2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Daniel Valente Jr., S, Western University
- Name: Daniel Valente Jr.
- Height: 5’11
- Weight: 185
- Position: Safety
- College: Western University
- Twitter: @DanValente6
What is the best restaurant in your hometown city?
• Dimi’s Greek House
When breaking down your film what will stick out?
• My speed and range at the Safety position along with my abilities to come down hill and be a force in the run game.
If you won the lotto, what is the first thing you would do with the money?
• Take care of my family and make sure the people I care about are worry free.
What has been your biggest failure?
• Losing in the Vanier Cup in my 2nd year.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
• Being an approachable leader that teammates can talk to.
Who is the hardest working teammate on your team?
• Berto Mill
Have you ever had a nickname? What is it?
• Junior
What is your degree in, if you do not make it as a football player, what is your dream job?
• My degree is in Psychology and my dream job is to become a high school teacher and football coach, so I can give back the knowledge that I’ve learned.
What is your coolest life moment?
• Winning the Vanier Cup in my first year!
NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings
What song would you sing at Karaoke night?
• When You Were Young – The Killers
If you could pick any actor to play you in a movie, who are you picking?
• James Franco
Who is your favorite football team?
• Miami Dolphins! PHINS UP!!!
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
• WARNING: Speed Kills
What is your biggest fear?
• Not accomplishing my goals
Who is the most underrated player in the NFL?
• Patrick Peterson
Take us through game day, How do you prepare?
• Have a good breakfast and drink lots of fluids. Head to stadium about 2.5 hours before the game and I like to listen to my music and visualize myself making plays in the game
Do you have any hobbies?
• Fishing, Skiing, Skateboarding, and cooking
If you had to compare yourself to someone in the NFL, who would that be?
• I like to compare my game to Minkah Fitzpatrick. A guy who excels at the safety position but still has the abilities and knowledge to play anywhere on the field. He is a threat in the pass and run game as well as always being mentally prepared and technically sound.
Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?
• My dad for sure! He has always been the person right beside me every step of the way. He pushes me to be the best and is always my number 1 fan!
What motivates you to work hard?
• Fear of failure
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