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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Chris Kolarevic, LB, University of Nebraska

Chris Kolarevic the standout linebacker from the University of Nebraska recently sat down with Draft Diamonds scout Justin Berendzen.
Chris Kolarevic the standout linebacker from the University of Nebraska recently sat down with Draft Diamonds scout Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Chris Kolarevic
  • Position: LB
  • College: University of Nebraska
  • Height: 6’1”
  • Weight: 225 lbs
  • Twitter: @chriskolarevic
  • Instagram: @cjkolarevic

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I grew up in love with the sport. Since I was a kid I have been a student of the game, playing as much as I can and studying my favorite players. I am from Michigan so always watched Megatron and Matt Stafford on Sundays. Then on Saturdays would turn on Michigan and Michigan State games and watch guys from my high school play on ESPN. So for my whole life I played the sport trying to be like the guys I was watching on tv. Then in high school I decided to make it my mission to become the best football player I could be and go as far as I could in this game.

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

I am first of all looking to help an NFL team win games. I have the skill set athletically and enough experience at the college level to do just that.

Second, I am looking to inspire a younger generation of kids to keep working toward their dreams. No one from my high school has ever been drafted before and few have ever made it to the league. When I saw the guys I knew that did play in the Big Ten or in the NFL it inspired me to believe that I could do that if I put my mind to it. I want to be that person for some kids out there.

Third, I am looking to make myself the best player, teammate, and person I can be. Every day I want to wake up in the morning and work to be the best version of myself for the people around me. I know I have a lot of potential in this game and am going to do everything I can to maximize it.

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

Deion Sanders. A person I look up to who has accomplished everything there is to accomplish in this game and is now coaching. His energy is infectious and he has a lot of wisdom about football and life because of everything he has done.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Signing day in 2017. Coming back from a foot injury in 2019 and winning conference player of the week in the same week. Catching the game winning interception to end the season against Iowa in my senior year.

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

My dad. The person who has supported me and my career from day 1. Who drove me to every sport from the time I was a kid. Who came to every game in my college career. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I played in the 3-3-5 at Northern Iowa and that has been my favorite to play in. Playing for as many different coaches as I have, I learned many different schemes and was able to find success in all of them. But the 3-3-5 stands out to me especially at the college level because of the freedom it allows players. It requires you to make plays in space in both the pass game and run game and that is a part of the game I thrive at.

What should we know about Chris Kolarevic the person?

My mind is my strength. Everything we can accomplish on this earth comes from the mind. I am an extremely disciplined, mentally focused human being that obsesses over the goals that I set for myself. I bring the best out of the people around me just by being myself and bringing others along with me. It takes a high level of mental fortitude and willpower to make it in the NFL, especially as a guy that isn’t a high draft pick.

What stands out about your film the most?

Versatility. I have played every special team and stood out in every phase. I have played mike, will, and nickel doing a lot of different things on the field. I learn quickly and can take what I learn in the meeting room onto the field. I also have twitchy athleticism that allows me to do things that other guys can’t do.

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

I trust God and get back to work.

What would a team get in a player like you?

An athletic, versatile player who brings a lot of passion and energy to the field every day.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The people I meet along the way. The sport draws a certain type of person to it and I’m really grateful for many of the relationships the sport has created for me. Not only teammates but trainers, mentors, etc.

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

Oliver Martin. Freakishly athletic, jumped a 42-inch vertical, 11’2 broad, and 4.4 40. Bounced around Big Ten schools and was never given a real opportunity to show what he can do. Can beat anyone off the line in one on one his releases are elite.

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