NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Dennis Gardeck, OLB, Sioux Falls

What is your name?

Dennis Gardeck

What is your Height/Weight?

6’0 240

What is your position?

OLB

Where do you play college football?

3 years at West Virginia State University, last year at University of Sioux Falls

Where are you from?

Lake in the Hills, IL

Who is your role model, and why?

Older Brother Ian, he’s chasing his dream to be a pitcher in the MLB. Currently with the San Fransisco Giants. Taught me how to commit to a goal and work until it’s achieved.

Who was your favorite teacher?

Mr. Beutlich High school Honors Physics

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played baseball, lacrosse, wrestling

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Left Tackle Shepard University

Who is the most underrated player on your team?

Derek Landis

What is the one song that would fire you up before the biggest game of your life?

Cut the Cord – Shinedown

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

Von Miller explosive off the ball, ability to bend the edge / speed rush

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

Helping take care of my grandma while she was battling brain cancer

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I always did a lap around the field and did my LB footwork drills midfield

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

Forcing a Safety against Augustana in the crosstown rivalry game

What is the coolest thing you ever did off the field for someone else?

I loved going to Dunbar Elementary and helping some of the students with school work; math, reading, spelling etc.

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

Chicago Bears

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

1. My Grandma 2. Ray Lewis 3. Jim Carey