2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Justin Blazek, DE, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

• Name: Justin Blazek
• Position: Defensive End 
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 248 lbs
• School: University of Wisconsin-Platteville
• Level: Division III – Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC)
• Twitter: jblazek02
• Instagram: blasecoupe

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?

I chose to attend UW-Platteville because of the great people involved in the football program, as well as the academic excellence the university offered in their engineering program. I am set to graduate in December of 2023 with a major in mechanical engineering and a minor in business administration. My dedication to this sport, my teammates, and my studies doesn’t leave me with much spare time,  I am a member of the student athletic advisory committee, but have not been involved in any other clubs.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

If I were to ask my teammates, I think they would say my best qualities are my work ethic, leadership, and relationship building skills. I’ve found that a team in which the players genuinely care for one another, on and off the field, is much more successful than a team that is strictly business on the field.

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

I see myself as a leader on this team that the younger guys can learn from and grow with. Going into my fourth and final season, I’ve learned a lot about being a collegiate athlete, but I still feel that I have a lot to improve upon. The defense that Coach Bauder has molded around the group of guys on the field is incredible, it plays to all of our strengths. The defensive end position in our scheme suits me well as I can fit the box, rush the passer, and drop into coverage. 

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

Playing in the best conference of division 3 football, I have played against a lot of great players. The most impressive have been Kobe Berghammer from UW – Oshkosh and Michael Bertoia from UW – Lacrosse.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Everyday I see something new from my teammates that impresses me. Tyler Bacon does a great job holding down the edge opposite me on the defensive line, we make each other’s lives much easier. Both Sam Tausz and Sam Smith playing safety and linebacker behind me, respectively, are always in my ear communicating checks and formations, not to mention the power with which they both hit. On the other side of the ball, Brandt Stare is an incredible athlete at wide receiver. Playing high school football with him, and being fortunate enough to continue playing with him through college, has been a blessing. There’s nothing he can’t do; his hands, speed, route running, blocking, and general play making ability are a spectacle to watch.

What makes you different from others at your position? 

What makes me different from others at my position is that I was not recruited to play defense, I came into college as a wide receiver/tight end and played as one for my first and part of my second season. Last year was my first full season of playing strictly defense, with that, comes a variety of skills that have attributed to my success. I understand blocking techniques and offensive landmarks, helping me to better rush the passer and cover routes in open space.

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

The most recent struggle I overcame was an injury that cut my second football season short. I worked my tail off, not to get back to where I was before injury, but to go further. My teammates were my motivator, the ability to play on the same field as those guys is something I never take for granted.

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

In high school I played football, basketball, and baseball, if I wasn’t playing football I would definitely be playing baseball. Our high school baseball program was very solid, and with a great group of coaches and teammates my senior year, we had a lot of success and a lot of fun.

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

I am most proud to be apart of the foundation being built in the UW – Platteville football program. I have been a captain since my sophomore season and I could not have asked for a better group of teammates to enter college with. We set out to do things that this program had never done before, and have taken steps towards that goal each year. Our biggest achievement is yet to come.

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

The most memorable play of my collegiate career was the last defensive play of our win against UW – Whitewater last year. Tyler Bacon forced the QB to my side and I brought him down while he made a last ditch effort to get rid of the ball, resulting in an incompletion and sealing our first win against Whitewater since 2004.

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

This usually doesn’t go over well with my teammates in Wisconsin, but I am a Chicago Bears fan. I try to model my game after T.J. Watt, we have similar responsibilities in our games with the variety of jobs we’re assigned. I also try to have a high motor similar to Maxx Crosby. Before a game, I try to stay calm and collected, as opposed to being pumped up. This helps me to focus better on the task at hand and play within myself.

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

I like to spend my spare time with my family and friends, as well as my pets. One secret talent of mine is that I can solve a Rubik’s cube.  

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

I started to play football because my dad played, and I grew up watching the sport. He wouldn’t let me play tackle football until 3rd grade, I think he did this for my safety, but it only made me want to play more. What motivates me most is knowing that I can change entire offensive game plans based on my performance, and that every offseason I can continue elevate my game to surprise opponents year after year.

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I want NFL teams to know that I am in love with the work that goes into being a successful football player. Seeing my hard work come to fruition during the season is an addiction that I cannot kick.