2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nick Neumann, OL, Saint John’s (MN) University

• Name: Nick Neumann
• Position: OL
• College: Saint John’s (MN) University
• Height: 6′ 2″
• Weight:305 lbs
• Twitter: @nickneumannator
• Instagram: @neumannator57

What sets you apart from other offensive linemen?

• I think the thing that really sets me apart from other offensive linemen is my type of play, being able to have good vision or the field pre snap and call out the different fronts and be able to see the blitzes we’ve been studying on film all week and call it out before the play even starts. I feel as if this is key for being a great center is making all of the calls and making sure the rest of the oline sees what you see, because we are the “quarterback” of the oline.

What is your typical training routine?

• My training routing typically consists of weight training, and conditioning. I am also continually am working on my run blocking and pass pro footwork as well as my shot gun snap accuracy so every single snap is perfect. I want each snap to be as fast as possible to the quarterback and on target so he can make his reads quickly and trust that the snap will be where it needs to be on every down. Other than this I really like to do yoga and work on my flexibility having good knee and ankle mobility since this is key as an offensive linemen.

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

• What made me decide to be a football player is the friendship and leadership gained as well as the fun of the game itself. Football is not a game not for the faint of heart and I know that I have what it takes to continue my career on the field. All I ask for is an opportunity.

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

• The one player I’ve always wanted to spend a day with is Matt Birk. I remember as a kid watching him as a Viking, then later on attending Cretin Derham Hall for High School where I was awarded the Padden Award for Best Male Student Athlete just like he was. This award was also given to Joe Mauer, Steve Walsh, Chris Weinke, and many other great student athletes at Cretin Derham Hall. I have heard many great stories about Matt from the coaches.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

• Handling challenges both on and off the field come with fast problem solving and the ability to overcome adversity. What has worked best for me on the field is knowing that even if we are behind on the scoreboard and mistakes have been made, as long as there is time on the clock the opportunity to win is there. Off the field I make sure that I fully understand the situation, and do my best to overcome the challenge at hand.

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

• I bring positive energy every time I step onto the field, making sure everyone around me is doing the best they can in order to be a dominant football team. I am a leader on the team whether it’s during practice, analyzing film, or helping out my teammates after practice. My leadership brings a type of energy that is unmatched and makes everyone on the team rally around each other to become the best they can be.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

• There have been many favorite football memories over my life, from flag football all the way through my college career. Some of the memories at the top of the list are from college football, being able to play in my first game against Saint Thomas my freshman year at Target Field. Another is when we made it to the semi finals for the D3 playoffs my junior year and barely lost to UW Whitewater 24-22. My most recent favorite memory was winning the MIAC conference title with a last second touchdown throw with 4 seconds left on the clock to give us an undefeated regular season and automatic bid to the playoffs.

What should we know about Nick Neumann the person?

• I consider myself determined, hardworking, and enjoy setting goals for myself whether easily achievable or not. I am easy to get along with and can handle criticism easily as well. I am very coachable and appreciate other opinions and points of view.

What is a moment that improved you as a football player?

• A moment that improved me as a football player was when I made the decision to join the wrestling team my freshman year of high school instead of the basketball team at Cretin-Derham Hall. This helped me improve my mental toughness and drive to never give up on any plays and play to the whistle and dominate the opponent.

What would a team get in a player like you?

• A team would get a well rounded individual who takes pride in both his craft and personal awareness. Someone who is willing to give it their all whether it’s film review, practice, in the weight room, or on the field. A true student of the game always learning and developing my skills.

What are you still learning as a football player?

• I am continually learning more from watching film of different defensive blitzes and schemes as well as watching many other great centers play their game. This has helped me become the player I am today.

What do you love about the game of football?

• I love that football is more than just the X’s and O’s it is a brotherhood. Football teaches leadership and it shows how some are more fit for that than others. It is a game of physicality, teamwork, and mental toughness that is found in no other sport.