2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: John Gallina, OL, Monmouth University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- John Gallina
- Monmouth University
- OL
- 6’6”
- 305 LBS.
- Hometown: Forest Hill, MD
- Twitter: @Silkyy_J
2019 Accolades & Statistics:
- 2019 Big South Football First-Team All-Conference.
- 2019 FCS: HERO Sports All-American Third Team.
- GP: 14
First off, congratulations on the All-Big South honors. What is the first emotion you felt when you found out that news and who is the first person you called to share it with?
Thank you so much. It was a proud moment for me. One of the goals I set for myself before the season started was to make the first team. Being able to see my product of hard work and determination was a very satisfying feeling. The first person I called was my biggest fans, my Dad and Mom.
What have you taken away the most from the Coach Callahan, Coach Gabriel and the rest of the Monmouth coaching staff?
The best thing I have taken away from my coaches here at Monmouth is no matter what you do in life it all about your preparation. “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” is what Coach Gabriel always tells us. Another thing I’ve taken away is it is all about the next play. You can never get the previous play back, the only important play is the one that is about to happen.
When football is over, what do you aspire to do in the professional world?
I would like to be a law enforcement officer.
Who is on your Mt. Rushmore of the past or present NFL Offensive Linemen?
That’s a tough one. I have a few favorites; my first being Larry Allen from the video of him bench pressing 700 pounds to the way he played the game with such violence and force it is truly something to watch. Another favorite of mine is the current Eagles right tackle, Lane Johnson. I love his attitude and demeanor towards playing in the trenches. He is also very active giving tips and advice on social media on how to play the position even better. Some of his backside cut-offs are some of the prettiest blocks I have ever seen.
What separates you from other offensive linemen?
The mindset I go out on the field, playing in the trenches is an all out war of who is going to break first. I always go out on the field with the mindset that I am here to terrorize you and make you quit for four full quarters.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
Johnny Robinson from last year’s Charleston Southern team. He was very quick off the ball always the first one off the line and had a motor that he would just keep going.
Is there a current or former NFL player you emulate your game after?
Lane Johnson. In my free time, when I am done watching tape on the next opponent, I always try to watch #65. He has incredibly technique and has some very patient and great hand placement.
Let’s take a trip back to the first day of your freshman year at Bel Air High School. What advice would you give yourself then, knowing what you know now?
I would tell myself to watch more film. In high school we only watched our game film, we never really scouted other players. Knowing what I know now, it is all about your preparation in getting ready to beat your opponents.
Currently, who is the best player in the NFL?
My hometown guy, Lamar Jackson. His accomplishments on the field currently are jaw-dropping. I look forward each week to see what he is going to do. I also love his attitude, he has come out to each post-game conference in a shirt that says, “Nobody cares, work harder.” I love this quote and it is something I have been trying to live by.
If I’m in West Long Branch on a Saturday night during the Fall, where is the one place I have to eat at?
You would have to go to Gianni’s Pizza and get a chicken vodka wrap. It is one of my favorite things to eat after a great Monmouth win.
You’re in front of all 32 NFL General Managers and have 15 words or less to give them your pitch on why John Gallina will be an asset to their organization for years to come. What do you tell them?
I will not be outworked. I won’t stop until I get a gold jacket.
