2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Stavros Katsantonis, FS, University of British Columbia

• Name: Stavros Katsantonis
• Height: 5’10” 
• Weight: 195
• Position: FS
• College: University of British Columbia 
• Instagram: @Stavrosak
• Twitter: @Stavroskats

Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?

• I’m born and raised in Bakersfield, California. I love everything about it. From the mountains surrounding to the hot summer days. Great athletes are sculpted and molded in my city. 

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?

• Film, Practice, Strength and Conditioning. It’s hard to make a top three for these vital principles but this is how I would list them. I believe film is one of the most important things in football. The time put in to breaking down and scheming for an opponent should not be overlooked. Many games have been won and lost just off of small keys/triggers that an opponent gives away. If you can find those and take advantage of them you win. Practice comes next because something that is drawn up on a white board may look good but when practiced the first time can look ugly. I really think that practice makes perfect. Taking those physical and mental reps and going through all the outcomes can be so beneficial when making those split decisions in the game. Last but not least, Strength and Conditioning. You have to always be training to be bigger, faster, and stronger than the opposition. Everyday someone else is out there doing what you are doing in the weight room. What are you doing to separate your self from them? That extra rep of bench press you did when no one else was watching could be the difference between a championship and a first round exit.  

What do you worry about, and why?

• I worry about not making it to the top in football. I feel that being a small guy from a small school helps inspire those who come after me. If I can inspire just person to overcome what I have in the sport then I’ve succeeded. 

Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?

• When I didn’t receive a Division 1 offer out of high school. It was a dream to play D1 and when I didn’t receive a scholarship my senior year I felt like I failed. Instead of quitting I pursued options in Canada where I received a full scholarship and became one of the most decorated defensive backs in school history. Regardless of whether I played division 1 or in Canada, I still now have the chance to continue my dreams of playing pro football. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

• I would think they would say that I have great ball hawking abilities. 

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

• Trivel Pinto

What would your career be if you couldn’t play football? 

• Soccer player

Room, desk and car – which do you clean first?

• Room. I don’t like having a bunch of clutter to walk through to get to my bed.

If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?

• Family member, but if my family member could help me save those three strangers I would do that as well. I’m a big family first guy but I also like to help out those in need. It’s a tough decision for sure.

If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?

• Obi Wan Kenobi, I’ve always loved the Star Wars movies and wanted to become a Jedi! 

Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?

• My biggest adversity in live has been my height. I’ve been overlooked at every level I’ve been at because I’m not over 6 feet tall. Since I’ve started playing football I’ve never paid any notice to people who said I wouldn’t make it because I’m too short. At every level I’ve been a team captain and playmaker on the field. They can’t measure heart. 

What is your most embarrassing moment?

• Getting a touchdown scored on me my first play in at a college game.

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

• Scoring my first collegiate touchdown on a 60 yard scoop and score in my first start as a true freshman.  

What song best describes your work ethic?

• When I Grow up -NF

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level? 

• Heart

If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?

• My grandfather on my Dad’s side. I was never able to meet him and would love to ask him all sorts of questions about his life and our family history. 

If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it? 

• Club K

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL? 

• DJ Reed

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

• Respected, I don’t really worry about what others think, but without respect you have nothing.

What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?

• I guess I would say AB, would have been cool to see him ball on the field the is year. Hopefully he can fix whatever problems he has in his life and get back on the field. 

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

• I hate to lose, growing up with 3 other siblings competition was a lot. I hate losing in everything from football to card games.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?

• I would say my parents. They have been instrumental in my success as a football player. Everything about their work ethic inspires me. They are 30 year business owners in my hometown and they work hard in everything they do. They have supported me every step of the way and there is no price tag that could be put on their influence.