NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Kolton Donovan, LS, Wyoming

What is your name?

Kolton Donovan

What is your Height/Weight?

6’4”, 250 lbs

What is your position?

Long Snapper

Where do you play college football?

Wyoming (2017), Southern Utah (2012, 2014-2016)

Where are you from?

St. George, Utah

Who is your role model, and why?

My grandpa Donovan is my role model.  He was an All-American long snapper/center in his college days and a hall of fame college coach.  He has changed many lives and worked harder than anyone.

Who was your favorite teacher?

Pine View High School: Ray Hosner

Southern Utah University: Camille Thomas

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played basketball and baseball growing up.  My mom played D1 basketball and my dad played college/pro baseball so I naturally ended up playing these sports growing up.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Keenan Allen – I played against California my freshman year and he was a tough punt returner to cover.

Who is the most underrated player on your team?

Wyoming: Trevon Weaver or Cooper Rothe/Southern Utah: Keita Calhoun

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

If Today Was Your Last Day – Nickelback

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

I would compare myself to John Denney.  He is a big, physical guy who likes to use his size to his advantage and is very consistent with his snaps.

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

I was injured and it was really hard.  I quickly learned to look at things from a positive perspective and use other ways to continue growing/learning the game of football.  I learned so many great things that I couldn’t have learned otherwise.  Because of my positive attitude, I was able to recover faster and better as well.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I enjoy listening to country music before games.  It gets me excited without getting me too pumped up.  Also, I meet up with my kicker and punter in the locker room before we go out and say something to the sort of “Hey, we’ve worked hard for this opportunity.  We love this game.  We are the best in the game.  Let’s go show everyone how it’s done.”

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

It was my true freshman season at Southern Utah when we played #1 ranked Eastern Washington.  I snapped the game winning field goal with :03 seconds left to take down the top team in the country.

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

I had the opportunity to befriend a young boy who was a refugee from Africa.  He is a huge football fan but never was able to attend a football game because his family had very little money.  After hearing of his situation, I got him a Wyoming football shirt, autographed football, and tickets to our bowl game.  I’ve never seen a kid so happy as this boy was that day.

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

I loved watching football in general, but I always cheered for the Buffalo Bills and New Orleans Saints growing up.

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

Grandpa Donovan: He is my hero and I’ve always wanted to be like him.  Talking football with him would be amazing. Tim Tebow: He is always a role model whether it be on or off the field.  His passion is contagious and he goes out of his way to do things for others. Jim Braddock: He defied all odds against him and won despite his difficulties.  Hardships and challenges didn’t slow him down, but instead they motivated him.