Free Agents

Draft Diamonds Free Agent Interview: Kyle Castilleja, Wide Receiver

Kyle Castilleja Free Agent
Free Agent wide receiver Kyle Castilleja recently showcased his talents at the Spring League, he sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen.

Hello, I am @jrberendzen on Twitter and this is one of my free agent interviews where I ask very deserving free agents questions about the players themselves and about what a team would get in these players. All of these players should get picked up by NFL, CFL, and XFL teams and get a shot at being a career football player. So I hope you all read Kyle’s interview on NFL Draft Diamonds and follow his journey on Twitter @KyleCastilleja1

1.If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Tim Tebow, because of his unwavering faith for Christ. To be able to share experiences with him and acknowledge the influences Christ has has in our lives. Any chance you get to grow in the Holy Spirit you have to take it.

2.What is your favorite workout(Gym)?

In the gym, my favorite workout has got to be Deadlift. Just a true test of raw strength and will power. Being a powerlifter at Texas A&M only solidified my love for that specific lift.

3.What is your mindset when you are on the football field?

When I am on the football field my mindset is WIN! Win the release, win the route, win the catch, win the play. Do this enough times and you win the game.

https://twitter.com/KyleCastilleja1/status/1289827418237292544?s=19

4.If your life was a tv show what would you call it and why?

My life as a TV show, “Faith, Family, Football” this is a motto that has always led my life and keeps my priorities in check. These aspects of my life are so intertwined and have so many highs and lows, it has taught me how to stand through adversity.

5.What is your favorite stadium that you have played in?

My favorite stadium I have played in up to this point is Sam Boyd Stadium (UNLV). This was during The Spring League 2020 and what I endured to get to that point and what I had to endure while at camp there tested my heart, spirit, and willpower. The stadium, to me, resembles that entire journey.

6.What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments from football have to be those Friday Night Lights. There is nothing like it! Especially in the Lonestar State. Playing for your hometown, with guys you’ve grown up with, in front of ALL your family and friends…there is nothing like it! Unmatched, and most don’t realize it until it’s gone.

7.What has been your biggest challenge in life? 

My biggest challenge in life is also my greatest blessing. Being a DAD! There is no advice that could prepare you for it. You just have to learn from your mistakes, but it will be the “best” hardest time of your life.

8.What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I have had dreams of playing football since I was in kindergarten. One of my earliest memories was me drawing myself in a Longhorns uniform. Fast forward years later and that same dream has never changed. I have had to take many detours along the way, change goals, take breaks, but the dream has always been the same

9.What do you hope to achieve as a football player going forward

Where I come from not many leave to pursue a better life. Don’t get me wrong there are those that do, and I have all the respect in the world for them but I have seen to much talent never leave my hometown. I want to be that model of hope for them, that “if he can do it, I can do it too.

10.What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a player that’s going to hold himself to the professional standard. Going above and beyond as a teammate and player, in trainings, meetings, practice, games, inside and outside of facilities.

11.What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

My energy on the field is “FINISH!” Whatever the job is… you need a block? – you got it; first down? – I’ll fight every inch; Get open? – I’ll make sure of it. Whatever I do I finish, and I don’t do it for myself, I do it for my teammates.

https://twitter.com/KyleCastilleja1/status/1315430545485115394?s=19

12.Rank focus,footwork and skill based on what is most important to you as a football player and explain why?

1) Skill – without skill the other 2 don’t matter. You can be the player with the most focus, and best footwork and not make plays. You have to make plays in this game. You have to have some natural instinct to perform. That’s the importance of skill. 

2) Focus – Attention to detail is everything. What’s the old saying… “hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard” well hard work comes with focus. Perfecting your craft day in and day out. 

3) Footwork – footwork is relative, what you consistently practice you will improve. You can have damn good footwork and get jammed up at the line, or not break a tackle, or not catch the ball. It looks good, and it has its benefits but at the end of the day, if the drills you do aren’t making your “in-game” play better, then it’s not making “you” better.

Damond Talbot

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

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