NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Evan Stahl, P, Millersville University

NFL Draft Diamonds website has been providing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 3 years and this year we mixed things up a bit. Our questions are designed to give our readers a little more insight on the draft eligible player. We hope to bring you more than 500 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner to the right.  Now let’s meet our next prospect!!!!

What is your name? 

Evan Stahl

What is your Height/Weight?

6 foot 1 inch/205lbs 

What is your position? 

Punter

Where do you play college football?

Millersville University  

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field?

The coolest thing I was fortunate enough to do was help a youth football program in the Lancaster area. I was able to help coach the kids on the fundamentals of the game and even show them how to kick a couple footballs.  

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

The hardest class I ever had to take was Managerial Finance. Besides having a test each week on new material, the 30-page financial analyst paper was a hefty challenge to overcome. In the end, I came out a better business student.

Where are you from? 

Hartsville, Pennsylvania

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model would have to be my father. His work ethic is inspiring and the way he carries himself has influenced me in my day-to-day life. If it wasn’t for him I don’t think I would have been able to accomplish the things that I have.

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

Growing up I mostly played soccer and rugby.

Did you play any other positions in football?

I started playing football in 11^th grade and focused myself on kicking and punting.  

At your position, what separates you from others?

What separates me from other punters is my ability to flip the field when need be. Also being able to directional punt and down the ball inside the 20 has been a strong suit of mine.    

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

When I break down film as a punter I look for the rushes the other team runs and where they place the most pressure. I also like to check out the returners and how they handle punts in certain situations.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced? 

The toughest player I ever faced was Craig Reynolds who plays for Kutztown University. He is a great running back and someone who can be a deadly returner in any game. His physicality and speed are what sets him apart.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why? 

If I could compare myself to one player it would be Steve Weatherford who was the punter for the New York Giants. Steve was huge into fitness and his work ethic was unmatched. I see myself in Steve because of my addiction to the weight room and my ability to place the ball where I want it.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it? 

My biggest obstacle that I had to overcome was trying to make a name for myself and prove to my coaches and teammates that I wasn’t just another punter. I was someone who was going to work and do all the same things the other position players do. I haven’t faced too many hardships in my life, but football was able to show me who I really am through trials and tribulations.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? 

I am not a very superstitious person, but if there is anything I like to do before a game it’s having my wrists tapped.

What is your biggest strength? 

My biggest strength is my work ethic and using my 24 hours to my advantage. Being able to wake up early and be organized in what I have to accomplish each and everyday has helped me greatly.

What is your biggest weakness? 

My biggest weakness is my patience. I like to get things done fast and everything is a race with myself.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I would tell them I’m a rookie who can come in and start producing right away. Someone who is selfless and willing to be paid far less than a veteran who has been there longer. I’m someone who can play just as well as a veteran punter and produce results helping the team to success.

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up?

Philadelphia Eagles  

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, whom would you choose?

Chris Farley, Frank Sinatra and Robert Redford

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

Besides paying off my student loans, I will probably end up buying a red BMW M3.