Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Lee Skinner, LB, University of Buffalo

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?

Lee Skinner

What is your Height/Weight?

6’2″ 235

What is your position?

Middle linebacker

Where do you play college football?

University at Buffalo

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Buffalo was my only offer. Our head coach at the time saw me at a wrestling meet and I received a late offer.

How did you choose your school?

It chose me ! It was either Buffalo or stay at home on the couch

Where are you from?

I’m from Fairborn Ohio

Who is your role model, and why?

My mom is my role model. She always has been. I owe everything I have to her.

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

I’ve yet to meet with any.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yes I wrestled and I ran track to stay in shape for football

Did you play any other positions in football?

Not in college. I played FB and TE some in high school but I’ve been a middle linebacker my whole life.

At your position, what separates you from others?

I think once you get to a certain level the biggest separation is mental. Especially at middle linebacker. Who wants it more, instincts, focus, etc.

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

I try to look for every advantage I can in the film room. Everybody has a tendency. Some RBs only carry the ball in their right hand. A lot of O lineman tip you off when they are pulling or pass setting. Coach Tepper really trained us well in looking for things like that.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Todd Gurley. Hands down

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

That’s really hard for me to say. Those are some of the best athletes in the world in my opinion. I always idolized guys like Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher. Those guys make everyone around them better.

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

When I was in 4th grade we moved to Germany for a year. I went to an all German school, had to learn the language and I got lost on the subway downtown there.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

This year I really stressed being mentally prepared. The night before a game I use to write down every positive thing I wanted to see happened in past-tense like I had already done it. I would read over that on the bus to the stadiums. It sounds crazy but visualization is powerful.

What is your biggest strength?

Once I get set on something that’s it.  I’m all about it.

What is your biggest weakness?

That can get me into trouble sometimes too. It’s hard for me to let certain things/ plays go.

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

I’m gonna give everything I have and then some.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Ray Lewis has always been my favorite player. Growing up the Ravens and the Baltimore defense were my favorite.

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

Dang. Well I’ve always wanted to meet the Dalai Lama, and I’m gonna say Ben Franklin, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.