2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Daniel Abraham, LB, Villanova University

• Name: Daniel Abraham
• Position: LB
• College: Villanova University
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 225 lbs
• X (Twitter): @country_thebig
• Instagram: @country_thebig

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

I decided I wanted to be a football player when I was 7 years old. I was playing outside one day and my dad told me to come inside and watch a football game with him. He told me that if I worked very hard that one day I could be one of the guys on TV. From that day I decided to make that dream possible. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My first favorite moment is my first touchdown in Pop Warner. I was on kick return and I was one of the fullbacks. The other team squib kicked it and I picked it up and ran it to the house. It was special because I looked to the right and my dad was running with me down the sideline. My second favorite memory comes from my senior year of high school, I got to play at Fenway Park for my last game ever. What made it special was that my little brother was a sophomore on the team and getting to experience that with him was a great experience overall. My third favorite memory from my football life would be my first interception as a Villanova Wildcat. Transferring can be difficult so to be able in my first game catch an interception, affirmed that I made the right decision. 

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

Moving forward I am looking to maximize my football ability. Every season I improve as a football player. Continuing to take my game to new heights is something that really excites me. 

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

Growing up in Massachusetts I think that the first name that comes to mind is Tom Brady. 7 Super Bowls and 20+ years of winning speaks for himself. I’d also want to thank him for all the parades and days off of school he won us. 

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

I would have to say my mom. My mom has taught me how to persevere through anything. She inspires me because her faith is so strong. She really believes that “where there is a will there’s a way”. I hope that one day my faith can be as strong as hers. 

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I think this depends on the position that I am playing. I really enjoyed the position that I played this year as an outside LB in Villanova’s 3-3-5. The different responsibilities that it asked me to do were fun. I was able to rush the passer, play inside the box, and also play like a rover safety and run the alley. 

What should we know about Daniel Abraham the person?

I think one thing that you should all know about Daniel Abraham is that I am an opportunist. I constantly go around looking for opportunities for me and others. I believe the more you look, the more you’ll find, and after that it’s just a matter of staying ready. 

What stands out about your film the most?

I think what stands out on my film the most is raw athleticism. As I said earlier, I was asked to do a lot of different things in our scheme, and then you throw special teams on and you’ll see effort and athleticism. 

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

I think perspective is what keeps me grounded. Understanding that the current moment, even in losses, has lessons to learn keeps me hungry to keep going. When you do not fear loss, it changes the way you approach each challenge. I have the faith that whatever situation I am in is teaching me something that will be valuable at some later point in life. 

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team, first and foremost, is getting a leader. On and off the field a team is getting a guy that is not afraid to find a way to make things work. I will get creative to succeed, as I said before I am constantly looking for opportunities to make things work. Lastly, a team is getting a player that is very useful. 

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

The thing that I love the most about the game of football is making that play that you saw yourself making when you went to sleep the night before. When you pick up something on film and are able to capitalize on it, it validates a lot of the hard work that you put in day in and day out. 

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

The most underrated player that I have played with is Turner Inge. He’s a young LB with the right attitude and work ethic. As he continues to grow and get more experience, I think that he will become a guy that will shock a lot of people.