Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Danny Shelton, NT, University of Washington

Every year, NFL DraftDiamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Danny Shelton

Where do you play college football?

University of Washington

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Most of the PAC12, and some WAC teams. About 13 teams offered me scholarships.

How did you choose your school?

Decided myself because of the location and the team unity.

Where are you from?

Auburn, Washington

Who is your role model, and why?

My Mom, she is a single parent of 5 who was strict and wanted the best for all of us in academics alone. Being from the islands (Samoa) all she knew was to work for the family and respect elders, raising 5 children in the US seemed like a piece of cake from my point of view, because she always seemed to provide for us no matter what.

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

Have not met with any scouts.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Street football up until I was able to play real football in middle school. Track&Field and Wrestling in high school. Track&Field and Football in college.

Did you play any other positions in football?

Offensive Tackle in high school.

At your position, what separates you from others?

My effort to make plays down field.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I look for the tendencies in technique for offensive linemen and the technique that other defensive linemen used against the offensive linemen. What will work and what does not work against an opponent.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

USC Center in 2012, I had a broken hand at the time and he was quick to use his leverage against my bad hand.

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

Haloti Ngata, he is a big body defensive linemen and shows effort to make plays down field at times.

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

The death of one of my older brothers before entering college. I separated myself from home to focus and control my emotions, in the end finding comfort within my team and my family to move on and making the most out of my life.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Just relax after meetings the night before a game. Watch a movie to get my mind off of the big game in a couple hours.

What is your biggest strength?

My physical ability to take up blocks.

What is your biggest weakness?

Fast tempo teams taking advantage of my high pads when I am gassed.

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

I am committed to bringing effort and positive energy to work everyday. My film shows my ability to out-physical opponents and pursue the ball but my resume and accolades show the positivity I bring to team environments.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Jerry Rice from the 49ers. Inspired me to play with effort and energy.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

My Grandparents and Brother.