Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Matt Longacre, DE, Northwest Missouri State

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds 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?

Matt Longacre

Where do you play college football?

I played college football at Northwest Missouri State.

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

I had 5 or 6 schools but only considered 3 schools.

How did you choose your school?

I chose Northwest because of the tradition and the family atmosphere that I didn’t find at the other schools I visited.

Where are you from?

I am from Omaha, NE

Who is your role model, and why?

I would have to say my parents. The reason I am where I am is because of them and what they have instilled in me.

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

I have talked to scouts from all 32 teams.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Growing up I played soccer. I started playing football my freshman year of high school. In addition I wrestled my 4 years of high school.

Did you play any other positions in football?

I played 7 games as a redshirt freshman at defensive tackle.

At your position, what separates you from others?

I am not someone you just runs up field every play like a lot of defensive ends. In our defense we must distinguish between run and pass and react to the blocks given. I disengage off blocks rather than just letting go and running.

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

I start the week off by looking at blocks I will receive and how they step as well as if the offensive line gives away run and pass. Next I look tendencies the offense has regarding formation, personnel, back field set and motion.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

I would have to say Cole Manhart from Nebraska Kearney and Amini Silatolu from Midwestern State.

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

I don’t think I can compare myself to an NFL player because I haven’t played at that level. However I look up to Jared Allen and how he plays.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I don’t really have any major pre-game rituals. I do stretch in the weight room and have a playlist that I will listen to.

What is your biggest strength?

I believe I have good hands, am understanding of the game that allows me to react to what I see quickly. Also I think I can counter the offensive lineman if he takes away my first move when I am pass rushing.

What is your biggest weakness?

There little things that I must improve on like my feet and keeping them moving, more violent disengaging and trusting myself more.

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

I would start off saying thank you for giving me the opportunity. I will do everything I can to prove I was worth picking up and will work my butt off for you.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

I never had a favorite player growing but now I like watching JJ Watt and like I said before Jared Allen

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

I know one would be Scott Bostwick for sure!