2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Wade Willet, OL, Sam Houston State University
- Name: Wade Willet
- Position: OL
- College: Sam Houston State University
- Height: 6’6″
- Weight: 305
- Twitter: @WadeWillet
- Instagram: @WadeWillet
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I always loved playing sports growing up, but after I was introduced to football I fell in love with the team camaraderie and physicality of the game.
What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?
I am a calm and supportive presence on the field. I bring positive energy and my teammates know they can lean on me for support when adversity hits.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
I would have to say Andrew Whitworth, he was a great football player and he’s a great man. I would love to pick his brain and try to learn as much as possible from him and see how he was so consistent over his incredible career.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
Definitely my father. He has been a firefighter for 38 years and can always be called upon to go above and beyond for the community. His commitment to service and work ethic truly inspire me to be the best football player and man I can be.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
I want to be thought of as one of the greats and I want to compete at the highest level.
What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?
I love gap schemes and being physical in the run game. It’s such a great feeling when you get a good kick out block on a pull or get good movement on the defensive line and have the running back cut right off your block for an explosive play.
What should we know about Wade Willet the person?
I am big on God, family, and country. I am someone you can trust to be consistent and get the job done. I am also willing to do anything in order to help my team succeed.
What stands out most about your film?
My effort and tenacity. I am relentless and finish every play to the whistle no matter the circumstances.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
I lean on my faith and the people around me in order to overcome obstacles. I trust in myself, my family, my teammates, and the work put in whenever I am challenged to keep pushing through whatever life or the game throws at me.
What would a team get in a player like you?
They would get a blue collar guy who comes ready to work every day. I am willing and ready to attack any job that I am given.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
I am so grateful for all the relationships and friendships I have made over the years with my teammates and coaches. I have also played in some really cool places and those experiences have been awesome. Another one would have to be winning our rivalry game earlier this year in the last Battle of the Piney Woods at NRG stadium.
What are your favorite things about playing football for Sam Houston State?
Coming in as a graduate transfer with only 1 year of eligibility left, I was a little nervous about getting assimilated with a whole new team. However, when I got to campus I knew I made the right decision. They have really treated me like family and treated me as if I had been here for years. My teammates and the coaching staff have been great and it has been an amazing experience getting to work with this group.
Hula Bowl Contributor and Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen