2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joshua Zakavec, LS, University of Mary
- Name: Joshua Zakavec
- Position: Long Snapper
- College: University of Mary
- Height: 6’1”
- Weight: 230
- Twitter: josh_zakavec58
- Instagram: jzak58
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?
I want to help my team any way I can, and for me that’s more than just snapping the ball, it’s making tackles, helping with protection on punt, and creating turnovers.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I was first interested at 7 years old.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
I’m a hard worker on and off the field, love improving in the weight room and in speed/agility training.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
Wounded Warriors Project or a veteran assistance program.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Self Improvement is the most selfless thing you can do.
Who was your childhood hero?
Peyton Manning
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
Tylen Small DB
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Chewing sounds
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
My whole college career has come with adversity, got cut from University of Wyoming, struggled in JUCO, dealt with a losing culture at Lincoln, but now prospering at UMARY.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
People make the place! My coaches, teammates, and teachers are all what make UMARY special.
What is your favorite snack food?
PB&J
What is the best part of football?
A group of guys who come from all walks of life united in one common goal.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
I’ve dealt with my fair share of adversity, and I’ve responded in the best way I know how, which is putting my head down and work!
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
Casey Kreiter
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Dave Chappelle for comedic relief, Casey Kreiter to talk about the craft of Long Snapping, and Adele for an after meal performance.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com