2021 Draft Prospect Interview: Dan Louba, DL, Lenoir-Rhyne University

• Name: Dan Louba
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 280 lbs
• Position: DT
• College: Lenoir-Rhyne University
• Twitter: @dan_louba

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

I go to Lenoir-Rhyne, which is a small division 2 school in Hickory, NC. It is a very close-knit community that really prides itself in their love and support of athletics. My major is Information Technology. Campus life is really chill and still a lot of life. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates say that my best quality is my personality, because I am able to connect with everyone on the team and build personal relationships.

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 team leader and a key person and player that the team can lean on. I am a 3-tech with the ability to play all over the defensive line. I’ve focused this off-season on speed and agility so I can be more versatile.

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

The best player I have ever played against would be Connor Baroniunas – he played guard for Wingate University.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

I have two people: Sherrod Williams and Kyle Dugger. Their work ethic and the way they played inspired and demanded me to push my game to a higher level.

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

This past season I had to play with clubs on both of my hands. Playing defensive line without your hands is a struggle.  My only option was to push through and remember it was bigger than me and bigger than what I was feeling. My team needed me to play, and I ended up finishing the season with 11 sacks.

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

If I didn’t play football I would probably still be wrestling. I was a 2x regional champ and 2x state placer in high school.

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

I am most proud of being able to receive a full scholarship from Lenoir- Rhyne University. My biggest achievement is earning that scholarship and not having my mom worry about me in college. Then setting a good example for my little brother who is looking up to me.

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

Probably my sophomore year when we played Wingate University that was probably the biggest game that I have played thus far in my career. Stopping the run and having a couple of sacks. It was one of my best games and one of the biggest games that ended up sealing my first conference championship. 

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

My favorite player would be Aaron Donald. We have the same build and the way he dominates the games is unbelievable. He is also a player I try to model my game after. The type of attention he gets and deserves when he plays is the type of thing I make sure I get. The other team has to account for him at all times. 

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

My favorite artist would be 50 cent. He is just so real and authentic.  Before games to get me pumped I listen to my gospel playlist. My defensive coordinator in high school told me to try it and ever since then that’s been my go-to.

What is your favorite comfort food?

Macaroni & cheese 

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

All of the Bad Boys are my favorite.

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

Hanging Out with my family and just enjoy spending time with them.

Who or what motivates you the most?

My little brother is the person that motivates me the most. He pushes me to be a better man. I want to be a great role model so that he has someone that he can look up too.