2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Noah Van’t Hof, S, Northwestern College

• Name: Noah Van’t Hof
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 205 lbs.
• Position: S
• College: Northwestern College (Iowa)
• Twitter: noahvanthof

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 majoring in Business Finance with a minor in Accounting. I’ve also been a leader in FCA. I recently took an internship with American Investment & Trust as an assistant to a financial advisor, working with operations and finance. I’m working part-time at Farm Bureau and studying to be a financial advisor.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My leadership. I’ve been a captain since 2020. I do what needs to be done and get guys set up on the field. I also try to keep others accountable.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
One of the best things I bring is versatility. I’m currently playing safety, yet I started at corner. I’m typically used as an “Eraser”, correcting whatever mistakes are made at the front line and pursuing the ball. I have freedom within our scheme. I play everything in the back 7 including single high, “A” gap filler or even being manned up. Some of my best work is in a “Robber” position, being an underneath defender. I’m able to get a good read on plays and add depth in the box.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Morningside has been very competitive and always has good playmakers. Reid Jurgensmeier is a big WR who moved well. He brought the best out of me. During my freshman year, I also played against Connor “Boobie” Niles who was one of the best receivers I’ve ever played against.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
You can’t talk about Northwestern football without mentioning Tyson Kooima. He was a great leader for our team and an excellent athlete. Practicing against All-Americans like Cade Moser and Shane Solberg have really helped my game. They are great receivers, and I love competing against them.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
The biggest struggle in my life happened in 2017 as I was going into my senior year of high school. I had a terrible fireworks accident where shrapnel tore my legs open and, in the process, I also tore my patella in my knee and broke my tibia. I was airlifted and spent 5 days in a hospital. I had to be in a wheelchair for a month, and couldn’t walk without assistance for at least a month and a half. Doctors expected me to be healthy within a year although I was able to come back within about 3 months and participate in football at the end of the season. Having the ability to go back on the field and finish out was a miracle and a huge blessing. One of the people that stuck with me throughout the whole process was the head coach at Northwestern College, Coach McCartey. He treated me like more than just an athlete, giving me the opportunity to come and play for him. I’m truly grateful for him taking a chance on me and being part of a great program.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Definitely baseball. I was an all-state pitcher in high school. I could have played both at Northwestern, yet I decided to just stick with football.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of my testimony and being a Christian. That’s a very important part of my life. As far as football, I’ve been an All-American and a captain for 2 years. Being a captain is certainly my biggest achievement because it’s my teammates that validate my role on the team and cast those votes.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My most memorable moment was being part of the last play against Morningside in the Semifinals in Spring of 2021. I was matched up against their best receiver and knew he was most likely going to get the ball. I pressed him off the line and redirected his route. The ball was knocked down by Shane Solberg who was brought in to play defense. It was a very thrilling moment that I’ll never forget.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I grew up a Chicago Bears fan. Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu are my favorite players. I try to model my style after Polamalu. He made plays all over the field and was almost always near the ball.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Every morning, I cook over easy eggs on peanut butter toast.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
The Dark Knight is my favorite movie. Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors. Friends is a TV show that I like to watch.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to hang out with my family and friends. I also like to read. Pound the Stone is a book that I recommend.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because I love to compete. It also teaches great lessons about being a great teammate which is important in the grand scheme of life. Being the best that I can be motivates me the most. I want to get as close as possible to my potential. With all of the honors that I have received and will receive in the future, I want to deflect that to God, to Whom all glory is due.