The Allstate Sugar Bowl is shining a light on New Orleans-area athletes who are excelling at the collegiate level through its New Orleans Athlete Spotlight, presented by LCMC Health. All fall long, the series highlights local standouts who are making their mark on college campuses nationwide.

At Northwestern State University, St. Paul's School graduate Danny Sears has emerged as a defensive leader for the Demons, combining on-field production with academic excellence. A second-year team captain in 2026, Sears continues to make an impact on the Northwestern State defense.

Sears is second on the team in tackles after seven games, including recording a season-high nine tackles against Weber State on Sept. 19 and has recorded at least six tackles in every game this season.
Sears enjoyed a productive 2025 campaign, starting every game and finishing fourth on the team with 51 tackles, including one tackle for loss. He recorded at least two tackles in every game and totaled five or more tackles five times.

A graduate of St. Paul's School, Sears established the school's career tackles record during his high school career. As a senior, he recorded 139 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six quarterback hurries and three fumble recoveries. He also scored three touchdowns as a running back and earned first-team all-district, all-parish and all-state honors as a linebacker. His accomplishments included being named St. Tammany Parish Defensive Player of the Year and earning Defensive MVP honors at the North Shore All-Star Game.

Sears has also distinguished himself academically. He earned a spot on the 2025 Southland Conference All-Academic Team and the 2025-26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team. He has also been named to the Southland Conference Commissioner's Honor Roll in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.