fastest. I will keep working this year.”
How are you seeing your game improve this season over a year ago?
“My strength and my speed have improved. Over the offseason I did a lot of training. My technique is improving. I am able to read what the quarterback is doing. At end, you have to read and react. You have to read the draws, the RPOs, and the bubble passes. If I can read that, I can jump up it or I can knock it down – or I can get the interception. My technique is much better this year and I am better with my reads.”
Which areas of your game might get overlooked?
“Maybe my speed. Some might not be able to tell I am fast looking at me against a run block going into the offensive tackle. On my pass rush, you can see my speed. One thing that might get overlooked is my leadership. I always motivate my team. I have a lot of energy and I love anything dealing with football. In games, I am telling my teammates to play tough and punch them in the mouth. I am the hype man on our team.
“Another thing that might get overlooked is that I watch a lot of film. This helps me in games reading the formations. I let the other defensive linemen and linebackers know what is coming. Sometimes that forces them to audible out of it or to call a timeout. Most do not see that part of my game.”
You mentioned being in the weight room, what are some of your maxes?
“Funny enough, the other day I maxed out on bench at 315. I’m not sure what my squat max is. I rep out with 315 on squat.”
You guys get Calvert Hall (4-1) on Friday, what are you expecting from the No. 9 ranked team in-state?
“We have been studying them. I think we will be okay. Their running back, he is supposed to be really good. We’ll see when our defensive line comes out and our linebackers… we’ll see. I’m not trying to throw shots, but we are ready.”
Turning to recruiting. How many offers are you holding?
“I have 11 offers.”
Dennis-Sutton Offer Sheet: Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Massachusetts, and Rutgers
Which schools are showing interest?
“I have talked to USC, Alabama, and North Carolina.”
Have you made it out to any schools yet?
“Yes. Last week, after the game, I went to Maryland for their game against Pitt. I also visited Maryland over the summer.”
How have the two visits to Maryland gone overall?
“I had a good time. They showed me around, showed me the facilities. One of the members of their recruiting staff took me into the office to talk to me.”
Going forward, do you have any planned visits?
“I plan on going to Penn State for the White Out Game (Oct. 19 vs. Michigan).”
Dani, I had a lot of fun covering ground on your game today. Thanks for your time and good luck on Friday.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Dennis-Sutton family; Dani Dennis-Sutton
What a great interview and a view of a young man with loads of potential. He has a plan and the sense to be in the here and now. I wish him all the best!
Agreed! Thanks for reading and commenting. – RNG
Dani is such a wonderful young man. I was lucky enough to be his middle school principal and it makes my heart happy to see him happy and successful!
Thanks for reading and commenting! – RNG
I’m Dani’s father, my son has been on the field since the age of five years old. He’s always been bigger,stronger then kids his on age. Do to that he’s always had to play against kids older than himself . So all of that made him a better player. We’re always trying to improve his knowledge of the game and his Strength. We know the sky is the limit for Dani. As long as he stays humble and keep God 1st!!!
Thanks for reading and commenting. We look forward to following Dani’s growth on the field! – RNG