2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Simonas Bingelis, TE, Villanova

• Name: Simonas (Simon) Bingelis
• Height: 6’5″
• Weight: 255
• Position: TE
• College: Villanova
• Twitter: @SimonBingelis

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

• I am originally from Garliava, Lithuania but grew up in Brick, New Jersey. Brick is a town that is extremely passionate about sports and has a rich football history. I’ve always appreciated Brick’s blue collared nature and how strongly knit the community is. It is also in a perfect location: 1 hour away NYC and Philly, and right on the Jersey Shore.

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

• Practice is most important to me because this is when you will develop muscle memory with your technique and also when you will be able to get hands on practice with the opponent’s scheme. The coaches will always do a great job writing up the opponent’s top movements and tendencies. It is our job to execute them. Second would be film study. This is will supplement practice and provide me with a greater perspective of what the opponent’s schemes have been and it will give me a better understanding of the capabilities of their players. Lastly, strength and conditioning is extremely important, however, you can be the fastest and strongest but will get beat by a player that is more fundamentally sound and knowledgeable of your tactics.

What do you worry about, and why?

• I worry about failing to successfully use the physical and mental gifts that I’ve been giving. I work hard every day to ensure that my parents’ decision to move to the US was a blessing because it gave my brother and I the best opportunities to succeed.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

• My constant attention to detail and desire to perfect my technique.

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

• Sterling Sheffield -Maine

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

I graduated last May with majors in Economics and Political Science, and minors in Spanish and Russian. I am currently an MBA candidate at Villanova University.

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

I am a duel threat tightened that will provide stability on the edge in the running game, while being able to stretch a defense in the pass game with my speed.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Vanilla Ice cream with almonds

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

My favorite movies are Wolf of Wall Street and Inception. All Leonardo DiCaprio movies really.

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

I love traveling to new places, hiking, and learning new languages.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My parents motivate me because they are selfless and have raised me to be a respectful gentleman.