2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Justin Kontny, LB, Carroll University

• Name: Justin Kontny
• Position: LB
• College: Carroll University 
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 233 lbs 
• Twitter: @Kontny_justin54

1. What are your favorite things about playing football for Carroll University?

My favorite thing about playing football at Carroll University is showing out for a smaller school and being around an amazing football culture that we have built from the ground up. It’s an amazing game day feel along with amazing facilities and training staff. I also met some amazing teammates here at Carroll University.

2. What sets you apart from other linebackers?

What sets me apart from other linebackers at all levels of football is my ability to read my keys every play and get into the right position. Add this with being an effective/secure tackler and this is what makes me so efficient compared to other linebackers. Every snap I play with intensity and set myself up to win any rep. My work ethic and pursuit to the ball puts me at the top of the competition. 

3. What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

My mindset on the field is that I’m the best player out there and the other team is gonna have a long day trying to block me. I’m always gonna get mine! I play with a chip on my shoulder since I’ve always been over looked. 

4. What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

The keys to success on the football field are communicating, and knowing your responsibilities every play. If you do this every play you will be successful on the football field. It’s about being accountable and having pride in what you do. 

5. What  is your favorite workout?

My favorite workout is chest and triceps because I know it helps win the one on ones within every play. You got to be violent with your hands and get people off of you. Being a wide body helps when filling holes and moving people out of the way. 

6.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I wanted to be a football player for as long as I could remember. It started with watching college football with my family and I instantly fell in love with the game.

7. If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could hang out with any football player it would be Luke Kuechly. He flips a switch on the field that turned him into a playmaker. He had a high motor and a relentless mentality. You could tell he prepared harder than anyone and knew offenses better than offensive players. He had an amazing football IQ.

8. What role do you hope to have if you make it into the NFL?

If I made it into the NFL I’m ready to grind day in and day out to make it onto an active roster. I wanna help make the guys around me better and help the team anyway I can and go from there. Of course the role I would want one day would to be a playmaker on the team but coming from D3 ball I know I’ll have to work harder than anyone else to make this a reality. I’ll always strive for perfection.

9. What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

On the football field I bring a high energy. I keep everyone’s morale up and am very vocal. I celebrate when our team makes great plays and keep the energy up. When I’m in the zone I feed off these highs and my love for the game shows. For most its easy to not bring the juice when things aren’t going their way but from me It’s about making a play when my team needs it to get the energy back. 

10. What would a team get in a player like you?

Any team that took a chance on me will get a person with unmatched work ethic, an amazing team player, and someone who is committed to the game. I’m tough and will roll with the punches. A team will see a confident player who will not make the same mistake twice. Any mistake is a learning experience. In saying this I am extremely coachable and have the the internal drive for greatness.

11.What are you looking forward to this upcoming season?

This upcoming season I am looking to taking the field with my brothers and winning as many games as possible. I want to end my college career accomplishing all my team goals and individual goals such as being one of the best linebackers in the nation. I want to demonstrate my skills on the field and have my film do the talking for me. I am looking forward to seeing all the hours of hard work I put in during the off season pay off in the upcoming football season.

12. What has been your biggest challenge in life?

The biggest challenge I have faced in my lifetime so far is adapting to life after losing a parent. With a life changing experience like this it taught me to cherish every day and make the best of it without taking anything for granted. All my best memories with my father go hand in hand with football and I play every snap for him. I continue to make him proud in all aspects of my life. He is my number one motivation every day and would be proud to see the next steps in my football career and life!