NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Ross Westphal, OL, Upper Iowa

What is your name?

Ross Westphal

What is your Height/Weight?

6’4” 305

What is your position?

Offensive Line

Where do you play college football?

Upper Iowa University

Where are you from?

Clintonville, WI

Who is your role model, and why?

My biggest role models would definitely have to be my older brothers, both of them have been very successful in the sports that they have chosen to pursue professionally. They have taught me how to work hard, and to expect Good things to happen.

Who was your favorite teacher?

It would have to be Billie Jo Cowley, she was an education professor I had my freshman year in college and she helped me out a lot when it came to transitioning to the college life style.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Basketball, Baseball, Track & field

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

AJ Page, SMSU 6’6” 265 DE, he was a pre-season All-American with great athletic ability.

Who is the most underrated player on your team?

AJ Connor (RB) he has great talent, but was hindered by injuries this season. However, he showed off his big play ability when given his opportunities.

What is the one song that would fire you up before the biggest game of your life?

Bad Company by Five Finger Death punch

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

David DeCastro, Pittsburgh Steelers, he is an extremely athletic offensive lineman who plays with a nasty demeanor and looks to finish his blocks. He plays to the whistle every snap and brings a sense of physicality to the position that I really admire and try to emulate.

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

Going 0-9 my senior year of high school and in doing so not getting a lot of exposure in the recruiting process. With the help of my family, I was able to get my name and film out enough to still receive an athletic scholarship.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I usually get to the locker room about three hours before game time; I like to just hangout and listen to music for an hour or so. Then I focus up and take my time getting ready.

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

This season against University of Minnesota-Crookston our RB fumbled the football on a 3^rd down rush and I scooped it up and ran it 9 yards for a 1^st down. It’s every lineman’s dream to get a carry and it finally happened.

What is the coolest thing you ever did off the field for someone else?

In high school I went on multiple mission trips with my church to help build houses and infrastructure for the less fortunate. It was a great experience, it allowed me to both grow stronger in my faith, as well as, make life a little easier for families down on their luck

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

Green Bay Packers, I grew up less then an hour away from the Frozen Tundra, Lambeau Field.

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

Jesus, Chris Farley, and Clint Eastwood.