2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Keith Woetzel, LB, University at Buffalo

• Name: Keith Woetzel
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 225
• Position: LB
• College: Lehigh University/University at Buffalo
• Twitter: @keith_woetzel5

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

Lehigh is a great university that matches academic excellence with highly competitive athletics.  I majored in psychology and minored in marketing. Campus life for me is pretty calm, with the demands of being a student athlete there is not much free time. With the free time I do get I try to see what events I can attend that is offered by the university.  

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates would probably say my work ethic. They notice the way I prepare for games whether watching film or understanding the game plan for each week. 

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

I see myself as a three down linebacker that can play the run as well as drop into coverage. I feel the best scheme for me would be a 4 down team where I can run sideline to sideline and make plays.  

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

Zach Davis, RB, Fordham

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Nate Norris. He is another linebacker that I play with, and he is laser focused on always improving. He is an animal in the weight room and has improved immensely with his football IQ. He has had a couple setbacks in his career with injuries and has not played a lot but he maintains a positive attitude and stays focused on his goals. 

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

In high school I wanted to play quarterback like I had in pop warner. My sophomore year there was an opening for the job. I competed against one of my other teammates that tried for the position and I eventually lost the competition. This beat me up because I wanted to play quarterback in college. My coach saw that I was a good enough athlete to play a different position, and he put me at linebacker. It has gone pretty well for me since then. 

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

If I didn’t play football, I would probably play basketball. I played in high school and both my sisters played in college. I also played lacrosse and baseball when I was younger but excelled more in basketball. 

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

Something I am most proud of is the season I had in 2018. I thought I was going to struggle with having Coach Andy Coen step down because of his illness. But I persevered, and it led to my best collegiate season. My biggest achievement would be being a finalist for the 2019 Buck Buchanan award. 

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

My favorite athlete is Giannis Antetokounmpo. I model my game like Blake Martinez. 

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

Post Malone is my favorite artist. I don’t listen to a lot of music before games but if I do it is usually some house music. 

What is your favorite comfort food?

Pizza but only from Nelie’s Place in Jersey 

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

Favorite actor has to be Arnold Schwarzenegger. “The Terminator” is one of my all-time favorites.

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

In the summer when I have more free time I go golfing. When I get time off on winter break I will also snowboard.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My family motivates me the most. My sisters are my two biggest fans. They come to every game and are always the loudest. My dad has also been a big motivation for me. He played football in college and got drafted in the 7th round in 1983 by the Miami Dolphins.