Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Matthew Gregg, LB, Southern Nazarene University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you.

What is your name?

Matthew Gregg

Where do you play college football?

Kilgore JUCO and Southern Nazarene University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Over 10

How did you choose your school?

I wasn’t D-1 eligible coming out of Kilgore. And the D-2 SNU offered me and my brother BJ Smith full rides and felt like the coaches and Christian atmosphere would benefit me.

Where are you from?

Houston, Texas

Who is your role model, and why?

London Fletcher. He showed the NFL for 16 seasons that he could play at his height, from a small school and he always motivated me that hard work and smarts can get you anywhere.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

Yes. Mostly asking for tape and informing me about bowl game and combines.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yes. Baseball and soccer.

Did you play any other positions in football?

Just middle and outside linebacker.

At your position, what separates you from others?

My IQ of the game, leadership, and passion.

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

First I break down the formation tendencies and down and distance tendencies. I then study the O line and watch for any giveaways for pass or run. I look to see how fast they like to come off double teams, how much they cut, feet work, and hips. I then study the backs, I watch the first and fourth quarter. I like to see the difference between how hard they run from first to fourth. I look at his steps and alignments also to see if he giving away which runs and pass sets. I study the quarterback to see what his progression his on certain down and distances. I keep up with when he like to keep it safe or take chances. I also look at ball security of all the players. I also check out the tight ends and wide receivers just to know what type of playmakers we were going against.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Cordarrelle Patterson in JR College.

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

Deandre Levy. I love the way he play the run so violent but also excels in the pass game. He is an a complete linebacker but his football IQ put him in position to make most of his plays.

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

Bouncing from couch to couch the past few years back home because of struggles with my mom. But I just keep faith in God and never complained and we overcame it.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Yes. I wear two socks on my right foot.

What is your biggest strength?

My IQ and tackling.

What is your biggest weakness?

I’m overly aggressive sometimes.

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

I believe I am the next London Fletcher. But I know I will have to work harder than all my competition. I am the ultimate student of the game. I am able to lead through good and bad times. I’m accountable on and off the field. I put the team before me at all times. I’ll do anything you ask of me and will get the job done. I been playing football at a high level my whole life I just understand the game so well I know I can play with the best and make plays for your team if you give me the opportunity.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Ray Lewis and Baltimore Ravens.

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

Kobe Bryant, Ray Lewis, and Rex Ryan.