NFL DraftProspect Interviews

NFL Draft Diamonds Interview: Vincent Espinoza, QB, Lincoln University

Vincent Espinoza had an impressive career at Lincoln University and now he is preparing for the NFL Draft. He recently sat down with Jonathan Joyce of NFL Draft Diamonds for this prospect interview.

Player Profile:

  • Vincent Espinoza
  • Lincoln University
  • QB
  • 6’3”
  • 210lbs.
  • Madera, CA
  • Twitter: @K1LLASTEEZE

2018 Accolades & Statistics

  • 2018 FCS Bowl Overall MVP.
  • GP: 10
  • Pass COMP/ATT: 114-223
  • Pass %: 51.12%
  • Pass Yards: 1,203
  • Pass YPA: 10.55
  • Pass TDs: 8
  • Rush ATT: 65
  • Rush Yards: 300
  • Rush YPA: 4.62
  • Rush TDs: 1

What is your favorite song to listen to prior to competing?

One of my songs I listen to is “Lose You,” by Drake!

How would your teammates describe you as both a player and person?

A major play-maker and a hardworking person.

How do you and your teammates make practice and film study fun?

Practice is very serious to me, but incorporating music and bringing energy to the practice field with true passion helps. Film study is taken real serious, but sometimes we will come up with jokes that involve a play.

When you are studying film, what is your main focus to gain a competitive advantage?

When I study film I like to look at everything. I like to study tendencies and weaknesses. I am always studying myself to make sure my mechanics stay as tight as possible and that I am doing the right thing. If a big play happens, I want to make sure that play happens consistently. I watch everybody on that play and I lead from there. I like to dissect each position for their tendencies for each down so I can be aware of all possibilities when I go against that defense. What does this team do on 3rd down against the spread, or trips, or any types of formations so I can make things much easier when it comes to that scenario.

For what in your life do you feel most grateful?

I am just grateful to be here at this very moment in my life. Being able to overcome a lot of obstacles and to still be able to pursue my dream and support my family while doing so. I give thanks to God for it all.

If you could wake up tomorrow having gained one quality or ability, what would it be?

I am a big believer in that there is always room for improvement no matter who you are. So just being able to get better everyday; whether it be mentally, physically or spiritually; is huge to me. So I guess If I could wake up tomorrow gaining something, it would be the ability to be faster in everything!

What do you value most from your Collegiate experience?

When I look back at my Collegiate experience, I can see all the adversity I had to go through very clearly. All while continuing to fight and overcome every obstacle to achieve every milestone. I’m very grateful and blessed to have the strength to support my family throughout my Collegiate career. Being able to do that is what I value most. To have my two kids along this journey, seeing me leave a path for them to follow.

Who is your personal hero?

The Flash.

Tell me something about yourself nobody would know.

I am a huge fan of Marvel and DC.

How do you work on yourself?

I Like To Record All My Workouts And My Practices When I Throw, So I Can Always Make Sure I Am Staying Strict On My Mechanics. My Strength And Conditioning Coach Lamar Grier Owner Of Valley Forged Located In Madera California Stays On Top Of My Lifting And Conditioning So I am Lifting Smarter And Harder And Doing Everything With Correct Form. Also Being Able To Balance My Meals And Water Intake Throughout The Day, Like I Said I Am Very Big In Trying To Be Better Everyday.

If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, whom would it be and why?

One of my favorite artists, The Weeknd.

If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why?

Already being The Flash. I guess having speed beyond imagination, being able to time travel with my speed.

What would constitute a perfect day for you?

Having someone trust in me to be drafted onto their team!

Who inspired you as a young athlete?

My Uncle Alfredo Cuevas, High School Wrestling champion and Star Football player.

What are the positive attributes that you bring to a professional football team?

My passion for the game will carry on and off the field. Being a positive leader, role model and great teammate. I am also coachable, willing to learn and competitive. I want to help make everyone else better.

Tell me about a time where you overcame a challenge.

January 2018 my youngest son woke up having a seizure. That was the hardest thing I have ever seen. I was in tears holding him, not knowing what was going on. We called 911 and went to the hospital. His diagnosis was pneumonia, which spiked a high fever. Thankfully, he recovered very quickly but then I ended up with pneumonia shortly after. That lasted about 5-6 weeks. I lost everything I had worked for in the off-season, plus more. I was on the couch all day and night. It was the hardest thing I had to overcome mentally, physically and spiritually. I lost 25 pounds. Going into the Spring with a new coaching staff, I knew that I had to prove I was the starter. With prayer and hard work, I came out of the Spring the the best camp I ever had.

What one skill would you like to improve on? What’s your plan for doing so?

I want to improve on everything. When it comes to reading defenses, I want to maximize being more alert. During this off-season, I want to work on my hips through progressions. I’ll be doing drills that require me to keep my hips moving in the pocket. I want to study defenses with a custom playbook just so I can stay ready.

What Wide Receiver would you love to play with in the NFL?

Odell Beckham Jr.

Give me your pitch to an NFL GM on why you should be a part of their organization, in 15 words or less.

You will not regret giving me an opportunity! All I’m asking is for an opportunity to showcase my talents.

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