2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Trey Vaval, DB, Minnesota State – Mankato

• Name: Trey Vaval
• Position: Defensive Back
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 170
• School: Minnesota State University Mankato
• Level: Division II – Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC)
• Twitter: trey_vaval_
• Instagram: treyvaval

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

My school experience has mostly been online. Never been the type that liked to go to class. But my major is applied leadership. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

I’d say the best quality my teammates think about me is that I always try to make sure everyone has a smile on their faces. Life is short and the next day isn’t promised so smiling and having fun is something big for me.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

The role I see myself on the team is that of a quiet leader. I don’t try to motivate everyone all the time or be a talkative leader. I let my game speak and when I feel it’s time to speak then I do. I’d say any defense that lets the corner play man coverage all game is the defense for me. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

The best player I’ve played against wasn’t anyone in the game but an old teammate Jalen Sample. UDFA signed to the Washington Commanders. Going against a big tall body receiver with speed was truly what helped me during the season. Practicing against him every day the competition we had towards each other was unmatched and helped me become a better Corner tremendously. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

The teammate that impresses me the most is probably Isaiah Emanuel. The younger WR will be a sophomore this year and he has amazing ball skills. Times he has been lifted off the ground and still tracking the ball and catching it. It’s unreal how in tune he is when it comes to catching a football.

What makes you different from others at your position? 

What makes me different from others in my position is the basics. Perfecting the little details that everyone skips over because it’s boring and they feel they have mastered. When you dissect your game and your skills when you go back to those basics at times you’ll catch yourself messing up. So perfecting them is what separates me from others in my position. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

A time in my life, when I overcame a struggle, was probably the time I was getting into the portal. At my old school mental health was never talked about or worked on so I struggled tremendously with that there. But coming to my new school and having that help with my new coaches and even new players I for sure overcame my mental battles and it helped me become a better athlete and human. Mental health is real. I don’t care what anyone says and fixing your mental will help you become a better athlete and human but only if you are willing to work on it.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

If I didn’t play football I probably would have skateboarded my whole life. I loved it growing up. I would wake up and skate from sunrise to when it was dark. If not that was probably basketball if I was tall enough. I was a hooper growing up but I let them hoop dreams go away because of my height. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

My biggest achievement I’d say I’m most proud of is that I haven’t quit. I’m still working hard to make these NFL dreams a reality. I’m a broke college student. I could get a job and do that and football but I’m 100% dedicated to this NFL lifestyle. I wake up, eat, sleep, and breathe this game and I’m not gonna stop until I physically can’t go anymore. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

My most memorable play id say is my first play in college which was a kickoff return. I was in the back right corner, ran and hit a seam, and took it about 80 yards. I didn’t score but my first ever play as a 19-year-old kid in college to go like that and look at the fans all hyped was a moment indescribable. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete is probably Champ Bailey. I grew up a Denver Bronco fan so I bleed blue and orange and as a kid I had his jersey and a life-size wall sticker of him hanging in my room. Before games I don’t try to pump myself up, I try to stay level-headed because being too high or too low can have an effect on your game. Just another day, another opportunity. If you aren’t pumped already that it’s game day go sew baskets with your granny. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Spare time I don’t do too much I just sit back and relax and hang with family and friends. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

Why I play football is because I love it. Yes of course games are amazing, that is something a person cant truly describe to someone but the working out busting your ass, physically pushing your body until you’re broken, and torturing yourself in the heat midday working out. I love it. I love being with the team laughing, joking, and chopping it up with my coaches about life. The lessons this game brings. I love everything that comes with football.  

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

The one thing I want NFL coaches to know about me is that I’m not perfect but I’m for sure gonna bust my ass to make sure I am the most consistent man out of all the men on the field, on our sideline, and the opposing team’s sideline. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you?