NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Griffin Trau, K, University of Richmond

•       Name: Griffin Trau

        •       Height: 5’7

        •       Weight: 175

        •       Position: PK

        •       College: University of Richmond

        •       Twitter: @griffintrau44

Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?

        •        I’ve lived in 10 states, so picking a hometown isn’t a simple affair. I’ve really appreciated aspects of everywhere I’ve lived, and I think I gained a little bit from each place. My parents grew up in the Pittsburgh area, and my grandparents still live there, so I consider it home most of the time. Best part? Steelers, Penguins, Pirates. 

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?

        •        Strength and conditioning was the basis of who I became as a college athlete. It all started in freshman Friday workouts, then began to build in the winter later that year. I made some pretty significant changes early on that gave me a foundation to excel on the field. I’ll put practice next, because it was in the thousands of balls that I hit that I learned how to be precise and have a rhythm. I hate to put film last, because it was the first thing that really began improving my game when I was getting started in high school. It’s been the most important aspect of my late college career, especially when I have had to alter my rhythm and approach because of changing factors. I really hate making a kicking mistake twice. 

What do you worry about, and why?

        •        I worry that when people evaluate me as an athlete, all they see is 5’7 and not my weight room numbers, stats, or other abilities. It’s been something that I’ve overcome my entire life, but has been a constant conversation irrespective. 

Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?

        •        The beginning of my Rs Jr year, I missed two kicks in a row for the first time in my career during our season opener. The next week, I missed a field goal in the opening minutes. Something inside of me really clicked, I put my head down and I didn’t miss again for 10 straight games. It’s something I was very proud of that I didn’t fold, because there was a lot of pressure on me at that point. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

        •        Hopefully that I’ve worked for years to treat the weight room and offseason in a way that shakes the generic kicker reputation. Regardless of my position, in the weight room and on the line I don’t want to be thought of any differently than my teammates. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

        •        Tanoh Kpassagnon was a field goal blocking monster at Villanova before he was drafted. I knew that week that I had to be fast and get the ball up high. I’ve gotta hand it to the lineman, cause they kept him out when no other team had been able that year. 

What would your career be if you couldn’t play football? 

        •        I would want to work for the State Department in the Foreign Service. 

Room, desk, and car – which do you clean first?

        •        Desk first — it’s where the most important work gets done.

If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?

        •        I studied ethics during my undergraduate and graduate studies, and have spent some time on this very topic. This question comes with so many what ifs, and I think it’s safe to say the answer can change depending on circumstances. Some think of ethics in terms of cold calculations, while others are more beholden to ideals or emotions. Philosophers generally disagree on the moral answer in this circumstance. On the other hand, ethics are just a set amongst many other intrinsically valuable factors in our lives. Special relationships, including family ties, can be considered an entirely separate factor upon which one could make a valid decision. In light of that thought, it’s likely that I would save a family member. 

Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?

        •        My freshman year in high school, my English teacher announced that adversity is the most misused word in journalism. Adversity isn’t losing, nor being down on your luck, and it’s not even your dog dying. Adversity is life altering tragedy, and I’m not sure it would be fair for me to claim I’ve experienced much of it in light of what I know others face every day.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

        •        Just have a look at the post pinned on my Twitter profile. 

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

        •        Second round playoffs, University of North Dakota, 3rd Q, down two scores. I hit the game winner later that game, but this kick was the one that really counted. 37yrds, left hash, and I walked onto the field knowing that a miss would probably kill our chances of winning. That was the kick I remember most. 

What song best describes your work ethic?

        •        Jumpin’ Jack Flash

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level? 

        •       I’m an athlete first, and also happen to kick.

If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?

        •        DaVinci… I have a few questions.

If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it? 

        •        -1933-  (the year prohibition ended)

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL? 

        •        Ryan Clark when he played at FS for the Steelers. His solid play let my favorite player, Troy Polamalu, make insane plays. In the game today? Until last year it was Joe Thomas. Now I’m going to pick a fellow Richmond Spider and say Kerry Wynn. Kid has been nothing but solid and has stepped up in big ways. 

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

        •        I think one should always strive to be liked, but if forced to choose would pick respect.

What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?

        •       Josh Gordon. Troubled mental health and addiction are a serious burden, and he’s a hell of a ballplayer. 

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

        •        I hate to lose because I could have always done more.