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2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: David Tabakovic, DL, Quincy University

David Tabakovic, DL, Quincy University
David Tabakovic the standout defensive lineman from Quincy University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds scout Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: David Tabakovic
  • Position: DL
  • College: Quincy University
  • Height: 6’2”
  • Weight: 300 lbs
  • X (Twitter): @david525
  • Instagram: @davidtabakovic

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

I remember watching Mike Alstott run the ball and run over anyone who got in his way and running with violence and I wanted to do the same things he did, so I started playing football at 5 years old, fell in love with the game quickly and haven’t stopped since.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments were whenever I had my family come and watch me play, during high school my parents worked a lot of late nights and only made it to my senior night game and then in college since I was far away from home they didn’t come to any games due to them having to run their own business but again they made it to my senior night, I had my significant other and her family come and watch a few games this year and I felt like I had probably the best games of my career whenever I had someone physically watching me.

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

I am wanting to achieve the goal of playing at the professional level, I feel like my career as a football player isn’t over yet.

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

My father inspires me the most because of everything that he was put through in his life and has always managed to make the best out of every situation. He’s always found a way to get back up and fight every time life has punched him right in the mouth, his work ethic and grit is just what pushes me to play the way I do, it inspires me to continue working hard and having grit in everything I do.

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

I would want to hang out with Greg Gaines due to him being the first NFL player I’ve ever had a conversation with. He helped me be a better defensive lineman this year by giving me some tips on how to improve my game and always made time to answer any questions I had this year.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite would have to be the 4-3 with quarters behind it to match receiving threats, it’s also great for the run game. I like the defensive lineman taking away the a and b gaps in the run game and treating it like a “4-1 box”.

What should we know about David Tabakovic the person?

David Tabakovic the person is different from the David Tabakovic on the field, the guy on the field is relentless and ruthless and just wants to out man the person in front of him, the person off the field is really a gentle giant, I care about all my friends and I have a loving girlfriend who has my back even on my worst days, I always will help them with whatever they need, I have 3 younger siblings which I’m protective over, I’m my brothers and sister keeper so its safe to say I’m a protector over both family and friends. I know to flip that switch on and off the field. God has blessed me with my strength which I will utilize in every aspect of my life.

What stands out about your film the most?

The film will show you I have insane strength and shows my quickness for being a 300 pound defensive end. The tape also shows the extra effort I put in to make plays. In all it shows my power, speed and grit.

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

I handle them both the exact same way, in football you have to have the next play mentality, same with life, I don’t let one play dictate the performance of my game, the same with life; one challenge will not determine my entire life, I’ll face whatever I need to head on and get back up stronger each time, I refuse to let anyone or anything beat me.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a player who understands what it means to be part of a brotherhood, I know my part no matter where I am on the depth chart I will do whatever it takes to help us win, I lead by example and I am a leader, I am very passionate about football and when it comes to that I give my all and more to the team that grants me the opportunity to play the game I love.

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

The thing I love the most about football is that it is a battle every time you’re out there on the field, to me you are fighting for your life with your brothers trying to win. I love that it brings people from all types of backgrounds and different areas of the world together and with those same people you form a brotherhood forever.

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

The most underrated player I’ve played with is Cole Schnettgoecke. He is one of the best players I’ve ever played with. He understood what the offensive was doing every week and dominated the man in front of him every play. He never took a play off ever and played through a pretty severely injured knee the last 4 games of our season together. We had a pretty good rush chemistry and I believe he deserves more recognition for what he’s done here at Quincy with me.

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