Future Prospect Talk: Villanova Safety Ty Trinh

Villanova safety Ty Trinh was one of the best safeties in the FCS. At 6’0 205 he plays aggressively and is always around the ball, you do not want to throw his way. Trinh had 60 tackles, 8 tackles for a loss, 3 interceptions with 5 passes defended, and earned second-team All-CAA for the Wildcats in his senior season. To finish his career at Villanova he had 201 career tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions, 19 passes defensed, with 2 forced fumbles and two All-CAA defensive teams. He has declared for the 2025 NFL draft and he talked to me about this past season and playing in the playoffs for Villanova plus the NFL and more for NFL Draft Diamonds.

Leader: Good season by the Villanova Wildcats even though a tough loss to Incarnate Word. How would you describe that game and what do you think went wrong?

Ty: It was a hard-fought game. Going into the game we knew how dynamic of an offense they were and how fast-paced they like to run their plays. I believe their average scoring points was 30 points per game and as a defense, our goal was to not let them score at all. I think if we didn’t give up that one touchdown in the red zone we could have come out on top for the win. Sometimes we don’t get the outcome we want but I’m proud of the team, especially the defense.

Leader: What made you a better player now than you were last year?

Ty: Last year I already developed good habits throughout the season but going into this season I felt that I was more precise in the way I went about it. I was detail-oriented in the way I went about watching films, getting extra treatment, getting more sleep, and just those type of things I felt benefited me a lot this year. I felt as though I became a better leader this year for my team as well. Being an older guy it’s my responsibility to bring the young guys along and be a good representation for them.

Leader: What do you think was your best game this past season and why?

Ty: Delaware would probably be my best game this year. I had 7 tackles, 1 tackle for a loss, 1 interception, and 1 pass break up. With them being our rivals it’s always something in the air that just brings the best out of everyone. I made a lot of plays that game having an interception and a few pass breakups while having some tackles as well. I was flying around all over the field just playing freely and trusting my preparation.

Leader: Special group these last two seasons. What makes Mark Ferrante a great coach to play with?

Ty: Coach Ferrante cares about his players outside of the football field. He’s always around the office with his door open for anyone to walk in and just talk. It could be anything you want to talk about, it doesn’t just have to be football all the time too. He also is a coach who’s willing to work with you if you just communicate with him.

Leader: What coach did you grow the closest relationship with?

Ty: Well my main position coach is Coach Colangelo as I work with the safeties group. I work really closely with him and throughout this whole season, we’re always talking about my matchups. Each week he helps me prepare for the games with film cut-ups of formations, tendencies, and player cut-ups as well. It’s an honor and privilege to play for these coaches as they’ve helped me develop as a player and a person. The amount of trust between the coaches and myself is special. Two years ago they switched my position to playing nickel and that was one of the best decisions that has happened for me. I appreciate them trusting me to get that job done.

Leader: I thought you were coming in to play safety. You play tough, and hard, and can guard the best receiver on the opposing team. What are your strengths that make you impact as a safety? Have you ever played cornerback?

Ty: It’s funny that you say that because I play safety just at the nickel position. I never played corner in college and came in as a safety. Just the flexibility and the ability to play really any position within the DB core is my strength. Throughout my Villanova career, I have played all three safety positions, whether that be me playing strong, free, or the nickel spot in the box. Whatever the team needs me to play I can do so at a high level.

Leader: What was your last 40 times and vertical?

Ty:  A 4.48 and a 40-inch vertical.

Leader:  What makes Villanova football culture the right football culture to play for?

Ty: Here at Nova our coaches always talk about that it’s not a coaches-led team but a players-led team. Obviously the coaches still play their part in guiding us in the right direction but we as a team have to uphold the standard that we talk about. We go about things the right way here and put into action what we preach. We always talk about playing for each other and tapping the rock. That’s our belief system and we live by it no matter if the circumstances are good or bad.

Leader: What would you add to an NFL football team?

Ty: As a dynamic safety, I bring versatility and adaptability to any NFL team. I can excel at both free and strong safety positions, providing coverage range, tackling ability, and the football IQ to adjust to various defensive schemes. My ability to read offenses, communicate effectively with teammates, and play physical yet disciplined football allows me to contribute in both pass and run defense. Whether it’s dropping back in coverage, coming downhill to stop the run, or blitzing when needed, I bring a relentless work ethic and a team-first mentality to elevate the defense.

Leader: What makes a great safety?

Ty:  From a safety perspective, great safety combines physical ability, mental sharpness, and leadership to excel on the field. Versatility is key, as they have adapted to multiple roles—covering deep zones, locking down receivers or tight ends in man-to-man coverage, and stepping up to stop the run. Football IQ sets elite safeties apart; they can read offenses pre-snap, recognize formations, and anticipate plays, allowing them to react quickly and make adjustments on the fly. Athleticism, including speed, agility, and explosiveness, enables safeties to cover ground, close on the ball, and make plays all over the field. Strong tackling ability is essential, as they often serve as the last line of defense, preventing big plays. Ball skills, such as timing and reliable hands, allow great safeties to create turnovers through interceptions, deflections, and forced fumbles. Additionally, leadership and communication are critical, as safeties often act as the “quarterback” of the defense, ensuring everyone is aligned and executing the game plan. Finally, physical and mental toughness is vital for competing at a high level on every snap. A combination of these traits defines what makes a great safety and separates the good from the truly elite.

Leader: In the locker room what type of presence do you add to a locker for a team?

Ty: In the locker room, I bring a mature and steady presence that helps create a positive and focused team environment. As an older, more experienced teammate, I lead by example through my work ethic, preparation, and professionalism. I’m someone younger players can look to for guidance, whether it’s understanding the game, handling adversity, or navigating the demands of being a professional athlete. I prioritize building strong relationships with my teammates, fostering trust and accountability, and ensuring that everyone feels supported. Although I may not be the most vocal I still know when to input my voice but I’m all about leading by example.

Leader: I know you would be blessed to play for any team in the NFL. If you could pick a team, what would that team be?

Ty: I honestly don’t know what team to pick. However, I do know my parents would love for me to play on a team close to home like the Ravens or Commanders but not the Steelers. My dad is a die-hard Ravens fan so he would hate to see me go there but would be happy for me to be a part of an NFL team.

Leader: What NFL receiver you can’t wait to match up against?

Ty: I can’t wait to match up against a receiver like Amon-Ra St. Brown. He’s an underrated talent to me who brings incredible consistency, precise route-running, and a relentless work ethic to every game. I respect players like that and as a competitor that’s something I would look forward to as a challenge.

Leader: Who do you think is the best safety in the NFL and what cornerback do you model your game after?

Ty:  I would say the best safety is Brian Branch and I like to immolate a little bit of my game after him. He does everything for the Lion’s defense playing in that nickel position. Whether he’s blitzing or flying down making tackles.