2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Trey Botts, DL, Colorado State-Pueblo

• Name: Trey Botts
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 295 lbs.
• Position: DT
• College: Colorado State University-Pueblo
• Twitter: Botts92
• Instagram: treybotts

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I am a Psychology major with a minor in Legal Studies. After my football career is over, I plan on going into law school to be an attorney. I have participated in community service with our team, including cleaning up on Hwy 50 and volunteering with the United Way Breakfast.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My work ethic. I do everything right both on and off the field. I’m also very personable and like to have fun with my teammates.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I have a big leadership role in the trenches, and I have been a team captain on several different occasions throughout my career. I have had 3 separate defensive coordinators, however I’ve mostly played in similar defenses, running a base 3-4 scheme. Last season, I was utilized on the end as the 4 although I feel like I am more productive on the inside playing between 0-3. We plan on incorporating some 4-3 fronts this season with me playing on the interior.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player that I have faced is Hunter Toppel who was a guard at Minnesota State Mankato. He was part of a very strong and successful run-heavy offense. Toppel was a very consistent player with good counter moves and pad level. He was certainly one of the best matchups that I’ve had in my career.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Deyon Sizer was a senior when I was a freshman. He was a good leader and did everything the right way. He set an example for me to follow.

Elijah Reed plays left tackle on our team. He has long arms which he uses very well. He’s the kind of guy that I like practicing against. We push each other to get better with every head-to-head match up.

Jonah Stupar plays center for us, and I feel like he never gets the credit he deserves. He’s strong as hell, has a good punch and nice footwork.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Two years ago, our defensive coordinator Coach Donnell Leomiti passed away due to cancer. That was a very tough moment for everyone within the team. There was a lot of sadness with his passing, yet also we had much uncertainty about things moving forward. We leaned on each other as teammates, and I also grew closer to my defensive line coach, Herman Smith. He helped me grow through that time and not get complacent. He would remind me everyday of why I’m here. Coach Smith taught me how to use my hands better and play to my strengths, helping me channel my explosiveness in order to make plays. Focusing on my goals has helped me move forward while grieving a beloved man in Coach Leo.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball. I had a lot of fun as a kid playing, and also played a couple years in high school. Baseball is a team sport, yet also has a lot of one-on-one competitiveness that I like.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of being named conference Defensive Player of the Year in high school and also being All-State. I’m looking to add to my accomplishments this season.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Back in 2018, I had my first sack as a freshman. We were playing against Dixie State and had already achieved a substantial lead in the game. So, a lot of us freshmen were put on the field to get some playing time. Coming in, I got off the ball very well, put a move on the center and got in the backfield.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I’m a fan of all the local Denver teams (Broncos, Nuggets and Avalanche). My favorite athlete is Aaron Donald. What can I say? He’s just the best at what he does in every aspect of the game. He’s strong as an ox. His technique is on. He has good hands, a nice base, and he’s the first guy off the ball.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
J. Cole is my favorite artist. His song “Rise and Shine” is a must play on game day.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My mom’s chicken tortilla soup.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Shawshank Redemption. My favorite actor is Will Smith. Fresh Prince is one of my favorite TV shows.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to read. I recommend “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because I love it. I love competing. I strive to be the best at everything that I do, and I want to showcase all of what I am capable of doing.

My family motivates me the most. My mom and dad. I want to do big things for them in the future, thanking them for how they have poured their lives into me.