2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Jianni Angulo-Santana, DB, Northwest Missouri State University

• Name: Jianni Angulo-Santana
• Position: DB
• College: Northwest Missouri State University
• Height: 5’9”
• Weight: 181 lbs.
• X (Twitter): @jijiangulo
• Instagram: @jianniangulo

What made you decide wanted to be a football player?

The passion and love I found in the sport as a child. Growing up playing football since elementary, the sport has made an imprint on who I am and I will become. I decided to play football from watching my older siblings and being inspired by highly viewed NFL players such as Brian Dawkins, Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, etc. What made me decide I want to be a football player is the excitement I get from the game in totality.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I’ve had plenty but one that will stick with me forever was my whole junior season leading up to the National Championship. It was such an experience. Another favorite moment I had was my freshman year of college when I got my first interception against the #2 team in the nation at the time.

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

I’m looking to discover flaws as a football player and person in general. The game of football has always taught me how to deal with everyday life and so I plan to keep learning from the game and learning more about myself in order to perform to my fullest.

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

Budda Baker, I choose Budda Baker because he inspires me to go out the and play with reckless abandonment while also being very technical and reading keys. I love the way he fly’s around the field and has fun. I feel like with our size he will understand the things I need to ascend in the sport of football.

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

My brother, JC Santana. He is always working hard and inspiring me to get back day to day. Those days you feel like you can’t give your all, my brother is the guy who will push you past those false limits. He will be playing in the UFL this year and is a tremendous receiver. Working with him my whole life made me who I am today. We craft each other and make sure our mental/emotional mind states are cleansed and prepared for the worst & best.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I personally enjoy zone coverage because it’s easy to bait quarterbacks and make them throw balls they’ll regret. I also enjoy man coverage because it allows me to show scouts and others that I can compete at a high level in 1on1 situations.

What should we know about Jianni Angulo Santana the person?

Y’all should know that I have always been the underdog but I’m a rose that grew from concrete. No matter the situation I am able to adapt/adjust to what’s going on. I have a strong will so it’s a challenge to break me as a player. I will play and go hard until I physically can’t.

What stands out about your film the most?

My trigger speed and aggression. When I’m getting to the ball my angle speed and reaction time is on point. Although I’m a smaller guy I display & apply the strength of someone of bigger size. My zone coverage is great too, I keep things in front of me and trigger when it’s time to make a play.

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

The same way. I usually find the problem, assert it. After assertion I am able to come to a few conclusions on how things can possibly be fixed and then I choose which fits the situation best.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Natural leadership and hard work. I’m always willing to push my limits and find a better person within myself. Some stronger that I can count on and feel confident going into the next day/play.

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

Thing I love most about football is of course the competition. Me personally, I love going against the best because it gives me the opportunity to show that I am the better ball-player. I love the feeling of winning and getting the job done efficiently and effectively.

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

Most underrated player I’ve played with is Dallis Flowers by far. He may not be underrated anymore due to his NFL appearances but before that a lot of scouts would overlook him. All he needed was a chance/opportunity to emphasize off of and that’s what he did. I’d relate my situation to his being a small college student but for me it’s a lot different when it comes to height/size. My goal is to prove the world right and get what’s mine.