2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Hunter Zambrano, OL, Illinois State University

• Name: Hunter Zambrano
• Position: OL
• College: Illinois State University
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 308 lbs
• X (Twitter): @hunter_zambrano
• Instagram: @_hunterzambrano

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

Growing up my dad played football when he was young when he moved here from Venezuela and played college football at Wayne State and my brother played too and that’s how I got started into football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Earning a scholarship to come play at Illinois State and making friends through the process of football and playing as a team together and being able to hit other people and win football games.

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

My brother, growing up he had a lot of health injuries and watching him play through torn labrum’s and getting a scholarship to go to Princeton and that inspires me just seeing what all he had to go through and my dad as well coming to America from Venezuela, not speaking any English and working his way through football and getting to where he is today using football as an avenue.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Winning a lot of football games and improving from last year, running the ball more and making a statement.

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

Trent Williams, he’s the best offensive lineman in the league and I would like to see how he trains every day and see how he is as good as he is.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Illinois State?

It’s just a special place to play and the coaches here are awesome and I love playing in the brotherhood here.

What should we know about Hunter Zambrano the person?

I grew up in south Florida playing soccer and baseball, played a couple years of football in high school, I love fishing when I’m not playing football, as well as lifting weights and spending time with my family.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I really don’t have a favorite because I just love playing football and hitting people no matter what we call every play.

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

Got to take a deep breath and relax and have a calm state of mind and just having that confidence to overcome anything on the football field or in life.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Someone that’s going to show up every day, give full effort, no excuses and just get the job done and someone who is going to be a leader.

What stands out about your film the most?

Being able to get to the second level well, quick feet and finishing blocks.

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

Jalan Gaines for sure, he’s a reason for a lot of big plays that happened last year.