2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Antonio Montero, LB, Villanova University

• Name: Antonio Montero
• Position: LB
• College: Villanova University (Transfer from Rice)
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 234 lbs
• Twitter: @Amontero23
• Instagram: @amontero23

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

My family in Wisconsin, they are big cheeseheads. So growing up I would passionately watch AJ Hawk.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Definitely winning the state championship my freshman year and kicking the game winning XP and winning again my senior year as captain, playing LSU the year before they won, playing on senior night at Rice and winning Mr. Football in Minnesota.

What sets you apart from other linebackers?

My mind for the game and my instincts and now my change of direction, ability to move in space.

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

I’m very energetic, celebrate with my teammates, always bring the juice and I have called plays for the last 8 years bring communication sideline to sideline.

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

Luke Kuechly, it’s no secret that he did everything right. I’d love to pick his brain and see how he prepared and used to train.

How do you prepare for games?

I try to get in the zone with some music, get a brief workout in and go over the game plan and make sure I know any adjustments that need to be made, then get hyped up closer to game time and get some protein in.

What should we know about Antonio Montero the person?

So I have pretty strong family ties to Spain. I love all different types of sports soccer, tennis, I’ve always down for a pickup basketball game. Working on getting my MBA masters in business and on the football field I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get to the next level.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

3-3-5, it allows you to do a lot of different things and allows the defense to do alot of things and if the defensive line really do there job it frees up the linebackers to make plays.

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

I’ve found that when there is a challenge I don’t want to do start it and if you need help reaching out to people and if I have a problem on school, life or on the football field I ask to get the challenge out of my head.

What would a team get in a player like you?

An NFL team would be getting someone going 100 percent and someone willing to adapt to anything and someone who will play special teams and do anything to get onto the roster. And also pick up the playbook quickly and minimize mistakes.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Hopefully winning a national championship, Villanova had a great season last year and I think we are one of the better teams. And I hope to be one of the best linebackers in the FCS.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Miles McCord, he played cornerback at Rice University, he was a very long and rangy cornerback and he didn’t get the recognition he deserved. He’s a hard worker too.