NFL Draft Diamonds Free Agent Interview: Kyle Castilleja, Wide Receiver

Hello, I am @jrberendzen on Twitter and this is one of my free agent interviews where I ask very deserving free agents questions about the players themselves and about what a team would get in these players. All of these players should get picked up by NFL, CFL, and XFL teams and get a shot at being a career football player. So I hope you all read this interview with Kyle Castilleja and follow his journey on social media.

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

I improved as a football player drastically this summer after having the opportunity to train along side and pick the brain of NFL players such as Jarvis Landry, Cyril Grayson, Amari Rodgers, KJ Osborn, and others. We trained with Receiver Factory, Brandon White. The knowledge and intensity that what instilled by Coach, and the athleticism and attention to detail brought by the players set the perfect environment for me to develop. In a short session I was able to learn so much and improved tremendously as a player.

Which past or present NFL coach would you want to learn from the most and why?

I would love to learn from current Dolphins WR Coach Wes Welker. A former legend that has similar play style and size to that of mine. I would relish the opportunity to pick his knowledge on coverage recognition, leverage, route running, and alignment.

If there was a billboard with 5 of your traits on it, which 5 traits would be up there?

1.RESILIENT 2. DISCIPLINED 3. COMMITTED 4. DETERMINED 5. FEARLESS

What sets you apart from other wide receivers?

I am a wide receiver that prides themselves on being quarterback friendly. I understand my role on a given play and execute my role consistently. From blocking to my route running, my quarterback, teammates, and coaches can rely on me to do what is expected of me every time. Also, my poise as a player. I am not easily rattled or shaken. My focus is consistent on every play.

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

The keys to success on the football field begins long before a ball is even snapped. Through off-season, training camp, and team meetings. Building relationships and comradery with players and coaches. Developing a high level of respect and commitment to one another. Team values that are reflective of high character. Then it is having the commitment day in and day out to complete the tasks at hand, from weight room, to practice, and recovery.

What should we know about KYLE CASTILLEJA the person?

KYLE CASTILLEJA is a first and foremost a follower of Christ. I am family man and will always put my faith and my family above myself. I hold myself to the highest of standards and professionalism and would be embody the type of player both on and off the field that would represent and organization with class, commitment, and talent.

What is your favorite route and why?

My favorite route is the blaze out. This route is my favorite, especially against man coverage, because I take the inside or the outside release, work the stack, sell the post at 12 and break flat to the outside at 15. This allows me great separation because most DB’s will be expecting a high break like a post-corner. This allows me the 1-2 step separation to make the catch and get up the field.

What is your typical training routine?

My typical training routine is very speed & power intensive. Broken into three lower body workouts per week with [2] consisting of knee dominant and hip dominant workouts, with speed training done before lifting, and [1] consisting of plyometrics and isometrics. There are 1-2 upper body days that is focused on reactive strength and elastic strength. Skill work is sprinkled throughout the week and may take the place of a lower body workout depending on the demands of the current needs.