College Football: After winning a national title, Staehling rehabbing his return

FARGO, North Dakota — Nathaniel Staehling is a national champion.

Although, it probably isn’t how he envisioned it.

The former Brainerd Warrior and current North Dakota State University Bison middle linebacker celebrated on the field after NDSU’s 35-32 win over Montana State in the NCAA FCS Championship Game Jan. 6 in Frisco, Texas. It was the Bison’s 10th national title since 2010.

However, Staehling didn’t play during the Bison’s title run due to a shoulder injury he suffered against Illinois State Sept. 28 — the fifth game of the season.

Instead of being in shoulder pads, Staehling wore a NDSU polo on the sidelines throughout the FCS Playoffs.

“I looked a little bit like a coach more than a player,” he said.

Even so, Staehling still found joy in winning a national championship.

“Being injured is hard,” Staehling said. “You have to move on and move forward. I decided to dominate the role of rehab and dominate the role of being a teammate and doing what I could to help support my teammates. I gained a lot of new perspectives from being injured. Everyone has a role in this program and I love my teammates, so I was right there with them. I really wish I could have been out there with my teammates and playing alongside them.”

Staehling finished his third season with the Bison as a redshirt sophomore. He appeared in the first five games and recorded four tackles, one tackle for loss and one fumble recovery.

His best game was against Illinois State when he collected three tackles before leaving with an injury.

Staehling also shared the field with last season’s Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter when the Bison played at Colorado to open the season Aug. 29. NDSU lost to the Buffaloes 31-26.

“That was cool for sure,” Staehling said of playing Colorado. “But you know, it’s a faceless opponent and we’re there to play our brand of football and give it our best shot. It was a fun game.”

Staehling graduated from Brainerd High School in 2022. He started at quarterback his sophomore and junior years before switching to running back and safety his senior season.

As a senior, Staehling was named a 2021 All-Star along with All-District honors. He ran for 602 yards and 10 touchdowns on 118 carries. He recorded 62 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, two blocked kicks, three forced fumbles and three pass break-ups.

In December of his senior year, he signed his letter of intent to play football at NDSU.

“NDSU is a developmental program,” Staehling said. “These last few years have been about growing and developing myself. It’s a race to maturity for the lack of better words.”

Staehling needed to adjust to playing a new position when he arrived on campus. He did not play middle linebacker in high school. He leaned on his experience as quarterback to help his transition.

“You could say the middle linebacker is the quarterback of the defense,” Staehling said. “It’s my assignment to make sure I call the defense and get everyone lined up. I need to get the playcall to everyone. Being a quarterback helped my transition a little bit because I’ve done all that before. It’s still a much higher level and a faster pace.”

Staehling called his shoulder injury rehab ‘gruesome.’ His rehab has consisted of deliberate exercises, so he can make a full recovery.

“It’s not easy,” Staehling said. “You can’t rush a shoulder injury. We have an incredible training staff and my trainer Trisha (Shannon) has helped me through thick and thin with my shoulder. I’ve had a great support system around me.”

Staehling still has a relationship with Brainerd head coach Jason Freed. Staehling quarterbacked Freed’s first season as Warrior head coach in the shortened 2020 season.

“Coach Freed and I have stayed in touch a little bit over the last few years,” Staehling said. “Brainerd football was a big part of my life and I’d be remiss if I did not extend my gratitude toward that program, the coaches and my teammates.

“Friday night lights are different. High school football was a blast and I loved the experience. Those friendships and relationships will last forever. I look fondly back on Brainerd football.”

He enters next season with two years of eligibility left. He plans to stay at NDSU with his main focus being getting healthy. He is majoring in finance and wants to start his own business. He doesn’t see himself as a coach when his football career ends.

“I like to not worry about my future a whole lot,” Staehling said. “I like to focus on the present and do everything I can to make sure what I’m doing now is the best for the future.”

If the next two seasons go as planned, he hopes to have a shot at making an NFL roster.

“That was always a dream of mine as a kid,” he said. “So I’m going to do everything in my power to get there.”

CONRAD ENGSTROM may be reached at 218-855-5861 or conrad.engstrom@brainerddispatch.com. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/the_rad34.

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