2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Christian Eubanks, RG, Saint Francis University

Student-Athlete Profile:

• Christian Eubanks
• Saint Francis University
• RG
• 6’4”
• 300 LBS.
• Hometown: Reynoldsburg, OH
• Twitter: @eubie_

2019 Accolades & Statistics:

• 2019 All-Northeast Conference Football First Team.
• GP: 12
• GS: 12

Congratulations on the All-NEC honors. What is the initial emotion you felt when receiving the news? Who is the first person you reached out to share it with?

It was certainly an honor to finally get onto the All-NEC first team after being named to the second team twice. I was ecstatic when I first heard the news. While I have always placed team success above individual accolades and awards, it was great to receive recognition for my success this season. The first person I shared the news with was my father. We were actually out for lunch at the time that the All-NEC teams were released so he heard the news at the same time as myself.

What have you taken away the most from Coach Villarrial, Coach Wilson and the rest of the SFU coaching staff?

Having a coach like Coach V has been a blessing for an offensive lineman. The man is loaded with the knowledge that he learned throughout his professional career. Being coached by Coach V taught me that in order to be successful you always have to come to work with passion and a willingness to learn. There is always someone out there that knows something that you don’t or can help you with an issue. It is up to you to reach out and take that coaching. Additionally, Coach Wilson and Pecora played big roles in my development as both a player and a leader. They were both new additions to the offensive side my senior year and they helped me tremendously in reaching my goals both on and off the field.

When football is over, what do you aspire to do in the professional world?

Whenever my football career ends, I know that I want to get into coaching. I would really like to help coach my hometown wrestling team. Every offseason I have gone back and worked as an assistant coach at my high school and would certainly like to continue that. Another dream would be to coach or train high-level offensive linemen. The game has been so good to me, and I have a burning passion for offensive line play. I would absolutely love to work with athletes that play the position I love. Finally, I would love to run my own business. I am not exactly sure what that business would be, but being my own boss sounds like a pretty good gig if you ask me.

What separates you from other players at the guard position?

While I may have played at a smaller school, I was fortunate to get a lot of experience in my 5 years. Starting in 45 games in my college career, I was able to get a lot of game experience. I had to learn quickly and I feel that this really sped up my development from a mental standpoint. This is what I believe is my best asset. I’ve played against many different defenses and played in several offensive schemes. Throughout my career, I believe that I have shown the ability to execute in critical situations and overcome any obstacle in my way. I have studied the game over the past 5 years and I know that I have the football IQ required to be successful.

Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?

While I cannot remember their names, I would say the interior defensive linemen for Richmond and JMU. Both of these teams had outstanding defensive tackles. I would also include my teammate Da’Jon Lee. I played against Da’Jon at practice every day and can easily say that he is one of the best defensive linemen in the country.

If your life was a book, what would the title be?

“Invictus.” This is the title of a poem that my offensive line coach read to our unit my freshman year and it has always stuck with me. Whenever I found myself facing adversity or uncertain of something, I liked to read it and reflect on the situation.

Give me your Mount Rushmore of all-time offensive linemen, past or present. What made you choose these four players?

I would have to go with Joe Thomas, Larry Allen, Orlando Pace, and Trent Williams. I chose these four players because I believe that they best embody what it means to be an offensive lineman. They were masters of their craft and perfected their technique. However, they all played the game how I believe it’s supposed to be played, mean. They all brought a nasty edge to their game and played through the echo of the whistle.

Is there a current or former NFL player you emulate your game after?

I really like to watch Jason Kelce and Trent Williams. Kelce is undersized and I think he brings tenacity and great technique to his game. He always seems to be in the right position to be successful and I believe that you can gain a lot from watching him play. As for Trent Williams, he is just a bully. I love watching him throw defensive lineman around the field. He just brings such intensity and anger to his game. Personally, that’s how I believe the game should be played, angry.

Let’s take a trip back to the first day of your freshman year at Reynoldsburg High School. What advice would you give yourself then, knowing what you know now?

I would tell myself to simply enjoy the journey. At the time, I didn’t really slow down and enjoy the memories I was making. I was always looking forward to my next move or goal. If I could go back, I would enjoy the moment more because it all goes by so fast.

If I’m in Loretto on a Saturday night during the Fall, where is the one place I have to eat?

You’ve got to stop by Loretto Pub & Grill. They’ve got great wings and stromboli.

You’re in front of all 32 NFL General Managers and have 15 words or less to give them your pitch on why Christian Eubanks will be an asset to their organization for years to come. What do you tell them?

You will never have to question my work ethic. I’ll give you everything I have.