2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nick Rinella, DB/KR/PR, Saint Francis University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Nick Rinella
- Saint Francis University
- DB/KR/PR
- 5’10”
- 200lbs.
- Hometown: Collegeville, PA
- Twitter: @NickyFlash20
2018 Accolades & Statistics:
- 2018 All-Northeast Conference Football Second Team (DB & RS).
- GP: 11
- Total Tackles: 59
- TFL: 4.0
- Sacks: 1.0
- FF: 1
- INTs: 1
- Kick Returns: 21
- KR Yards: 527
- YP/KR: 25.10
- Punt Returns: 24
- PR Yards: 283
- YP/PR: 11.79
- TDs: 2
- Rushing Attempts: 10
- Rushing Yards: 85
- YPR: 8.5
- TDs: 1
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
My obsession with being the best player on the field.
What defines success for you?
Making an impact on this world in any way possible for the better and being described as a man who was always able to put others first.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
I think they would say that I am a type of teammate that they can always count on to prepare the right way and a guy they can rely on when it comes crunch time and also get the room to laugh when needed.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
Never follow the crowd, I always do whatever I feel is best. I never allow myself to think anyone I play against is better than me. I never will treat someone in a way I wouldn’t want to be treated.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
A.J. Hines (RB – Duquesne University).
Who is the best player in the NFL?
Khalil Mack (OLB – Chicago Bears).
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
The Bears. They have so many weapons offensively that you can audible to anything and still be in a good position, not to mention they have a stacked defense.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
I love these situations because that just means I can get better by learning and understanding how I failed in order to avoid failing again.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
Definitely I think Troy Polamau by the way he runs around all over the field and is able to disguise covers.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
Don’t eat as much junk food.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
Off the Rack.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
“Nicky Flash Sagas.”
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
Ariana Grande.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Heidi Klum, so I could put my bid in for marrying her.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for coming from a small school and showing that it doesn’t matter your size or where you come from as long as you work as hard as you can and ball out, you can make it.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
One of the most diverse and hardworking players in this class.
