2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mandy Alonso, DL, University of Virginia

• Name: Mandy Alonso
• Position: DL
• College: University of Virginia
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 290 lbs
• Twitter: @mandy_alonso55
• Instagram: @mandyalonso_91

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

• I want to be a top player at my position in the NFL. I look up to all those guys in the league that play defensive tackle and defensive end and I want to be where they are. Football has always been something I’ve been the best at and I just want to keep getting better at it at the highest level on earth.

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

• Hardworking, tough, humble, disciplined, and dedicated

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

• My dad put me in flag football first as a little kid then in 2nd grade I started pop warner and from then I’ve been in love with the sport. Watching it and playing it.

What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

• I think what sets me apart is my twitchyness off the ball. There may be guys stronger or faster, but in those few seconds right when the ball is snapped I am always the fastest off the ball even with outside backers and defensive ends who are lighter.

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

• Whenever I have a challenge in my way I never really get down on myself and pity my situation. Things such as injuries and surgeries are apart of this game and I have had two surgeries that have challenged me in football and in life because that recovery time is hard on the body and the mind and I find it best to just grind through it and attack each day specifically and setting a goal every workout or session or day to mark the little victories within that challenge.

What should we know about Mandy Alonso the person?

• Something to know about me is that I am a big fan of the game of chess, and I love animals and I have a 3 year old female pit bull named Chanel.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

• My favorite moment in my football career had to have been my junior year when I had a great game against Virginia Tech and had the game sealing safety in the end zone to end the 20 something year losing streak to them which led to all the fans rushing the field.

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

• It would definitely be Aaron Donald because I see myself a lot like him in his game and personality and he is the best defensive linemen to play the game and possibly defensive player. Would love to get his insights on all things he does to be the best day in and day out.

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

• I think the keys to success in the field are not just being fast but playing fast by being clear on what you have to do and what you see so you can slow the game up in your head.

What would a team get in a player like you?

• A team would get an extremely competitive and hardworking player that will always be team first player who loves this game.

How are you planning to prepare for the draft?

• Right now I am done with training for pro day and I am just training up in Virginia as I wait on hopefully getting a call on draft weekend.

What do you love about the game of football?

• I love football because I love the competition, family, and brotherhood aspect it brings along with the lessons it has taught me to become the man I am today.