This week on The Preferred Walk-On Show, host Seth Saunders sits down with Craig Stutzmann, Offensive Coordinator at San Jose State, for an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation about football, culture, and life.
From his playing days at the University of Hawaii to building one of college football’s most creative offenses — the ‘Spread N' Shred’ — Coach Stutzmann’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the enduring power of connection.
Inside the episode:
🌺 The Aloha Spirit in Coaching — how Hawaii’s values of respect, humility, and community shape his leadership
🏈 The Journey — from Hawaii to Emory & Henry and beyond, with lessons learned along the way
⚡ The ‘Spread N' Shred’ Offense — a perfect marriage of offensive concepts built on tempo, creativity, and trust
🧠 Mentors & Influences — the coaches and experiences that molded his philosophy
💬 Communication & Integrity — why positivity and resilience are central to his program
💭 Advice to His Younger Self — pursuing passion, embracing growth, and living with no regrets
🎧 It’s part storytelling, part masterclass — a reminder that great football starts with great people.
👇 Chapters & resources below 👇
⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Coach Craig Stutzmann
02:06 The Aloha Spirit and Its Influence
04:04 Journey to Emory & Henry: the North Shore in the Appalachian Mountains
10:15 Full Circle: Coaching Connections
14:02 Developing the Spread N' Shred Offense
19:50 Coaching Influences and Lessons Learned
23:17 Advice to My Younger Self
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👉 What’s your favorite coaching philosophy or life lesson from this episode?
#CollegeFootball #CraigStutzmann #SanJoseStateFootball #SpreadNShred #HawaiiFootball #AlohaSpirit #OffensiveCoordinator #CoachingPhilosophy #Leadership #PreferredWalkOn
