2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Gavin Dineen, DT, Drake University

• Name: Gavin Dineen
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 290
• Position: DT
• College: Drake University
• Year: Redshirt Junior
• Twitter: @gavgavdineen

Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?

I go to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. I am majoring in both Management and Marketing. Campus life is awesome. It is a small campus but is right in downtown Des Moines which allows for students to not only go to school but develop themselves professionally with an awesome internship downtown. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I would think my teammates would say “my passion”. I am a fiery competitor and am very vocal and emotional when I play. I am going to give my best effort and energy in all that I do. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Being a captain on the team definitely puts me in a leadership position. I try my best to make sure all my teammates are doing their best to do what they can to win a championship. But I also rely on all of them to hold me accountable and make sure I am doing my job. I would say playing 3 technique is definitely where I am most comfortable and at my best with my personal skill set.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

David Montgomery- Iowa State

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Jacob Bacon, great football player and even better student

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Breaking my hand sophomore year of college was pretty hard for me. It was the first time I was playing in college and getting comfortable. When this happened it was a pretty upsetting time. But after a few months I was good to go and had a great spring. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Baseball, I played all 4 years in highschool and was my favorite sport my whole childhood. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I would say I am most proud of when we played Iowa State in the 2018 season. At the time they were ranked #23 in the country, and no one thought it would be much of a game. Even though we lost 27-24 it was a huge game for a lot of my teammates and was a great opportunity to showcase our skills at the highest level of college football. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete is definitely Akiem Hicks who plays for my favorite team the Chicago Bears. I wouldn’t say there is a specific player I model my game after, but I just try and see things other guys are doing successfully and implement that into my game.

Who is your favorite music artist? 

Zac Brown Band

What is your favorite comfort food?

Chipotle Burrito Bowl

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

Step Brothers

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

Watch any of the Chicago sports teams. Huge Whitesox, Bulls, and Bears fan. 

Who or what motivates you the most?

My family definitely motivates me to be my best. I try to make my parents proud and give them back everything they have been able to give me throughout my life.