2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Garrett Kocab, DT, Carroll

Garrett Kocab the defensive tackle from Carroll recently sat down with Evan Willsmore from NFL Draft Diamonds.

Name: Garrett Kocab
Position: Defensive Tackle
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 278 lbs
School: Carroll College
Level: NAIA – Frontier Conference
Twitter: ockocab
Instagram: kocub74

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?

Major: Environmental Policy and Project Management

Minor: Sociology with Criminal Justice focus

Extracurriculars: Shot-put and discus

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Accountability – my teammates can count on me to be at workouts and do my job in the game – making plays!

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Think of myself as a leader – helping out the younger guys. Played every position on the DL, primarily nose and guard with a little bit of tackle.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Alex Hoffman, OT, Carroll (during practice – also a role model)

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Andrew Carter (C) – one of the toughest people I’ve ever met.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

When I first got to Carroll, I struggled with academics. Over the years I’ve found ways to improve both grades and study habits. I have overcome that to get As and Bs consistently.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I would still be doing track and field, but baseball also seems fun.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I am proud of the man I’ve become throughout college – all the lessons I’ve learned and understanding independence/responsibility

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Most memorable game: College of Idaho during COVID season – tiebreaker for the conference. Teammates and I were dominating the offensive line.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

JJ Watt and TJ Watt are my favorite athletes. I would always look at their film to understand certain techniques. Favorite team is the Steelers.

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Just going out and being able to play on the field – teammates always help the vibe.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

In my spare time, I like to hunt deer/elk and fish trout (I am an outdoorsman).

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

The reason I play football is a pure passion for the game. I’ve been doing it for so long it’s embedded into my life – I really enjoy the team atmosphere and creating long-lasting bonds. Putting in a bunch of hard work and seeing it pay off is the best feeling.

Other notes:

I have been doing shot-put and discus since middle school – inspired by my brother who did the same. Carroll allowed me to do both football and track at the collegiate level.

Went to high school in California (Serrano). Doing research trying to find a school that would fit me and what I wanted. Now entering sixth season there due to COVID. This past season was my first “regular” season since sophomore year.

Finished off nationals for track last week (at the time this interview is being recorded), earned All-American honors for discus