2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Leonidas Fusarelli, DL, William Penn University

• Name: Leonidas Fusarelli
• Position: Defensive Line
• College: William Penn University
• Height: 6-4
• Weight: 281
• Twitter: w0rktoeat

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

I am a very disruptive player with a high motor who possesses a tremendous passion for this game and always plays with reckless abandon, wanting to make an immediate impact for any professional organization that will allow me to do so.

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

I’m a businessman who possesses GRIT and a serious dog mentality when it comes to playing this game in the trenches. I have paid my dues and continue to grind, working on my craft each day while studying those who have changed the game at my position.   

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

I have two. First, the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews. When I was visiting Israel, I witnessed this organization help numerous needy families with clothes, food, and medicine and never asked for anything in return. Second, the war that is happening right now in my birthplace, Ukraine. I have family and friends who are in the war against Russia.

Who was your role model?

My grandfather was the definition of what it means to have high character and be the man of the household. He didn’t have the perfect life, but what he did have was an entrepreneur hustle mentality that was instilled in me at a young age. He would fish from morning till night and sell fish and his own fishing bait equipment to other fishermen to support the household. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Houston Texans

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

It was my JUCO teammate, Sheehy. He managed to convince the Cleveland Browns’ vice president of player personnel to give him a tryout, Afterwards, he did it again for the General manager and was signed on the spot, After two years of being away from football, he continued to grind, perfecting his craft until his moment of opportunity opened, which lead him to get signed and play in the league.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Lying, Stealing, fixed mindset individuals

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mrs.Smalls, when I was still learning the ways and customs of this great country, would show up to some of my games, whether it was Pop Warner or baseball. If I did well in her class, she would bake me homemade slices of cherry pie.

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

Definitely, JUCO will not only test your character and develop your craft, but it will challenge you to see how much you truly love this game. I’m a JUCOPRODUCT!

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

Whataburger

What is your favorite snack food?

Watermelon and pineapple

What is your degree in?

Sports Management 

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

First is JJ Watt; not only does he have an incredible GRIT story, but I can pick his brain, and he can help me elevate my game to the next level. Second is Arnold Schwarzenegger; again, incredible story, but he’s also a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He’s got the sauce when it comes to building an empire. Finally, Ray Lewis- I met him during Super Bowl weekend when my hometown, Houston, Texas was hosting. The man will talk football with you for hours, dissecting the game; he has a real genuine passion for this sport.

What is your biggest weakness?

Baklava and Blinchiki