NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Andre Mintze, OLB, Vanderbilt

Andre Mintze Vanderbilt
Andre Mintze has shown good leadership and grit as an edge rusher at Vanderbilt University. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.

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?
As a student at Vanderbilt it’s hard so to be able to leave there with a Masters in Medicine, Health, & Society is a blessing. I got to do some great things like study abroad in France and Australia because of it.

Outside of football, I started a charitable foundation called Dancing Dores, which is a fundraising competition between the different Vanderbilt athletic teams to raise money for the Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Through partnering with Dance Marathon, we have raised more than $60,000 within the last two years.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My best quality would be the ability to lead and be passionate in the midst of adversity.

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 leader on the football field. I’m a 2-time team captain. I believe I’m best effective on the edge and on special team units. Whether that’s a 3-4 or 4-3 , either way I think my skills set will transition well on the edge in both schemes.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I would say Andrew Thomas from UGA.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I would say Dayo Odeyingbo, he’s extremely talented.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
I tore my Left ACL three times, and had to fight back each time to get back on the football field. That struggle created a drive in me that shapes my work ethic to this day.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I can’t think of playing anything else.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I would say my biggest achievement to date would be starting the charitable foundation, The Dancing Dores, at my school. It’s the first of its kind, and it’s gonna keep going long after I’m removed from the University.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I would say 2019 vs Missouri, I sacked Kelly Bryant in the 4th quarter to seal a win for us.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I don’t have a favorite athlete but I do watch a bunch of film on NFL edge players that fit my body type so I can learn from players like Frank Clark, Shaquil Barrett, and Za’darius Smith.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
It varies but I’m big on Philly rap before my games. So I would say artists like Leaf Ward, G1, OT7, and Parris are who I listen to the most on those days.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite actor has to be Franklin from the show Snowfall. He was ahead of his time.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I make YouTube videos about sports, my family, and life.

You can check it out at: Dre Mintze Tv

https://youtube.com/channel/UCPwulwbDtbvv4gV5FeiIXJg

Who or what motivates you the most?
My love of the game, and my family motivates me the most.

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