2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matthew Zubiate, TE, University of Texas Permian Basin

• Name: Matthew Zubiate
• Position: Tight End
• College: University Texas Permian Basin
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 250
• Twitter: @Mattzubiate
• Instagram: @Asap_zvbiate

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?

I bring a very physical style of play at my position I run block out of spread along with eleven personals. My hands are a strong suit in my game weather that means grabbing the rock out of the air or getting up close and physical with any defender. Open field blocking is one of the hardest things to do in the game of football so me being able to take on a defender such as a DB or backer in the open field or even run a seam to give the Q a big body target opens All kinds of opportunities.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was 8 years old when my parents finally let me play football. At first, they didn’t want me playing because they thought I would get hurt. The day they gave me the opportunity to play on my first little league team I never turned back and been in love with this game since.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that my hard work and determination will never fall short.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause I the world it would be for mental health a lot of people don’t understand how important a person’s mental health can be. I think as a male especially we as men feel uncomfortable or less masculine to speak out about our personal mental health. In today’s day and age, it plays a huge role in society.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received would have to be “Discipline is the highest form of self-love. It is ignoring current pleasures for bigger rewards to come. “

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero would have to be my parents not a day went by where they didn’t sacrifice something for me to be able to have a great childhood and now that I’m older I come to realization that regardless of my family’s situation my parents always figured out a way to make it happen.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

The most undrafted player to me in our Locker room would have to be Jaquez Tyler.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when someone says they can’t do something. I’m a heavy believer in setting my mind to goals I want to achieve and always finding a way to reach them nothing in this world is unobtainable it all depends on how hard you’re willing to work for it.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The university of the Permian Basin and Odessa will forever hold a special place in my heart I wake up every day giving thanks for the opportunity to lace up the cleats. This program to me is much more than just a team it’s an extended family with that said id do whatever it takes for these guys.

What is your favorite snack food?

Ouuu favorite snack food would have to be any kind of sour gummies for sure have to have those on the bus for away games!

What is the best part of football?

The best part of football for me is using it as an outlet when I’m out on the field or weight room nothing else matters to me but the game everything else on my mind disappears.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

I will give you nothing less than all I have.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

I compare my play to Aaron Hernandez.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

My grandpa, Tom Brady, Lebron James