2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Donato Crisanti, LS, University of Rhode Island

• Name: Donato Crisanti
• Position: Long Snapper
• College: University of Rhode Island
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 240 lbs
• Twitter: @donatocrisanti
• Instagram: @donato.crisanti

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?

I believe I am the top prospect at my position due to my size, snapping ability, and blocking knowledge. I have a better edge on being able to extend my arms out and strike first on a defender. From a snapping standpoint I pride myself on being consistent from location, spiral, and velocity. I spend a good amount of time focusing on those aspects to make it easier for the punter or holder. From a blocking perspective, I have been working on my blocking since I was a senior in high school, while many start learning to block later on. I have even been able to showcase that ability to snap and block in game last year and will do the same this upcoming season.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I want all teams to know that I am the hardest worker in any room, and if I am not when I come in to that organization, I will find a way to become it. I love this game and believe I have a lot left in me to play. My goal is to help any program or organization win and I will bring that mentality day in and day out even as a specialist.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would donate to something revolving around domestic violence prevention or suicide prevention. I lost my grandmother early on in my life to suicide and my nonnie to a domestic violence dispute in my junior year of college. 

Who was your role model? 

My role model is easily my dad. He has done everything to get me where I am now. He has made so many sacrifices to get me to snapping camps and to help get me to where I want to be in my life. I am forever grateful for what he has done for me and I hope I can repay him for that in some way someday.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite team is the Steelers, my dad is a fan and the first Super Bowl I remember actually watching is the Steelers playing the Cardinals in 2009.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

I would say Malachi Burby. I have been with him most of my college career from Rutgers to Rhode Island. I know he’s going to have a big year this year and prove a lot of people wrong.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is those who do not put 100% into something. I believe either you go all in or don’t at all.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

I could not say a specific teacher, however the staff at my high school (St. Thomas More) are the best educators around. Being at a boarding school they made it feel like home. That was easily the best decision I ever made transferring there for my final year of high school.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

One of the hardest moments in my life was my freshman year of college. Not starting at Rutgers was hard for me because of the expectations I set for myself going into it. When I entered the transfer portal all I wanted to do was find a division 1 program I could start for right away. I felt I made easily the best decision for myself coming to Rhode Island now starting for the past 4 seasons.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

I am not a big fast food guy but I would have to say Chipotle. I love burrito bowls so that would be an easy pick for me.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Again, I’m not really the biggest snack guy, however I do not mind having some pretzels or protein bars throughout my day.

What is your degree in? 

I double majored in criminal justice and psychology with a minor in sociology at URI. I am now currently getting my masters in adult education.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

I would have to first start off with Pat McAfee, I love everything that he has done for the brand of kickers, punters, and long snappers. Being a Steelers fan I would have to go with Ben Roethlisberger because of how much I watched him growing up and my love for the game coming from watching that team play over the years. Finally, I would have to pick JJ Watt, his mentality throughout his career was something I always watched and made me a big fan of his over the years.

What is your biggest weakness? 

My biggest weakness is how I overthink certain situations revolving around my life and sports. I feel it sometimes makes me a little too hard on myself. However, over the years I have learned to trust myself and my abilities.