2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Sebastian Pares, OL, Eastern Illinois University

• Name: Sebastian Pares
• Position: Offensive Line
• College: University of Sioux Falls / Eastern Illinois
• Height: 6’5
• Weight: 315
• Twitter: sebastian_pares
• Instagram: sebastian.pares

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

Athleticism. I bring to the table the ability to cover a lot of ground fast while still maintaining execution through blocks and reads. I had the ability to learn the position behind some brilliant minds and have added what I learned to my arsenal in the last 6 years. 

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

I set a high standard for myself. This year especially I have watched a bunch of NFL tape of pro bowl offensive lineman, I use them as an example to set a standard of excellence for myself. 

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

I would donate to a cancer research foundation. My grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer twice, donating to this cause would hit a little closer to home. 

Who was your role model? 

My grandmother is my role mother. She immigrated from Puerto Rican to Illinois when my father was 7 and my uncle was 10. She knew little to no English and somehow made it happen. Forever will have respect for her wanting a better life for her children. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Even though I’m from Chicago, I’m a big Washington (Redskins) Commanders fan. I was a huge RGIII fan growing up, watching him through college and then in the pros. I quickly bought his jersey and have been a fan since. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Drake Van Hyfte. He is the epitome of great teammate. Drake isn’t the most outspoken in the room, but he works his butt off all year round. While being one of the most explosive players in the D-line room he doesn’t look to be in the spotlight, being a two all last year and finally getting the opportunity to start this year without saying a word. I constantly take pages from his book. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Not accomplishing the goals I set for myself. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mr. Hockett. He was my high school media arts teacher and the one who first sparked my interest in multi-media production. He was really helpful in teaching me how to edit videos at a high level, and I will always be appreciative of the abilities he taught me.

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

Up to this point in my life, the first three years I spent in Sioux Falls I faced the greatest amount of adversity. Relocating 500 miles from home, acclimating from Chicago to a more rural area, redshirting my first year of college, and moving up from 245 to 275 during COVID. Overcoming all of this to ultimately play in my first collegiate game as a Redshirt Freshman my actual Junior year, 1,042 days after my final high school game. 

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

Chipotle. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Cereal

What is your degree in? 

I have a Bachelors Degree in Media Studies from the University of Sioux Falls and getting my MBA from Eastern Illinois this December. 

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

Lawrence Taylor, David Ortiz, Carmelo Anthony. LT was my dad’s favorite football player, growing up we would have a bunch of LT clips replaying after football practices. David Ortiz and Carmelo Anthony were my favorite non football athletes growing up, while being big in their sport they were also representing Latinos through their play at the highest level and always wanted to get a chance to do the same. 

What is your biggest weakness? 

Trying to please everyone.