2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Samuel Staehling, WR, St. Norbert College

Name: Samuel Staehling
Height: 6’1
Weight: 195
Position: WR
Jersey #: 80
College: St. Norbert College
Twitter: @SStaehling

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

I am finishing up my senior year at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. St. Norbert is a small school of about 2,000 students and it is known for its high-quality academics, which is just one reason that I came here. I am a biology major with a focus in pre-medicine, so I needed a great academic school. St. Norbert also has a very solid football team. We are a close-knit group that act like brothers on and off the field. I enjoy the small school atmosphere and I have met so many great people. Everyone on campus is so friendly, and St. Norbert is truly a special place.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates would say that my best quality is that I am easy to get along with. I have great relationships with my teammates and respect each one of them. I also bring positive energy and have fun, which can be contagious on the football field.

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

I am definitely a playmaker. I have the ability to make explosive plays that lead to long scores. Throughout my college career I’ve made big catches for my team that lead to six points. One part of my game that I think gets shadowed by the big plays is how reliable my hands are. I have the ability to make clutch catches, and I take pride in not dropping many passes. I want to be able to be that go-to guy on third down.

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

I have to give credit to the two guys that I played against every day in practice. Walter McBride and Joe Peterson are two of the best players that I played against in college. They challenged me every day, so when Saturday came around it felt way easier to get clean releases and create separation.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

I mentioned two impressive teammates above, but another great player is Nate Ihlenfeldt. He is a very reliable running back that also has big play potential every time he touches the ball.

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

I ran track in high school, so that would probably be my go-to. My personal bests in track & field include a 10.91-100m, 22.33-200m and a  6’0″-high jump. I’m also a big baseball fan, but I only played when I was a young kid.

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

My biggest achievement is being named CoSIDA Academic All-American three years in a row. This is a very rare achievement that awards my work on the field as well as in the classroom. I am only the second athlete in St. Norbert history to win the award three times, and the first one to win all three in the same sport.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career?

In our second game of the 2018 season we were playing at Eau Claire. We had been losing the whole game but started to put a comeback together. We scored a touchdown with under a minute left to bring us within 3. Our coach called out our onside kick team to get the ball back. I was lined up toward the sideline, but I was exhausted from the previous drive. The ball was kicked, and I went straight for it. At about 10 yards the ball took a huge hop over the return team and I was able to jump up and tip it to myself. We were able to kick a field goal a few plays later to send the game to overtime. It was so memorable because of how unusual an onside kick recovery is. It was like that sequence of plays came right out of a movie, and it was so fun to be a part of it.

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

My two favorite sports teams are the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, so I grew up as a fan of both hometown teams. Ryan Braun has always been my favorite athlete, but Jordy Nelson is a close second. He was such a reliable player for many years. As far as modeling my game though, I look to Davante Adams. His releases and routes are incredibly good, and there is so much I can learn from watching him play.

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

I don’t have a favorite music artist but I listen to a lot of country music. As far as pre-game goes, I don’t listen to my own music. I listen to the music playing over the speaker but I don’t need music. What really gets me excited for the game is going out to the field before everyone gets out there and just envision myself making plays. I realize it’s probably a little different than most people but it gets me ready for the game.

What is your favorite comfort food?

My favorite food of all time is pizza. My favorite pizza place is Antonio’s in Plymouth, Wisconsin. I could eat there every day.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

My favorite movie is Just Go With It with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston. I think it is one of the funniest movies ever and I watch so much.

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

In my spare time I like to go fishing or watch other sports, especially baseball. My dad, brother, and I are attempting to go watch a baseball game in every Major League stadium. I have been to about half the stadiums so far, so I’m hoping I can keep going to more in the future.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My biggest role model is my father. He got me into sports when I was little just by playing with me in the backyard, and he’s had my back with every decision I’ve made including playing college football. He was able to come to almost all of my games, including away games, and that means so much to me. He is the ultimate supporter, and he motivates me to be the best person I can be every day.