2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Lorenz Metz, OL, University of Cincinnati

• Name: Lorenz Metz
• Position: OG/OT
• College: University of Cincinnati
• Height: 6’9’’
• Weight: 320
• Twitter: @MetzLorenz
• Instagram: metz.lorenz

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

I think the thing that makes me a top prospect at my position is that I still have a lot of untapped potential that is coupled with heart and an ability to absorb information and translate it into execution. Since I started football at such a late age (18 y.o.), I’ve had to work that much harder to get up to speed quickly – I was simultaneously still learning the game of football and developing its basic skill sets as a college player; as an international student, I was doing that while also learning how to live in a new country and taking my classes in a second language. I committed myself to do well academically, and I achieved success in the classroom. I also committed myself to doing well on the field. While I have achieved a level of success there, it has involved many hard learned lessons along the way. There are benefits to those types of situations, though – I got a lot of growth and development out of each one of them, and my resolute attitude of resiliency and perserverance was tested and proven. 

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

Growing up in Germany, I did not have a lot of exposure to football at a young age. But, when I was about to turn 18, a friend of mine asked me to join his football team, and that is when my passion for football began.

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

The one thing that an NFL team should know about me is that I am extremely dedicated to supporting my team by being the best I can be. I am not someone who believes in “that’s good enough.” I am someone who will always keep pushing and keep hustling to become the best player and person I can be on and off the field. I am not afraid of hard work or learning, and I will always go above and beyond without having to be prompted by someone else. 

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

If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be something geared toward environmental impact. There were many systems in place, in the small German town where I grew up, that made living in an environmentally friendly way easily. When I came here, the contrast between what was available there and the lack of what is available here, which is a much larger city than my hometown, really surprised me. Being conscious of that disparity has made me feel more passionate about improving accessibility to systems that help minimize the negative environmental impacts that inherently result from much of our everyday living.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

When I first came to America, it was a huge shock. I had no clue what I was truly entering into until I got here. I started to wonder if I could make it in a sport that was so new to me, and in a country that was completely foreign. But, my first coach (Steve Stripling) said to me:

“Perseverance. Things take time.”

 And that was the quote that shifted my mindset and kept me going.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was my older sister. She is a person in my life who acts fearlessly. Growing up, she was never afraid to be the first to do things. No matter how intimidating the task she had at hand seemed, she would always do it with an unprecedented sense of confidence, and that has inspired me to take on challenges and lead my own way, as well.

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

Joe Huber.  He is the hardest working guy I’ve ever seen. He’s gone from being a walk-on to a scholarship guy, which speaks volumes for his work ethic. I can’t wait to see him on the field in the future.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is being wasteful. Whether it’s with time, food, energy, or money, I hate the idea of anything going to waste. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment that I had to overcome was playing and losing in the Peach Bowl. In my opinion, and in the opinion of lots of other people, I lost that game for UC. That’s a crushing feeling, but it also encouraged me to seek help on the mental side of the game, and ultimately has taken me to where I am today.

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

Historically, UC hasn’t filled its roster with 5-star recruits – we have often had to fight from the underdog position – but we have always come together in the struggle. We all have the same desire to win, and we are willing to put in the work, and it’s those shared attributes that got us to the Cotton Bowl last year. 

What is your favorite snack food?

I love Nic Nac’s. I have my mom bring me a few bags every time she visits.

What is the best part of football?

The best part of football is seeing the hard work pay off – as a team and as an individual. Football demands a lot – both mentally and physically – and you willingly invest those things. But because you give so much of yourself, it’s always nice when the fruits of those efforts are realized – whether that’s as simple as learning a new play and executing it really well, or looking back on how much you’ve developed in your position, or the team winning a game – they all generate an amazing feeling of accomplishment.

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

If I had to sell myself in one sentence I would say that I am a hard worker who will get up every time I get knocked down; I will always learn from it and find a way to get back on top again.

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

If I had to compare my play to another player in the NFL it would be Andrew Whitworth. I followed him a lot on the TV to try to learn from his playstyle, which is very calm and collected.

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

1. The first person I would want to have dinner with is Mark Cuban. I think his mindset and his ability to invest in businesses and people are incredible. Also, with his new company, Cost Plus Drugs, it is really inspiring to see him target a real need and do something that makes an impact and also a statement.
2. The next person I would want to have dinner with is Nimsdai Purja. I remember my wife and me watching his documentary, 14 Peaks, on Netflix and being in awe of his story. He achieved his dreams, despite every obstacle being thrown his way, and while still putting others first, which is such a remarkable and monumental feat. So, I would love to talk go Nimsdai about what that accomplishment felt like and how he kept a mindset that propelled him forward despite all odds.
3. My third person would be Andrew Whitworth. I believe he has become a pillar in football, representing what it means to be an outstanding person and player. I feel like he could teach me not only on how to be a better player and teammate but also how to be a better husband and member of a community. His positive influence and skills are something I would love to grow from.