2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kyle Sentkowski, K, Sacramento State

• Name: Kyle Sentkowski
• Position: Kicker
• College: Sacramento State
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 203
• Twitter: KyleSentkowski
• Instagram: kyle_sentkowski

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?

-I am one of the most accurate kickers in this year’s draft class. When it comes to kicking the most important part is being able to perform in a game. I have shown this throughout my whole college career. I have made field goals in all different types of situations. I have also played in every kind of weather possible. When you look at the film no matter the weather or the situation, I am always making kicks and showing why my accuracy puts me as one of the top draft picks in this class.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

-When I was 10 years old. That’s when I started my first season of football. I played a couple different positions. I played running back, linebacker, a little bit of quarterback, and kicker.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

-I am a grinder. I do everything the right way to make sure I can go out and perform to the best of my ability. I take lifting, kicking, and recovery very seriously. I do everything I possibly can to make sure I can get every advantage to be better than everyone else. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

-If I could donate to a cause in the world, it would be for hunger relief. I have been in a situation before where maybe I had to go without a meal, or I could only make something very small. My body would feel awful, and I don’t want anyone to feel that way. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

-The best advice I have ever received was from one of my old head coaches. He would always say “the best ability is availability”. This is why I take my body and training so serious because I know I have no value to a team if I am not available to perform.  

Who was your childhood hero?

-A person I viewed as a hero was Dwyane Wade. I would always watch his highlights and games. I loved how he was so calm and collected, but he was also so dominant when he was on the court. You would also never see him complain about any calls. He was just an all-around good person and amazing basketball player. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

-The most underrated teammate in my locker room was Connor Stutz. He is a very unselfish individual. He is the backup punter but when he gets his chance, I believe he will be an All American. He punts a big ball very consistently. He also held for me all season. He did an amazing job. He was able to catch some crazy snaps and still get them down on the spot. I had so much faith in him I always knew the ball was going to be right where it needed to be. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

-When something is not organized. I like to have a plan for my day or a plan for whatever I am doing. I usually write out a plan for what I am going to do. I don’t understand how people can function without being organized.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

– I have been very fortunate to live a blessed life. One thing that I did need to overcome though was my bad GPA from high school. I knew I wanted to play college football, but I didn’t have the grades to accept any of the offers I received. I knew going to a Junior College was my last opportunity to get to where I wanted to be. I had a ton of doubt in my mind that this was the end of my football journey. When I got to my Junior College, I did everything I possibly could to get good grades. My Junior College helped change the way I looked at school and gave me the foundation to be successful. I went on to make President’s list and Dean’s list every semester I was in college. I carry all those lessons taught to me and apply them to my everyday life.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

-There are a ton of special things about sac state, but I think the most important are the people in charge. They really care for the students. The president, teachers, coaches, and all the people that do the unnoticed things around campus. All these people try their hardest to give every student the best experience possible, and they are willing to do whatever to help you. 

What is your favorite snack food?

-My favorite snack food is the strawberry uncrustables. 

What is the best part of football?

-I think the best part about football is creating bonds with your teammates that will last a lifetime. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

-I am the most competitive person I know; I compete to win. 

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

-If I could compare myself to anyone in the NFL it would be Robbie Gould. I watch a lot of film on him. We are both simple kickers in our form. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

-The three people I would like to have dinner with would be Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo. These are three athletes that have completely dominated their sports and I would want to pick their brains on what they did to get so successful.