NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Joey Alfieri, OLB, Stanford University
Player Profile:
- Joey Alfieri
- Stanford University
- OLB
- 6’3”
- 239lbs.
- Portland, OR
- Twitter: @jalfieri4
2018 Statistics
- GP: 10
- Total Tackles: 37
- TFL: 5.5
- Sacks: 3.5
- FF: 1
- FR: 1
What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?
When I’m getting my ankles taped I’ll always listen to Light of the Seven by Ramin Djawadi, from HBO’s Game of Thrones.
How would your teammates describe you as both a player and person?
I like to think they would describe me as someone who is diligent in their approach to training, practice and games but also knows how to keep a light hearted attitude and stay positive during challenging parts of the season.
How do you and your teammates make practice and film study fun?
We don’t really mess around too much at practice, for us what makes practice and film fun is getting to go out and grind with your brothers and perfect your craft each session.
When you are studying film, what is your main focus to gain a competitive advantage?
Besides looking at offensive tendencies, trying to find little nuances in an opposing tackles stances pre-snap to get a key on what type of block you’ll get from them. Looking at their demeanor pre-snap, or how they distribute their weight in their hands, or where their eyes are at, can all be good indicators. You’ll notice a lot of quarterbacks actually lick their fingers before passing downs which also can be a good tell.
While at the Collegiate level, who has been the toughest player you have competed against?
I’ve played against so many great players so it’s hard to name just one, but as a linebacker I’m not sure if I’ve gone against a better blocker than Quenton Nelson from Notre Dame.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
Absolutely most grateful for my loving and supportive family, who’ve played such a big role in developing me into the man I am today.
If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?
The ability to hear any piano song and play it with ease.
What do you value most from your Collegiate experience?
The connections and network I’ve been able to build upon from Stanford is something I think is extremely valuable. Also the friendships I’ve made playing football and grinding year round for so many years just creates a brotherhood that I think will last a lifetime. And my industrial engineering degree finally came in the mail a week ago so I’ll have to say that’s pretty valuable too.
Who is your personal hero?
My personal heroes are all the walk-ons on the football team at Stanford. These guys are grinding at one of the most difficult and time consuming Universities in the world and love the game of football so much that they are willing to dedicate 20+ hours of strenuous work a week, pretty much year round, to competing and helping the team.
Tell me something about yourself nobody would know.
I’ve beaten Through the Fire and the Flames on Guitar hero (hardest song in the game). One of my proudest accomplishments of my life.
How do you work on yourself?
I just approach each day with a goal of being better than I was yesterday. I try not to compare myself with other people, but with my past self.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
Steve Carell, because he played the funniest character in the history of television.
If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why?
Super speed.
What would constitute a perfect day for you?
A perfect day would be waking up early and getting a nice hard workout in and getting it out of the way early in the day to give me the entire rest of the day to lay out in the sun and read a good book, then grab some filet minion with creamed spinach at a nice steakhouse, watch A Star is Born, finish learning Colder Weather by Zac Brown Band on the piano, and get to bed by 9:30.
Who inspired you as a young athlete?
I really liked Brett Favre growing up. I chose the number 4 in my first years of football, even though I played running back I still wanted to be just like him.
What are the positive attributes that you bring to a professional football team?
I’m a versatile, fast, explosive player who can play any linebacker position. I can cover tight ends, runningbacks, recievers, rush the passer, and stop the run at a high level. I can also be an elite special teams contributor on all 6 phases of the game.
Tell me about a time where you overcame a challenge.
I broke my leg in the middle of my senior season of high school, and had to sit on the sidelines and watch as our team lost in the state championship. That was definitely a hard experience, but it made me so much more thankful to be able to play football and be healthy.
You’re 5-0 in your Stanford football career against Oregon State. Which happens to be the alma mater of your Mom & Dad (Dad Phil played football from 1983-1987, Mom Kelly ran track from 1984-1988). Is that a bit of a sore subject when it’s brought up at family functions?
Ha, yeah I try not to bring it up. My youngest brother just got offered by Oregon a couple days ago so If he ends up going there the tension at family functions might double.
What one skill would you like to improve on? What’s your plan for doing so?
I think because I moved around a good amount in different positions, I was not able to show that I am truly dominant in a single position. I look forward to getting an opportunity to really master wherever position a team needs me to be and show how detailed and consistent I can be in my technique and execution.
If you could sack one NFL QB, past or present, who would it be and why?
Cam Newton, since he’s got to be the hardest one to bring down.
What current/former NFL player do you model your playing style after?
My goal would be developing into a player like Kyle Van Noy of the Patriots. He plays off the ball and rushes the passer from on the line of scrimmage from several different spots, is great in coverage and just an overall ball hawk. I also like watching the play of linebackers like Luke Kuechly, Blake Martinez, Alex Anzalone.
What is the best part of your hometown; Portland, OR?
The best part is all the people there I grew up with and have known for so long. I love going back there and catching up with old friends from high school or my childhood
In 15 words or less, give me your pitch to an NFL GM on why you should be a part of their organization.
Fast, physical, smart, consistent technician that loves football and will do whatever it takes.
