2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Lyle Santos, OL, Southern Utah
- Name: Lyle Santos
- Position: Left Guard & Center
- College: Southern Utah
- Height: 6’3
- Weight: 300
- Twitter: lylesantos702
- Instagram: lylesantos702
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?
I have a lot of experience playing multiple positions at both guard spots and center. I would say I’m a really good pass blocker as well as an efficient run blocker with a lot of room for improvement. I also believe I play with great technique and physicality. I’m always looking to finish my blocks no matter what.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I’m hungry for any opportunity I can get and I will take full advantage of it no matter what it is.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be to childhood cancer, 100%.
Who was your role model?
I’d like to say I’ve had a lot of role models in my life. Other than both of my parents and other family members, I’d say a few of my close friends parents as well.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
Favorite NFL team is the Rams.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
The most underrated teammate at my school is Kyle Sfarcioc #64.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is when my clothes are winkled.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
My favorite teacher ever would have to be my weight training coach at Arbor View High School, Ron Cyronkowski. I know he’s a coach, but he was definitely a great teacher as well! Weight training was an actual class so he counts as a teacher!
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
The hardest moment in my life that I had to overcome was the last injury I had at the end of the 2023 season. I never faced that type of adversity in my football career before, and having to go through that process after having a big surgery, really challenges you mentally and physically in ways you’ve never experienced before. Some people think you just get surgery and you wait 6 months and you’re back to your old self but that’s not how it works. Not being able to walk for 3 months can mess with your head if you let it. And then fighting and working through physical therapy has its tough moments forsure. It definitely made me a better man as well as a football player and I’m grateful for it all.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?
Texas Roadhouse. My girlfriend and I love that place.
What is your favorite snack food?
Favorite snack food is a strawberry uncrustable.
What is your degree in?
Communications
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with three people dead or alive it would be Conor McGregor, Maxx Crosby and Rob Gronkowski. The reason why is because over the last few years I’ve really looked up to all of these guys in different ways. I know McGregeor does some controversial things outside of the octagon, but when he first got his shot in the UFC, it really motivated me seeing the way he believed in himself. It was an insane self-belief. He was obviously doubted by so many people, but he kept his head down and went to work and became one of the best in the world simply by believing in himself and out working everyone. Same with Maxx and Gronk, those two are some of the best guys to ever play football in their position. With the adversity they’ve both faced in their careers, it motivates me to continue to attack the process no matter what you have to go through.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness right now is my pad level. It’s definitely improving but it’s something I need to continue to work on and get better at every single day.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com