2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Blake Zarubiak, DL, University of Toronto

• Name: Blake Zarubiak
• Position: DL
• College: University of Toronto
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 272 lbs
• Instagram: @blazezarubiak

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

Honestly it started for me at the age of 7 I was playing soccer and I was really aggressive and I moved into hockey and was really aggressive there too and my neighbor’s kid was playing football and my mom talked to their mom and got signed up for pop warner and it just stuck. As soon as I moved into a defensive position I fell in love with it and that was all she wrote.

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

Discipline, accountability, relentless, work ethic and leadership.

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

High focused, high motor type of energy. I’m there in the present.

What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

My speed, high motor, and twitchiness is what separates me from other defensive linemen.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

To play professional football. Here at my university as much as my coaches and teammates put in I want to win championships for them. And playing football in the CFL with the mindset of becoming a starter, playing at a high level and just better my craft and understanding of football as well.

What should we know about Blake Zarubiak the person?

I’m a transparent loyal person, my joy is my community knowing people and I care about school just as much as football. Goal oriented as well.

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

Definitely player accountability, discipline, relentless effort and trust.

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

Aaron Donald for sure, reason being he’s a smaller body as far as height. He’s also an interior defensive lineman like me. I would just love to pick his brain and he’s going to be a hall of famer so even for 5 minutes it would be unreal just to do that. For him and just the way he plays just to understand that would be incredible.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One I’m down in my stance on the football field looking at my left and right to see a group of individuals come together as one unit to accomplish a goal that’s a special moment. 2nd being in the locker room around a group of like minded individuals that are supporting each other is special because as an only child it’s special to me. 3rd would be the 1st game of this past season we beat Ottawa U a highly respected program in a close game and to see my coaches tear up it made me realize it means all the sacrifices you make it’s meaningful.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They are going to get a relentless individual who sets goals and works hard to obtain them. They are going to get a family member and a team leader.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I’ve had alot of adversity in my career I accept it with open arms. I try to understand a challenge to it’s fullest extent and then create an action plan to overcome it. And you can’t beat a guy who doesn’t quit.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

Right now I’m keeping my training at a high level and making sure I’m in the best shape and staying healthy during this period.