2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joe DiGello, LB, Southern Connecticut State University

• Name: Joe DiGello
• Position: LB
• College: Southern Connecticut State University
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 230 lbs
• X (Twitter): @joedigello
• Instagram: @joedigello

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

I grew up in a household where football truthfully was a way of life, I started playing football when I was 7 years old and have loved it ever since. I played basketball and baseball as well my whole life but football is what I’ve always loved most.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite memories in football are countless but specifically, it has to be my first ever college football game. Coming fresh off the Covid year and having no season my freshman year I earned the starting job the next season. We started the season off playing on stage at a Division 1 school Central Connecticut a school that had recruited me heavily but looked past me. Getting to go out there and start as an underclassman on top of that getting a victory as a major underdog was an incredible experience.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most?

Without a doubt, the family member who inspires me the most is my father. Being blessed to have a man in my life to show me the characteristics it takes to be a great man first of all and then the guidance in my athletic career makes me want to succeed so badly for me and him. He was the type of father to push me when I needed it and show appreciation of my work ethic when he felt I deserved it I could not be more grateful for the lessons he taught me. When I was in my sophomore year of high school he asked me if truthfully loved football and I said absolutely. He said go chase your dreams and have no regrets when you look back. Since that day I have been doing this for me and him.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I am looking forward to competing for an NE-10 championship I’ve been blessed to have a career full of personal accomplishments but I am still chasing that winning feeling. We’re going into this season with some very elite talent and have a real shot to do something special with this group that I cannot wait to compete with.

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

J.J Watt, I loved his season on hard knocks, and seeing all the extra work he would put in practice inspired me to do the same. I would love to be able to get a workout in with him and listen to his approach to football and the way he works.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Southern Connecticut State?

My favorite things about playing at Southern is the brotherhood and the culture I have got to help grow. Also, we have a great game day culture with constant support from friends and family which we are so grateful for. There’s nothing better than a game day at Jess Dow Field.

What should we know about Joe DiGello the person?

As a person, I believe I’m an outspoken extrovert. I am one to speak up when felt needed in whatever situation may be. I’m one to have high standards of myself and others but that’s due to my compassion for others I believe and wanting to see the best come out of people.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I love the stack defense we play here at Southern, Coach Eggerling does a great job scheming up different blitzes and packages for our team. 3 down front always rushing 4 to 5 never taking the foot off the neck of the opponent.

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

I’m one to face challenges head on I’m not afraid to go to people I look to as mentors for advice on how to approach these challenges but I’m not one to look past a challenge and let them become bigger challenges.

What would a team get in a player like you?

It’s cliche to say but a workhorse. If you asked who was the hardest worker on my team my name would be in that conversation more than not. You can get a guy who is capable of playing 60 plus snaps a game if need be I do that here at Southern. A leader who is not afraid to push his teammates.

What stands out about your film the most?

What sticks out in my film is the big play ability on the defensive side of the ball. I have a nose for football like our coach says players make plays and I’m a playmaker. Coming up in big spots is a talent not every player is capable of that and if you see my film I make big plays in big moments. I also think coaches would be shocked by my twitchiness and speed from my film.

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

Most underrated player I’ve played with was Kwadir Delgado-Mcintyre. Kwadir is about 5’ 6” and 165 lbs and would come down from safety fearless. If given the opportunity he could be a demon on any special teams unit around. Most of all though from learning from Kwad he was a leader of men, teams have multiple leaders on the team but when Kwadir spoke everybody listened and that’s a value a lot of teams need that he brought and which I aspire to get to.