Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Pat Wertz, DE, Eastern Illinois

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Pat Wertz, DE, Eastern Illinois 

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

I was recruited mainly by the Big Ten and Mac schools and received offers from Eastern Michigan, Army, Air force, and committed to Illinois State.

Where did you choose and why?

I chose Illinois State because it was the best school both athletically and academically in my opinion and it was close to home.

What were your goals for your senior year?

To win conference and take a shot at the National Championship.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

Not directly, I have been told I am a tweener, I played defensive end in college but have the potential to drop in coverage as well. I’ve been told I’m undersized for defensive line at 6’3 1/2″ 260 but I’ve never had trouble holding down my gap.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I already have 6 years of college experience at defensive end and played under 4 different head coaches and 6 different defensive line coaches, which has put me in the position to adapt to different defenses and techniques.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

the first thing would be to find their best plays and look for anything that would give away their tendencies, such as a tight end tightening up his splits or a tackle lengthening his stance.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

This season we played NIU which accounted for one of two losses. I played against Jordyn Lynch in that game.

If you could compare your play to one person in the NFL who would it be?

I would compare myself to JJ Watt for our aggressive style of play and knack for knocking down balls.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

My transfer from ISU to EIU, but when I got to Eastern I just never looked back and set goals and worked to achieve them.

What system fits your style of play the best?

Any team that blitzes aggressively and gets after the QB is appealing to my style of play.

What is your biggest strength?

I would say my motor in practice and in games.

What is your biggest weakness?

I have little game experience dropping into coverage, which is something I need to improve on

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I’m all about getting the job done. Put me on your field and that makes one less player you need to worry about.

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

My favorite team is the Bears because it’s where I’m from and my favorite player was Urlacher and then Peppers but there both gone now.

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

The loss of my brother and father both affected me a lot but family, friends, and football have always helped me put my mind in a good place.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

I would have dinner with Jesus, Abe Lincoln, and Ditka off the top of my head.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

I would buy a hyperbolic chamber and cut down that recovery time.