If you're too nervous to get close to him, you can get close to your crush's close friend(s) first. That way, it won't be too suspicious if you linger around him. And with mutual friend(s) you two might get close naturally. It takes some times, but well.. Anything need process

Haha, just ve yourself! A stuttering mess or not.
Just start talking to him and in no time you'll be friends... (Unless he is a total jerk... But from what you described he seems to be a down to earth guy!)

First tip: Don't freak out. He's just another person~ Start out friendly!

Be chill mate. Like introduce yourself, and just try to be friends. Otherwise get a wing gal to help you. :)