2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: David Curl, DL, Olivet College

• Name: David Curl
• Position: DL
• College: Olivet College
• Height: 6’3″
• Weight: 290 lbs.
• Twitter: @DavidTCurl

What made you decide you wanted be a football player?

At a young age I was always trying to play football whether that be outside with friends and family throwing the ball around, at church, or even by myself throwing the ball up in the air then diving for the ball imaging I was catching the game winning touchdown. I always knew I had a passion to play football and it wasn’t until the beginning of middle school that I got the chance to play tackle football. Once I did, I fell in love instantly and the rest is history.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I am thankful to have had a lot of great moments playing football in my life so far. Some of my favorites have to start with signing day in high school. I am a first-generation college student in my family and in high school I wasn’t a straight A student. I struggled in school for several reasons and with that I also struggled with finding a college to accept me. It wasn’t until my senior year of high school in 2016 when I was offered an athletic scholarship to play college football at Ferris State which was a blessing and taught me a lot of great lessons. I wouldn’t be where, or who I am today as a player and a person without that experience. Other great moments I have to mention is after my freshman year of college I decided it was best for me at the time to step away from college all together for a while. Long story short I ended up transferring to Olivet College in 2019 to continue my education and college football career and after not seeing the football field that much my freshman year then Covid delaying my sophomore year in 2020. The beginning of the 2021 spring season I finally got my chance to start at defensive tackle this was not only my first start of my college career but my first starting spot on a team in almost 6 years! That season I earned several rewards including MIAA All-Conference and my second game of that season we played Adrian College and I set a personal game record of 13 tackles with 1.5 sacks. That’s a game I will never forget because all that waiting to play again and hard work finally paid off. One more moment that was my favorite is recent this past 2022 season I broke into the top 10 at Olivet College for All Time Career leaders for Sacks and TFL’s. To be able to play with some of the best players in Olivet History in past seasons and have my name right up there with theirs is like a dream come true.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

As a person who loves football, I am always looking for ways to get better as a player so I can play the game to the best of my ability. I believe knowledge is power and I want to achieve making connections and learning from others that have the same passion. Making great connections will help me continue developing my skills, body, and knowledge about the game of football.

If I could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If you play defensive tackle, I believe one of the greatest to ever do it, Aaron Donald, has to be on your list. I love watching him play defensive tackle because he’s extremely quick and powerful and the moves he’s able to make on a pass rush are sometimes unbelievable. I would love just to sit down to talk about football and be able to learn from him.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Hands down my wife inspires me the most out of everyone because she works extremely hard not just at her job but making sure I have everything I need to be successful. She does the little things for me, she’s caring to everyone, and she believes in me more than anyone. She has supported me since day one since we met in high school, and I wouldn’t have accomplished what I have without her support.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive scheme has to be anything that has 4 down linemen whether that be 4-3 or 4-2 doesn’t matter. A four front defensive scheme is my favorite because as an interior D-lineman I can play any technique on the inside from the 4i and everything in between all the way inside to the 0 technique. This allows me to be able to switch up my moves and playing style either to run or pass at any moment during games. Being able to play any technique at defensive tackle is also helpful to the team because if the coaches need me, I can play any gap and it gives the coaches more options to run plays and other schemes.

What should we know about David Curl the person?

I am determined to be the best me. I never give up on my goals. I may fail a million times before I succeed but I will not stop working until I reach my goals. I am determined to be the best I can be as a player and person. I am a man of God and try to lead by example by being a good person. I want to make a positive impact on everyone on and off the field.

What stands out about your film that most?

I believe watching my film I am an overall all-around football player. I can play several techniques on the d-line and fit into many schemes. I believe what stands out about my film the most is I am able to be a brick wall on the inside for my team by recognizing double teams and down blocks especially on run plays, while being able to make transition from run to pass. I am able to make fast moves to make plays in the back field like swim moves and counter club as a 290-pound defensive tackle.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

In life we all will always have challenges and I believe the challenges you face make up who you are as a person. I have always kept faith in God and overcome adversity by facing challenges head on with a plan, never giving up and learning from my mistakes. I believe my determination in life has transferred onto the football field which is why I have success on the field as well.

What would a team get in a player like you?

I am hard worker who leads by example. I try to bring a positive attitude while encouraging everyone else to be better around me by pushing them in the classroom, in the weight room and on the field. I am someone who is passionate about the things he loves, and the most determined person you’ll ever meet. I will always give 110% in everything I do and even if I fail, I will learn from my mistakes and continue to try until I succeed.

What do you love most about the game of football?

There are so many things to love about the game of football like the bonds you build with others, winning a big game, and competing against others but what I love the most about the game is how when you’re playing in a game nothing else matters. It’s like all your problems, worries, and troubles are gone. In that moment it’s just one play at a time.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

I’ve been blessed to play with a lot of great players throughout the years which is what makes it hard to pick just one person. I couldn’t talk about this topic without mentioning players like Bryant Kieft who I played with in high school and now is balling out at Central Michigan University or someone like Tamar Heart-Wilkins who is easily one of the best Defensive Ends in Olivet College history. If I had to choose the most underrated player, I’ve ever played with it I would probably have to give it to Zach Sieler who I played with at Ferris State my freshman year of college in 2016. I was just a redshirt freshman at the time and only talked to him a hand full of times, so Zach probably doesn’t even remember who I am today but now Zach plays for the Miami Dolphins and is one of the most underrated defensive linemen in the NFL. I believe Zach plays hard, has great technique, and is probably the best defensive tackle and overall player I’ve played with to date.