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2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dana Shoulders, DL, Bluffton University

Dana Shoulders the sound pass rusher from Bluffton University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Dana Shoulders
  • Position: DL
  • College: Bluffton University 
  • Height: 6’2″
  • Weight: 240 lbs 
  • Twitter: @Val_Zod1117
  • Instagram: @knockers_1117

1.What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

I’d say my versatility, if you see my film I play a stand up defensive end, 3 tech, some times even head up on the center. I can be productive from all over the line of scrimmage. 

2. What is a moment that improved you as a football player?

No specific moment, but I’d say watching myself from years before. Being able to physically see the things I needed to get better at and working on them. 

3. What are your favorite things about playing football for Bluffton?

The people I’ve encountered, and the opportunities I’ve been given. Being at a smaller school, you don’t have all of the extra stuff to motivate you outside of the love of the game and the people around you.

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

If I had to pick one it would be Aaron Donald. I’d like to pick his brains, talk football and get a workout in with him. Feel like he’d be able to elevate my game and give me tools I can put in my bag.

5. How do you prepare for games?

Film, trying to recognize different formations, nuances in linemen’s stance that might tip their hat as to what play they’re running. Getting use to what they like to do going against our scout team throughout the week. 

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

It was a culmination of things. I was a bigger kid growing up, and I would always get in trouble for playing with other kids or my cousins too rough. I loved that football being aggressive and rough was applauded. I liked that it was a contact sport, the older I got, the more I learned I just fell in love with the game.

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

Playing in the elite 8 in high school, getting a strip sack my freshman year against our rivals Defiance College late in the fourth quarter and then when I saw I made first team All- conference this past season.

8.What is your favorite workout?

Squats. They suck but I love them. 

9. What should we know about Dana Shoulders Jr the person?

I believe I’m a far better person than I am a football player. I love being with friends and family and positive energy. It keeps me balanced. I’m a nerd so anything marvel or superhero/anime related I can get into and I love chipotle.

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

They’d be getting a grinder. Someone who’s going to show up everyday with a chip on their shoulder. A team guy who wants to win and a versatile football player.

11. What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to a successful season as a team. I’m coming off a 1st team All-conference season so my next goal is to be an All-American. I thought
I fit the criteria as a player this last year but, I just looked at it as something else to work towards and another reason to go harder than I did last year. Lastly, I’m looking forward to just improving and getting better as a player. 

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

Doing my job, and to dominate and change the game.

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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