Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Tucker Schaefer, DL, University of Charleston (WV)

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What is your name?

Tucker Schaefer

What is your Height/Weight?

6’2/ 255

What is your position?

Defensive end

Where do you play college football?

The University of Charleston WV

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school? Not many, my biggest look was Penn state but fell threw regretfully due to grades.

How did you choose your school?

Well Since my division 1 time clock had ran out since I last played juco football, I had many division 2 offers 22 to be exact, it really came down to where I could get a solid education and help be a impact right away on the football field and Charleston just felt like the right pick for me.

Where are you from?

Gilbert, Arizona

Who is your role model, and why?

I would have to say my mother Jackie Matthews, because she has always had a positive outlook on life and even through her struggles she always found a way to overcome them.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying? I have not yet with any scouts.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played a few sports when I was younger those sports were baseball, and basketball.

Did you play any other positions in football?

In high school, I played running back, tight end, linebacker and defensive end. In junior college I played defensive tackle, and linebacker.

At your position, what separates you from others?

I would have to say from a physical aspect I have always been the strongest on my team on the defensive line, and very explosive off the ball, and for the mental aspect I do my best when it comes to watching film by spending extra time breaking down formations and plays so I know what types of blocks I could expect due to the down ,distance and formation the offense comes out in.

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

Formations, down&distance, player personnel, and little key hints players might be showing on certain plays.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

My old high school friend Devon Kennard even though are team still won.

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

Rob Ninkovich his style of play just gets the job done.

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

Football is my driving force to what pushes me to strive. My passion and love for football is what motivated me to further my education. The biggest obstacle I overcame was going back to school after my education put me and a stand still. I had to take 65 credits in two semesters to play football again. I will not let anything get in my way, I will overcome any obstacle that comes my way, knowing not only that I should give 100% effort into what I am passionate about but also give it my all in anything I do in life.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I just put some good music on and close my eyes and watch myself make plays.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength would be my Will to succeed in life

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness would probably be over working my body, when I should be taking time off to let my body recover.

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

I am motivated hardworking individual and teammate that is very coach able, and also determine to face any challenge that comes my way.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

My favorite player is Ray Lewis. My favorite team growing up when I was a kid was the Minnesota Vikings

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

I would choose my mother Jackie Matthews and my girlfriend Diana Ortiz they have motivated me and stuck by My side during this 5 year process and for my third guest I would have Michael Jordan and just to pick at his brain to get some tips and advice on how to be successful in life.