2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dan Toatley, DL, Central Connecticut State University

• Name: Dan Toatley
• Position: Defensive Lineman
• College: Central Connecticut State University 
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 275
• Twitter: @DanToatley
• Instagram: @609hotboydano

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

My versatility and technique are what set me apart as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. I can line up anywhere on the defensive line, making an impact wherever I’m needed and causing constant problems for the offense. I’m also a highly technical player that focuses intensely on what’s taught during Indy periods, and it shows up in team practice and games.

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

NFL teams should know that I’m a tough, hardworking player who doesn’t back down. I’ve faced challenges many people might not understand, but I always push through, whether it’s on game day or just during practice. Playing hurt or banged up doesn’t stop me from giving my best.

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 the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP). This is a nonprofit organization that I had the opportunity to donate bone marrow in February of 2024 to help save a person’s life. Being able to donate not only helps bring awareness to the organization but it helps them save lives daily which is an unforgettable act. Not too many people even know this organization exists and I am grateful to have been able to give away something so small to help give someone an extra fight in their battle to live. 

Who was your role model?

My role model was my older brother Sam. Not only did my older brother help motivate me to play football but he is also the reason I started playing this game. We started off in flag football leagues to Pop Warner and he helped me grow into the football player I am today. Off the football field though my older brother Sam was my protector and someone I always looked up to and wanted to be just like. Growing up I didn’t have any guidance or any type of direction but I had my big brother and he wouldn’t let anything happen to me. He also stayed on me about football and was one of my biggest supporters next to my mom and sister.  

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team is the Indianapolis Colts.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Jalen Howard, hands down. He’s a leader in our defensive line room and across the team. He works hard every day, regardless of how he’s feeling or what’s happening off the field. He’s relentless on game days, but he hasn’t gotten the recognition he deserves—yet. He’s going to start turning heads soon enough.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when people are not being honest.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever is probably a mix of teachers but I would say Ms. Clarke or Mrs. Mariconi. They both stayed on top of me in high school no matter if it was in their class or another teacher’s class. They were my school moms and I knew I had to be on my best behavior at all times because if I didn’t they would hear about it and be on top of me. It showed me that there are teachers out there who truly care about their students and want them to succeed.

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

The hardest moment in my life would have to be losing my older brother Sam and then my father 10 months later. My older brother passed away at 23 years old on May 8th, 2021. 10 months later my dad was killed on January 29th, 2022. Losing two immediate family members back to back and out of the blue was tough for not only me but my entire family. Having to be able to support them, deal with my own emotions, and be a D1 student-athlete at the same time got very hard, and at times I wanted to pack my things up and leave. But I stayed the course because I knew this was where they would want me and I knew I had to make it to make them proud but also help support my family. I also had an amazing support group at Central Connecticut State University who wanted to see me do well on and off the field. 

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

Tropical Smoothie

What is your favorite snack food?

I am a big candy person so I’d say probably candy whether it be some kind of chocolate or gummy candy. 

What is your degree in?

Criminology and I am currently finishing my master’s in Criminal Justice

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

If I could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, I would honestly tell you to give my seat up to my sister and tell you I wanted her, my mom, my dad, and my brother to have dinner together. Although I miss my brother and dad dearly I would rather see my mom and my sister get the opportunity to have one last dinner with them together as a family hoping that would help them find some type of peace knowing they still struggle with their passing to this day. 

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is my heart is big. It can be overwhelming at times because I don’t want to let the people I love and those who are close to me down and I don’t want to say no when they ask for something. Because if I can help I will and deep down some people I know if roles were reversed probably wouldn’t do the same thing for me. But I was raised with morals and to help those you love and care about no matter what because if you ever need something you’d want someone to help you.