2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nick Wheeler, DE, Colgate University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Nick Wheeler
- Colgate University
- DE
- 6’0”
- 255lbs.
- Hometown: St. Louis, MO
- Twitter: @That___guy92
2018 Accolades & Statistics:
- 2018 STATS FCS All-America Second Team.
- 2018 Football All-Patriot League First Team.
- GP: 12
- Total Tackles: 51
- TFL: 17.0
- Sacks: 9.0
- FF: 1
- FR: 2
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
My motivation is working hard to assure myself that I don’t have to go back to where I grew up. Coming from a city, like St. Louis, you see a lot of friends and people that you know end up in some terrible situations. I want to get away from all of it.
What defines success for you?
Success for me is being and doing something that no one in my family has ever done. Success is waking up knowing that I have motivated my family and others in the community to work hard.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
They would say that I am the type of teammate that is always focused when it is time to put in the work. They would mention my dedication to my craft and that I try to focus on the small details.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
Always focus on the task at hand. Never let anything or anyone distract me from my goal. Treat others the way that I want to be treated.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Chase Edmonds.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
Aaron Donald.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
I don’t really have a team of choice but if I had to pick one then it would be the Eagles. My first experience with football was Madden NFL 06 with Donovan McNabb on the cover so that was all that I knew back then.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
When situations don’t go in my favor, I always remember that the life I have, now, could easily be taken away from me. There are people in the world that don’t get to play collegiate football or even get to make it to their high school graduation. I remember that I am able to play the game that I love while others have to fight and struggle harder than I do.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
Von Miller.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
I would tell myself to start off play DE or OLB and to stay hydrated at all times.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
New York Pizzeria. A lot of people know it as Slices. It has some of the best pizza and wings that I’ve had in my 4 years at Colgate.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
“The Undeniable Life.”
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
Adele, easily.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
My grandmother, Ernestine. Growing up I was always around her and watched TV with her. I wish I was able to know her the way that my older siblings and family members did.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered for my work in the community and for giving back to the youth.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
They are getting someone who will do anything to make sure the team wins.
