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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Michael Nacnac, LB, Clarke University

Michael Nacnac the rover linebacker for Clarke University recently sat down with Justin Berendzen of NFL Draft Diamonds. Check him out.
  • Name: Michael Nacnac
  • Position: LB
  • College: Clarke University 
  • Height: 5’7″
  • Weight:190 lbs
  • Twitter: @michael_nacnac

1.What sets you apart from other linebackers?

– I am quick off the ball and able to time the snap. I am also good at disguising my blitzes. 

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

– When I am on the field my mindset is to be a DAWG. The first thing that comes to mind is to play my role. It’s a game of reaction, athleticism, and contributing towards the defensive playing scheme. There is no room for hesitation, you go all out one speed. It’s me vs. the man in front of me, size doesn’t matter I’ll make him feel me. HIT SOMEBODY!

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

– If I make it pro I would most likely see myself playing at the nickel position while contributing towards all special teams. I can make a significant impact on special teams. 

4.What coverage is your favorite and why?

– My favorite coverage to play in is cover 2. In this scheme I am able to disguise my lineup and confuse the quarterback. I’m also good at covering out routes and coming down to hit on running back swing passes. 

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

– If I was to hang out with any football player it would be Ray Lewis. He has inspired me to play the linebacker position and to become the best version of myself. Not only was he the hardest hitter on the field but he is a man of God. He would talk about how he was always overlooked because of his size and how his faith brought him to his accomplishments. In his interviews he’d always quote, Isaiah 54:17 “No weapon formed against me shall prosper”. I took that to heart and got it tattooed on my arm. That’s the quote that I live by. 

6.What are your favorite things about playing football for Clarke University?

– What I like about playing for Clarke University is that we play for each other, we play as a team, and we feed off each other’s energy. The coaches at Clarke University care for us athletes both on and off the field. Everyone at Clarke University is very supportive of the football team and I receive a lot of love and recognition from the staff. Being that it is a smaller university I am able to develop personal relationships with others. 

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

– I was inspired to become a football player because of my dad. He played football in high school and always watched football games for as far as I could remember. I remember we used to watch University of Hawaii football back in 2006/2007 when they had their best years. We went to watch them live vs. Fresno State (sold out crowd) and it was one of the greatest experiences I’ve had. At that point I decided that I wanted to play football.

8.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

– High school football gave me the best memories and lifelong friendships. In Junior College at College of the Canyons, we went undefeated my sophomore year and became Conference Champs. Those guys at COC helped shape me to become the athlete that I am today. At Clarke University I was able to be a part of the program’s very first win in school history. That was a moment that I would always remember. 

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

– I bring a lot of anger/tension and confidence towards the football field. Like I said prior, we feed off each other’s energy. You gotta be a DAWG going into that field.

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

– The team would get a player who is fundamentally sound, a motivator and a contributor. Not only do I want to better myself, but I want my teammates to reach the best of their potential as well. We are only as good as the weakest link in the field. The team can also put their trust in me to do my part and make plays happen.

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

– The keys to success in football starts with preparation. This includes perfecting your technique to the point where it becomes natural, studying film of the opposing team, being physically capable of making plays, and taking care of your body! 

12.What is a moment in your football career that improved you as a football player?

– Believe it or not, the injuries I’ve had has helped me to improve as a football player. I tore my ACL my junior year of high school which forced me to work harder and be more appreciative of my playing opportunities. At my Junior College I fractured my shoulder and only played 13 games in a two year span. However, within those two years I went up against/played alongside with some of the best football athletes which formed to be the athlete that I am today. 

Damond Talbot

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

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