2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jake Marotti, OT, Lafayette College

• Name: Jake Marotti
• Height: 6’6
• Weight: 295
• Position: OT
• College: Lafayette College
• Twitter: @JakeMarotti

Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?

Lafayette College is a small, Patriot League school in Easton, PA. The campus is extremely nice, courtesy of the grounds crew members. Lafayette has 23 division 1 sports, so most of the students are athletes who are all extremely supportive of each other. At Lafayette, I majored in Economics, however I had taken a wide variety of classes.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates have complimented my work ethic. As a co-captain this year, I was not extremely vocal unless I felt it was necessary. I thought more was said and explained through my actions, or leading by example.

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

My role on any team would be where they need me most, and a role in which I can help the team the most. I have played in many different schemes throughout my football career, this applies to college as well.

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

There are two players that come to mind when asked this question. The first would be Pat Afriyie. Pat played at Colgate and was a senior when I was a sophomore. He was extremely talented and played hard. He now plays for the Chargers. The second would be Cole Christiansen, linebacker from Army. He was physical, but also extremely quick, he was a test for me.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

I cannot single a specific teammate that impresses me the most due to the fact that there are many different guys that have done so many great things as well as teaching me many different things.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle?

One of the toughest times in my life was when my older cousin and grandfather passed, They were both very important to me and role models. They were never able to see me play college football, which was extremely upsetting, but I knew they were watching from above.

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

Two sports come to mind, the first would be ice hockey. Growing up in Pittsburgh, I was always a big Penguins fan and would always play street hockey with my friends. I loved how physical hockey was, but also how skilled the players were. The second would be mixed martial arts. I love the different styles of fighting, and I also think that it is the greatest test of an individual’s will power.

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

Something I am most proud of, as well as being my biggest achievement, would be earning a full scholarship to play at Lafayette. I was the first one in my family, in a long time, to attend college, but being able to play the game I love in college was one of my dreams. I promised my parents as a kid I would accomplish that, and I did.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career?

My most memorable plays of my college career would be the final offensive drive for us against Lehigh in the 155th meeting. We drove the ball down with a little under two minutes to set up the game winning field goal. It was the first time I had beaten Lehigh in my four seasons at Lafayette.

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

My favorite team is the Pittsburgh Steelers, due to the fact that I was basically wearing black and gold since being born. There are many different Tackles that I model my play after. They are Taylor Lewan, Kyle Turley, Tyron Smith and Lane Johnson.

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

My favorite band of all time is AC/DC. To me, I believe they are the greatest band ever due to the fact that they lost their lead singer and when they got a new one they were even more successful than before. However, before games I typically listen to softer music to calm down and relax. My thought process is that if someone isn’t pumped up to play a football game as is, then they are in the wrong sport.

What is your favorite comfort food?

My favorite comfort food would have to be my mom’s spaghetti. Her sauce is my absolute favorite and anytime I come home from school she always has it ready for me.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

My favorite movie is Joker. I love movies, and after seeing Joker this past year, I went back to the theater to see it two more times. My favorite actor/director would be Clint Eastwood. His movies provide so many different perspectives and life lessons that I believe everyone could use.

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

I love to fish and hunt, spending time with my family and friends and training.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My family and friends motivate me. I don’t have a large group of friends, but the friends I have are essentially family, and I always want to make them proud and represent the family name to the best of my capabilities.