2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dante Rodriguez, DB, Mercyhurst University
• Name: Dante Rodriguez
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 195
• Position: Safety
• College: Mercyhurst University
• Twitter: @Danterod4
What is the best restaurant in your hometown city?
• Bodega Negra
When breaking down your film what will stick out?
• Hard Hitting and a knack for always knowing where the ball is.
If you won the lotto, what is the first thing you would do with the money?
• I would invest in real estate and make sure all of my family members own a home.
What has been your biggest failure?
• Not taking more risks and stepping out of my comfort zone.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
• My leadership skills and passion for the game.
Who is the hardest working teammate on your team?
• Jon Lochiatto, he worked his way from 4th string corner to big-time starter and playmaker.
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
• My friends usually call me Tae.
What is your degree in, if you do not make it as a football player, what is your dream job?
• Sports Business Management, my dream job would be owning my own gym and becoming a personal trainer. I would like to train the top athletes in the world.
What is your coolest life moment?
• Traveling to Jamaica and experiencing the vibrancy of the island.
What song would you sing at Karaoke night?
• Empire State of Mind – Alicia Keys
Check out NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings
If you could pick any actor to play you in a movie, who are you picking?
• Adam Sandler because I would say we have the same sense of humor.
Who is your favorite football team?
• New York Giants
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
• My Passion/Pride could get the best of me.
What is your biggest fear?
• Not being able to give my Parents the life they deserve.
Who is the most underrated player in the NFL?
• Tyrann Mathieu
Take us through game day, How do you prepare?
• Wake up with my daily prayer, 10 minutes of meditation, Quick workout/stretch, get dressed, have to wear my Delano shirt every game (RIP my brother), and headphones on full volume usually listening to A Boogie or Polo G.
Do you have any hobbies?
• I love to cook, I’ll put my Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo against anyone.
If you had to compare yourself to someone in the NFL, who would that be?
• Tyrann Mathieu
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?
• My brother, he didn’t get the same opportunity I have playing college football. He always tells me to take advantage of my opportunity because so few people get this chance.
What motivates you to work hard?
My circumstances. Being raised in the South Bronx, I am surrounded by violence, drugs, and poverty. I want to overcome my circumstances and show the youth who is in my shoes that you can make it out.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com