2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Blaine Netterman, S, Delaware Valley

• Name: Blaine Netterman
• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 215 lbs.
• Position: S
• College: Delaware Valley University
• Twitter: BlaineNetterman
• Instagram: blainenetterman

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I’ve been at DelVal for 5 years now. I am majoring in Criminal Justice and have made the Dean’s list for the past three semesters in a row. I’ve also participated on the Student Athletic Committee and with fundraisers.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I would say my teammates consider me to be one of the hardest workers, yet I’m also very humble and reserved. I have my guys’ backs no matter what. They have given me the nickname as the silent killer on the field because while I do not do much talking, I let the way I play speak for itself.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I have a big leadership role and was also named team captain for this season. I have called out plays on defense, and I’m looking to have a more vocal role this upcoming season. I line up at safety, although I’m really used as a Swiss Army Knife on defensive, moving around on the field. I’m good over top. I also come down in the box, rush the passer off the edge or even move inside as a run defender. I’ve played special teams every year, mostly on kickoffs and punt coverage. I hope to have an even bigger impact on special teams this year.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
In my sophomore season, we played against North Central in the playoffs. Their QB Brock Rutter was very effective. He did such a good job of orchestrating the offense and moving the ball down the field. He had a great connection with his receivers. I feel like we gave them the toughest test that season with them going on to be the eventual champs.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Dan Allen was a huge impact for our offense who was an All-American TE in 2019. He was a big 6’5 target that could run like a deer. He was an X-factor for our team that was hard to stop. He would line up everywhere and be dominant. He was very physical and strong.

Jamir Prevard has been a crazy athlete in our secondary. He led all of D3 last year in picks. He made a lot of great plays seemingly out of nowhere. He makes everything look easy.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
During high school, my mom was battling breast cancer. That took its toll on the family. She ended up having a bad infection while going through chemo which put her in the hospital for a while. There were nights when we didn’t know if she was going to make it. I used my opportunity to play sports as an outlet, putting it all on the line and playing harder as she went through her struggle. I had many good people around me like Coach James who was my baseball coach. He was a very positive figure during that time that was very supportive.

My mom was finally able to pull through and beat cancer. That hardship really helped bring the family together, making us all stronger and appreciating each other more. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball. It was the sport I first loved going back to when I was 5. I played some catcher and a lot of outfielder through my senior year of high school. I almost played baseball at DelVal, but decided to focus my efforts on being the best football player that I could be.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m mostly proud of starting as a true freshman. Coming in, special teams playing time was my first goal, but I eventually moved up the depth chart. I’m a 3-time First Team All-Conference player and also made the All-MAC Academic Team. Yet, I won’t be satisfied until I reach the goal of being an All-American.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
During the 2019 playoffs, we were in a dogfight with Bridgewater who was the highest seed in their bracket. I had a crucial interception late in that game. We were in a cover 3, and as I came down, I had hands on the #2 with eyes on the #1. Prevard tipped a pass and being in the right spot, I was able to dive for the ball and get the pick. We ran the clock out and got the victory. That gave a lot of momentum for us to get deep in the playoffs.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’ve been a big fan of the Carolina Panthers. Christian McCaffrey has been my favorite player to watch going back to his days at Stanford. It’s just exciting to watch him pile up the all-purpose yards. He’s one of the most electrifying players when healthy. As far as guys at my position, I enjoy watching Jeremy Chinn fly around for the Panthers. I’ve often been compared to Harrison Smith. I like how he’s able to play over top and also come down and lay the wood.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
On game day, I enjoy listening to guys like Meek Mill, Lil Baby and Lil Durk.

What is your favorite comfort food?
The cheesesteaks at Pat’s Pizza in Point Pleasant, NJ are the best.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movies are Friday Night Lights and Lone Survivor. My favorite TV Show is The King of Queens. One of my favorite actors is Mark Wahlberg.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I enjoy spending time with my family and girlfriend. I live very close to the beach and enjoy going there. I also like to think that I’m a decent golfer. I’ll occasionally play video games as well.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I love the physicality of the game and the matchups between you and the other team. I enjoy the team aspect. I enjoy the buildup, film study, practice and anticipation all week. I also have the desire to play as long as I can.

My parents, girlfriend and grandfather motivate me the most. My grandfather is one of my best friends and biggest fans. He travels very far to come to my games. I want to make them proud of whatever I do and put on a show as a football player.