NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Zach Adler, DB, Marist College

NFL Draft Diamonds and our staff have been bringing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 2 years and this year we mixed up the questions and added some fun questions for our readers. We have tons of NFL staff that read our interviews, and we actually received several of the questions from NFL scouts we speak too. This gives them a little bit more information regarding your character. We hope to bring you more than 300 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.

What is your name?

Zach Adler

What is your Height/Weight?

6’1 205

What is your position?

Free safety

Where do you play college football?

Marist College

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

Every year I get to volunteer and work for the Special Olympics we hold at Marist College.

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

Math

Where are you from?

Orange County New York

Who is your role model, and why?

My grandpa and my dad. I have looked up to both of them since I was young and they both have molded me into the man I am today.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played basketball, baseball,track

Did you play any other positions in football?

I’ve played running back, wide receiver and even kicker

At your position, what separates you from others?

I would have to say my ability to read a play before it even happens and the ability to put myself and my team In the right spot. Also being a vocal leader on the field. Playing wide receiver my whole life I believe I have great hands and can read receivers route breaks considering I played the position for so long.

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

I see if the quarterback, wide receivers, running back have any tendencies. I also like to watch the full game film of my opponent vs other teams because I like to get a feel of the play calls the coach is calling and at what times and field position they are on. I especially like to see when my opponent will run a trick play or if they will go deep right after a turn over for example.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Reggie Bell wide receiver for University of San Diego. Plays for the Saints.

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

Tyrann Mathieu “the honey badger” I believe I am a play maker and at any time I can make that big play to change a game. I also believe I can read plays and react before they happen. Not only is he a great athletic DB but he is physical as well. I finished with 17 career interceptions but at the same time I’m not afraid to come down and make the big it. One thing I also like about the honey badger is the energy he brings and how his teammates feed off him.

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

I would say not getting a lot of offers coming out of high school. I took it personal and made sure I was the first one in and last one out of everything I did (gym,practice,treatment,film). It made my work ethic that much better and it made me the player I am today.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I like to listen to music and eat candy. My favorite candy before a game is skittles.

What is your biggest strength?

I’m hard working and dedicated and will do whatever it takes to be successful and I won’t stop until I am successful.

What is your biggest weakness?

Speed but I am faster than it appears and my game study and ability to understand angles and route running helps overcome that.

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

I am versatile, I can fit in many schemes, FS/Nickel/Dime. I am big/strong enough to cover TE and quick enough to cover slot I am willing to do whatever the coach needs me to do- I think I showed my versatility in the Tropic Bowl game against some top prospects on the very first play of the game- on the kickoff I was 2nd inside, ran my lane and closed properly, made the big hit and caused a fumble.

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

New York Giants

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

Kobe Bryant, my Grandpa, Moses

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

I would like to take my entire family out for a nice dinner, considering I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.