Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Matt Lengel, TE, Eastern Kentucky University

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

Matt Lengel

Where do you play college football?

Eastern Kentucky university. Originally started at Northeastern university.

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

A few patriot league schools and northeastern.

How did you choose your school?

I chose Northeastern because it was my only full scholarship and I really wanted to take that burden away from my parents and I.

Where are you from?

Mechanicsburg, PA

Who is your role model, and why?

My father. He’s done so many amazing things for my family and is completely selfless. He’s where I got my work ethic and determination.

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

I haven’t met personally with any but I know that most are wanting to see how I play after my injuries. My size leads many scouts to believe that I am a blocking tight end with pass catching ability.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Yea, I loved playing baseball growing up but really switched my focus fully to football in high school.

Did you play any other positions in football?

I was recruited as a defensive end to some colleges coming out of high school but my heart was in TE.

At your position, what separates you from others?

I would say that my passion to dominate as a blocker at TE separates me. A lot of guys want to be Jimmy Graham, but, I’m perfectly fine with being an additional blocker and short yardage pass catcher.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I look for my ability to lock up as a blocker and my ability to separate as a receiver. Being able to separate is where I will win my routes.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

I have a lot of fond memories blocking Arthur Brown while he was at Kansas State. Dude was tough.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

I would say Lee Smith of the Buffalo Bills. He’s big, strong, and almost an extra tackle, but, he can catch when called upon.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

I would say that tearing my ACL two years in a row was my biggest obstacle. I convinced myself that controlling what I can control would bring me back to being the player I was before. When I knew I had the power to make or break my own situation, I just went all out every day until I was stronger than before and ready to play.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Sort of. Unlike a lot of people, I have to eat a lot before games. Also, I put on my uniform in a specific order and put on my eye black last.

What is your biggest strength?

Definitely blocking. Also, my length and size.

What is your biggest weakness?

I would say that my biggest weakness will be getting scouts to look past my history of two injuries.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I would say that I am very coachable. I’m not someone who thinks I’m already the best and know everything. I’m always looking to get better and open to criticism.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Growing up I was a huge Jon Ritchie fan because he went to my high school and his face was always breaking open. It looked awesome and he was one mean FB. I was a fan of wherever he was.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, and John F. Kennedy.