2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matt Winzeler, QB, Findlay

• Name: Matt Winzeler
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 205
• Position: QB
• College: University of Findlay
• Twitter: @WinzelerMatt
• Instagram: @Matt_Winzeler14

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
Coming out of high school I went as a preferred walk-on to Toledo. I redshirted, and there was a new coaching change. After weighing my options, I decided that the best thing to do was to go the JUCO route. I played at ASA College in Miami. After receiving my associates, I got the opportunity to play at the University of Findlay. I am majoring in Business Administration and plan on graduating December 2021. Other than football, I have participated in a group called Huddle which is a Christian Fellowship organization.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say my composure, that I stay fairly even-keeled and never show that emotion or be out of my element. I’m also a good communicator.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I am one of the main leaders on the offense. Our program gives the opportunity for many guys to be leaders. I’m more of an extension of our offensive coordinator and QB coach. I’ll see what they are seeing and help the other guys on the field so that we’re all on the same page. I take command of the offense and get guys lined up while being aware of the clock, down and distance.

We play a very balanced system with our run and pass plays. We’ll use a more traditional proset team with fullbacks and blocking tight ends. Although, we work in multiple schemes using the spread offense and utilizing RPOs.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Going back to my JUCO days, I remember playing against Jaquan Brisker who went on to play for Penn State and was recently invited to the Senior Bowl. He was just a different animal. He was a fast safety and big enough to be a LB.

Lately, one of the best players that I’ve faced has been Sha’haun Williams of Notre Dame College. He was a phenomenal edge rusher or was very dominant. He was an offensive disruptor in the pass and run game.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
There are a lot of players that impress me on this team. Chris Jefferson is a stud at safety. He’s just a different kind of athlete. He ended up being tied for the most interceptions in the country last year. Also, we have Ruben Flowers who is a sneaky fast receiver. He has hands like glue. And Brian Benson is a solid tailback. His work ethic, attitude and intensity are unmatched.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My first year at JUCO, it was the day after our second game and Hurricane Irma was making her way to Florida. On very short notice, we had to evacuate. It was very hard to get out because a lot of flights were booked, but luckily I was able to get home. After being home for 2 weeks, we came back to dorm rooms that had been severely damaged by water and mold had started to grow. I was sent to live in a section of the Rodeway Inn living in a room with 3 other guys that was about 45 minutes away from school.

Football was my passion and my way to release. It helped me overcome the hardship of that time. Practice was my mental break from the reminder of basically being like a refugee. I was ultimately able to overcome that situation after obtaining my Associates Degree and getting an opportunity to play at Findlay.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball. I played basketball and baseball my first 2 years of high school. I pitched and played outfield. Lately, I’ve been working on my golf game.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Coming to Findlay and earning the starting QB spot was something that I’m proud of. You’re never guaranteed that role as a transfer. I had one summer to learn the whole playbook and have success with it. In 2019, I was able to earn 2nd Team All-Conference and was conference player of the week a couple times. I’m also proud that I got my Associates and that I’m working my way towards a Bachelors.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
We were playing the reigning conference champions in HIllsdale College. It was the end of the half with 10 seconds left. We were going to score. We were up 20-7 and trying to extend our lead going into halftime. Our tight end, Luke Stuffel, was split out to the left. I dropped back as he was running a post round and threw the ball in between two defenders. He came down scoring the touchdown.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I grew up a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. Tom Brady is the player that I’ve idolized the most. He’s one of the greatest and I strive to be like him. He has great intensity and confidence on the field. He uses the intangible things and moves well in the pocket. We have somewhat a similar style in that we are traditional drop back passers.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I enjoy artists such as Juice Wrld, Drake and Future.

What is your favorite comfort food?
I enjoy baby back ribs from Shorty’s BBQ in Toledo, OH

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Friday Night Lights is one of my favorite movies. The Walking Dead is my favorite TV show. Leonardo Dicaprio is one of my favorite actors.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. I enjoy being outside and going hiking. I also like to golf when I can. I guess one of my secret talents is that I really enjoy cooking and am pretty good at it.

Who or what motivates you the most?
Faith and Family. My goals motivate me. I want to live a life with a purpose and impact other’s lives. I want to help my community and be someone that kids can look up to.