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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Anthony Bassani, DB, Kean University

Anthony Bassani the standout defensive back from Kean University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen.
Anthony Bassani the standout defensive back from Kean University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen. Check out this exclusive interview with Anthony Bassani!
  • Name: Anthony Bassani
  • Position: DB
  • College: Kean University
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Weight: 195 lbs
  • Twitter: @abassani3
  • Instagram: @anthonybassani

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

My athletic ability to be a jack of all trades. I can roll down to the linebacker positions, I can cover the middle of the field and get off the hashes, open field tackling, coming off the edges, and cover man to man. My football IQ and being a natural born leader are also things that sets me apart from other defensive backs.

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

Brian Dawkins because he wasn’t the biggest or the fastest, but LOVED to hit no matter the size of his opponent. He didn’t let anyone determine his football ability off of his size, but rather the amount of heart he played with. Heart over size any day!

What is your favorite coverage and why?

My favorite coverage is Cover 1 because I get to be in the deep middle of the field and become a ball hawk. I also get to come downhill from depth. I excel at taking my reads and tracking the football in the air.

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

I bring similar energy to Weapon X, that’s another reason why I mentioned him earlier. I play with every ounce of my heart and grit! I’ve noticed this since I was a kid, in all sports that my teammates feed off of my energy! I bring big play and big hit energy that can be the catalyst in games!

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments from my football life have to be becoming a National Champion and winning the first National Championship in Manalapan football program history, as well as winning the first state title in Manalapan high school history. Also, all the moments off the field with my teammates because those friendships and moments last forever.

6.What should we know about Anthony Bassani the person?

You should know that I’m all about spending time with family and friends when not playing sports. I grew up playing football, baseball, basketball, and some soccer and wrestling. I was a switch hitter, played every position on the diamond and was specifically brought in to pitch whenever they needed to get out of a jam with pressure on, or to close out a game. I also like to wake up early sunday mornings and watch Formula 1.

How do you prepare for games?

I prepare for games by watching a lot of film and studying the tendencies of my opponents. Our coaching staff does a great job with our scouting reports so I study what formations and plays they run on certain downs and distances. What run and pass percentages are on specific downs. Who are their go-to players and seeing where they are on the field at all times.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I am looking forward to playing with the group of guys we have, and the one’s we’re bringing in! From seeing what we did in the off-season together, I can feel that we have something really special here. I’m super excited to see what this team brings this season!

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

I handle challenges both in life and on the football field the same way. It’s all about your mindset. Weather the storm and you will come out stronger than before you went in. Tough times don’t last, tough people do. If you don’t like your current situation then you have the ability to change it, but if you cannot change it, then change the way you think about it.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Any team would be getting a selfless player who will play for the guy to his left and guy to his right. They will be getting a hard worker with lots of grit, determination, and sheer will! I would accept and excel at any role to help the team succeed! They will be getting a player that knows what it takes to win, and someone who will never give up!

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

The keys to success on the football field are how well your ability is to have focus, effort, and execution. If you can do these three things well, everything else will take care of itself. Also being prepared is huge! The work you put in the off-season, the amount of film you watch with attention to details all ties in to your success on the field. We only get 10 guaranteed games a season, that’s only 10 hours of total game-time compared to the rest of the hours we have to prepare for those games!

If there was a billboard with 5 of your traits on it which 5 traits would be up there?

The 5 traits that would be up there are hard-working, selfless, respectful, kind, and optimistic.

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