2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: George Padezanin, C, Lehigh University

• Name: George Padezanin
• Position: Center
• College: Lehigh University
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 292
• Twitter: @georgepadezanin
• Instagram: @georgepadezanin52

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft? 

I would say my ability to process a defense quickly and my work ethic.

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

I started playing when I was six and have loved it ever since.

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

I am someone who will never be outworked, all that I need is an opportunity.

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

I would donate to the Special Olympics. Working the Special Olympics and a special needs softball league have been one of the most life changing experiences. Seeing how much those kids go through but continue to put a smile on their face truly puts things into perspective.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

“Don’t get too high with the highs and low with the lows.” When stuff doesn’t go your way in life you can’t let it deter you. When things do go great for you, complacency can never set into place. This has been huge advice for not only life but for football just as much.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood heroes are my parents. No matter what is going on in their lives and whenever I have ever needed something they have always been there for me. Two people that work as hard as anyone I have ever met which made me who I am today.

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

Our locker room has a ton of guys that I would consider underrated as we’re getting ready for a huge year.  I would say the most underrated is number 69 Dean Colton. He brings an intensity every day that helps to drive this team.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

When somebody says something and doesn’t follow through with it. 

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

The most adversity that I have faced in my life is on the football field throughout my entire career. I have never won a championship. Continuously giving everything you have and not seeing the results as a team has been a challenge. With that being said It is the driving force that makes me so competitive and desire to win more and more every day.

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

Lehigh is such a special place to me because I have built relationships with my teammates, friends, coaches, and faculty that I do not think I would have had the opportunity to do anywhere else. On top of that, attending a school that is in the top ten all time wins for FCS, and working to get back to that standard has accounted for some of the best memories of my life.

What is your favorite snack food? 

I would have to go with popcorn or beef jerky.

What is the best part of football? 

It’s really tough to pinpoint one thing that I would consider the best because I love everything about the sport. Narrowing it down, my two favorite things are the idea of being a part of the ultimate team game that all has one common goal in mind, and walking out onto the field every Saturday afternoon to dominate the man across from you every single play.

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

If you want someone on your team where you will never have to question effort, passion, and grittiness then I am the leader that you want on your team.

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

I would say Jason Kelce because we both rely on our high football IQ and athleticism to get the job done. 

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

Tom Brady and Michael Jordan to have a talk with the best competitors of all time, and again Jason Kelce to learn the ins and outs of playing center in the NFL.