2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Michael Pezzuto, DL, University of Ottawa

• Name: Michael Pezzuto 
•  Position:DE/DL
•  College: University of Ottawa
•  Height: 6’4
•  Weight: 265
•  Twitter:@pezzuto20
•  Instagram: @pezzuto91

 What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect in my position is my versatility in the field. My strength, explosiveness, and reach make it possible for me to play the run and the pass, off the edge or inside. I am also used as a tight end/ full back.

 At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I fell in love with the game of football ever since I could remember.  I’d watch the Montreal Alouettes play imagining myself catching a pass from Calvillo and making the game-changing tackle.

 What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is I am a great competitor. Play after play I’m ready to give 100% effort. I do not like losing and I’m ready to do anything to help my team move towards championships.

 If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be the “Habitat for Humanity”. This organization helps communities suffering from poverty around the world by building schools, houses, and playgrounds I have traveled to communities in South America to help build schools and houses previously. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Ever since I was young, my mom constantly reminded me of one thing in life: never take time for granted. Time that has passed is something impossible to get back, that is why it is important to seize every opportunity and always give it you’re all. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood heroes were and still are my parents. Although they both worked full time and went to night school, they always made sure my sister and I lived our best life as children. Both of them have never missed one practice or game of ours. I am very grateful for my parents and what they have provided me. 

 Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

Christopher Ciguineau. I’ve played football with Chris for 7 years and I have observed him mature into a great DB through our lengthy friendship. Although he’s only been playing halfback for 2 years, he’s always the first and last on the field. His work ethic is unmatched, and he is always ready to learn. 

 What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is unpunctuality and laziness. I am all for productivity. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment in my life I had to overcome is having a knee surgery in my first year of coming into university. This made it hard for me to prove myself as I was constantly dealing with pain in my knee and being put on the injury reserve list. Luckily, I managed to rehab my knee properly and pushed myself till I got a starting spot back on the roaster. 

 Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The University of Ottawa has one of the oldest football programs in university sports athletics. Lots of alumni help us by paving the way with opportunities on and off the field. Also, Ottawa is in the middle of Toronto and Montreal making it a very diverse city. The connections and friendships I have made here are incomparable.  

 What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is vanilla yogurt with granola.

 What is the best part of football?

The best part of football is being able to ball out and get hyped with my brothers on the field after months of preparation and sacrifice. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

 I’m very passionate about the things I do and am not afraid of facing challenges.

I am very competitive, fearless and if you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

I compare my gameplay to Michael Bennett’s. He is a high motor, aggressive defensive line that has no quit in his game. Play after play he comes after you and plays any position on the defensive line. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

I’d have dinner with Kobe Bryant, Mike Tyson, and Jay-Z. These three people have incredible experience and knowledge. Kobe’s work ethic and adversity are unmatched, Mike Tyson’s fearlessness and rawness make him one of, if not, the most intimidating athletes to live and Jay-Z is an incredibly intelligent and patient individual who makes very smart and calculated decisions putting him in the best spot possible. All three have a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience.