2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sam Fareri, S, Clarion University of Pennsylvania

• Name: Sam Fareri
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 200
• Position: Free Safety and Long Snapper
• College: Clarion University of Pennsylvania 
• Twitter: SamFareri7

Interview conducted by Draft Diamonds newest member Jimmy Williams

Tell us about your university/college. How is campus life?

Clarion University sits itself in the small rural town of Clarion, Pa. It’s home to about 5,000 students and the campus life is perfect for me. It is nice because Clarion is small enough to know a lot of your professors and classmates, but still large enough to meet new people every day. It was a perfect fit for me to enjoy a great college football career and meet my best friends that I will be close to forever.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Most of my teammates say that my best quality is my football IQ and always being one step ahead of every play. Having a great football IQ always puts me in the right place at the right time to make plays. I have always been extremely smart on the field, making sure I am better prepared than my opponent has helped me with my success on the football field.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I have taken on the role of being a playmaker and forcing turnovers for my team. I have always been able to provide takeaways for our team by forcing fumbles and catching interceptions. Being able to roam the field and be the free player has always been my strong suit to make these plays.

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

Either Wes Hills or Walter Fletcher. Wes Hills played running back at Slippery Rock University and Walter Fletcher played running back at Edinboro University and now is currently playing at Ball State University.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

I would have to say our middle linebacker Kareem Hamden. He only stands about 5’6” tall but plays with extreme speed and heart on the field and it impresses me everyday I play with him. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Hockey, I used to play when I was younger and have always had so much fun playing. I played goalie and have always idolized Marc-Andre Fleury.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I am very proud of maintaining my good grades. I currently have a 3.8 GPA and have been given Academic All-American honors. I’m majoring in Rehabilitation Science with a concentration in Occupational Therapy. I plan to go on and get my doctorate in Occupational Therapy. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Troy Polamalu is my favorite athlete. I have always tried to model my game off of his, flying around the field, having a nose for the football and making plays for his team. Troy has that special ability to make exceptional plays based off of his pure instinct for the game.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

Red Hot Chili Peppers is my favorite band. But what gets me pumped up before a game is music like N.W.A. and Drake.

What is your favorite comfort food?

My mother’s spaghetti and meatballs, best in the country. 

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

My favorite movie series of all time is Fast and Furious. Also, Mark Wahlberg is one of my favorite actors. I love the Ted movies, The Departed, and Four Brothers.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

I love playing the guitar and hunting. Playing music is one of my favorite hobbies to do in my spare time. I play a Washburn Acoustic and an Ibanez RG series electric. 

Who or what motivates you the most?

My family has been an amazing influence on my life. I am one of 5 children. My siblings and parents have been there with me every step of my football career, especially my father, who has never played a down of football in his life, but has shown me countless times how to work hard and be the best person I can be. I play my heart out for my family.