NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: AJ Hantak, LS, Eastern Illinois University
What is your name?
AJ Hantak
What is your Height/Weight?
6’4”/245
What is your position?
Long Snapper
Where do you play college football?
Eastern Illinois
Where are you from?
Fenton, MO
Who is your role model, and why?
I have a lot of role models. Mainly my parents because of the way that they have raised me. My dad has always been a great influence for me on the field and in everything I do. My mom has taught me a lot about life off the field. But both have had a huge impact on my life in their own ways.
Who was your favorite teacher?
College: Dr. Coker and Dr. Davis. High School: Mr. Peters
Did you play any other sports growing up?
Basketball, Baseball, Volleyball
Who was the toughest player you ever faced?
Darius Jackson – JSU
Who is the most underrated player on your team?
I’d like to think myself in a way because of my position. But other than me I would say Austin Askin
What is the one song that would fire you up before the biggest game of your life?
Runnin’ Out of Moonlight by Randy Houser
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?
Jake McQuaide because he is a guy that I have learned from and modeled my snapping after.
What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?
The injury I faced my Freshman year of college. I had a knee injury and in order to get back on the field for Spring Ball, I went to rehab 3 times a day for 6 months.
Do you have any pre-game rituals?
I just really try to keep my routine the same for every game but I wouldn’t say I have any special rituals.
What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?
My first snap at San Diego State as a true Freshman
What is the coolest thing you ever did off the field for someone else?
I coach Middle School and High school kids back home and that is really something I enjoy. Having the parents of one of those kids or the kid himself come up to me and thank me for what I’ve done for them and tell me that they really appreciate the work is priceless to me.
Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?
St. Louis Rams before they moved out to LA
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?
Tim Tebow, Jackie Robinson, and my Papa
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