2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Donny Ventrelli, OL, North Dakota

• Name: Donny Ventrelli
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 300 lbs.
• Position: OL
• College: University of North Dakota
• Twitter: dtv_21
• Instagram: ventrelli74

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 came into UND from St. Paul, MN, having to adjust to a new environment early on. My major has been in Communication. I also have 2 minors in Coaching and Sports Business. I completed my coaching practicum at the Grand Forks Park Board, being a baseball coach for multiple age groups.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My leadership. People look up to me. Being a senior, I’ve been through what younger players have been through and offer guidance. That also comes with a good level of confidence and a positive attitude.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My role on the team is as a leader, being on the leadership council. People come to me and ask questions. I’ve played at RT and LG. The majority of my time has been spent at RT. I played LG last fall. I am expected to play at LT this year.

We have a smash mouth offense that likes to run the ball and get downfield, using the run to open up the passing game. I’ve developed into a quality run and pass blocker. We utilize inside and outside zone concepts as well as some gap schemes.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Early in my college career, I played against Derrek Tuszka at NDSU who’s currently playing for the Steelers. He was fast and was quick off the ball. He was strong and physical which set him apart.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Matt Waletzko was a great teammate and roommate during my time at UND. He impressed me with the player and man that he was able to grow into. I expect him to compete well for the Dallas Cowboys.

Mason Bennett was a player that I practiced against every day. He made me into a better player. He’s with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL right now. Devon Krzanowski is a player that I practice against nowadays. Coming in as a transfer, he didn’t miss a beat and has been a crucial member of our defense.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Coming into UND, I had never played OL. I was 256 lbs and had experience at almost every other position. I didn’t know the proper technique or fundamentals for OL. Coach Pawlak poured into me. He helped me fall in love with the position and coached me into the player that I am today. Gaining weight was a big factor as well. Coach Baukol helped me put on muscle in the weight room. Before coming to college, I didn’t have the best conditioning coaches in high school. I had to learn about different lifts and what I needed to focus on to get better. By putting in the work, I gained almost 50 lbs and solidified my position on the offensive line.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Definitely baseball. I was an all-state first baseman in Minnesota. I did some basketball and a tiny bit of wrestling in high school. I was always focused on my football career, but if that wasn’t in the cards, I would have gone with baseball.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
I’m very proud of making it at the D1 level. It was a big dream of mine to play in college. I was able to get a scholarship and eventually play, earning starting time and progressing to the point I am at today. I’ve had a lot of success at football and academics during my time at UND.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
One of my most memorable moments was against Utah State in 2021. Our QB had thrown an Int. I chased down the player, stopping him from scoring a touchdown. That brought back my old days as a defensive player in high school.

Another play that comes to mind was a trick play that we had against NDSU in 2021. The players on the offense looked at our coach, freezing the defense. With them not ready, the ball was snapped, our QB clapped, the ball was hiked, and we threw a TD pass.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Being from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, I’m a fan of the home teams (the Vikings and the Twins). Quenton Nelson is one of my favorite players. He’s so physical and dominates his opponent. He’s very aggressive and athletic, and I try to model myself after him.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I really like Polo G. His song “Rap Star” is one I like to listen to before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chicken Wings

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
The Waterboy is one of my favorite football movies. I enjoy watching Stranger Things on Netflix. Channing Tatum is one of my favorite actors.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like to hang out and chill with my family and friends. I enjoy fishing a lot in my spare time. I also like playing cornhole. In the summers, I enjoy going tubing.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play because I love the game. My family and group of friends motivate me a lot. My dad, mom and brother have supported me since day one. I play because I want to make them proud.