Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Nash Nance, QB, Hampden-Sydney College

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?

Nash Nance

What is your Height/Weight?

6’3 ½” 218 lbs

What is your position?

Quarterback

Where do you play college football?

University of Tennessee

Hampden Sydney College

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

16 D1 Offers , Main Schools That Recruited Me: Vanderbilt, Harvard, Mississippi State, West Virginia, and Tennessee

How did you choose your school?

I wanted to go where I had the best opportunity to play Quarterback and get a great education. I was committed to Vanderbilt my entire senior football season until after the season. The University of Tennessee had all new quarterbacks and great School of Business (Finance).

Where are you from?

Calhoun, Georgia

Who is your role model, and why?

My inspiration relies a lot on my father. He and my grandfather both have taught me how to be successful and navigate through life. They taught me that opportunities are rare, but when presented they must be seized. You have to make the most with what you have, and rely on yourself to get the job done. My dad and granddad taught me that hard work pays off. They both have become successful entrepreneur’s who started from basically nothing. I have done the same with football.

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

The Washington Redskins and North Carolina Panthers last year. Told me I would be put on the watch list for upcoming seniors. European Scouts are wanting me to come and play overseas.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Track, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, and I am a scratch golfer

Did you play any other positions in football?

No

At your position, what separates you from others?

I am a winner. I lead by example on and off the field. I represent the team I play for with pride, and will come ready to work every single day. I will be the hardest working player on and off the field.

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

Secondary tendencies on 2^nd and short and 3^rd and long. Also what stunts the LB’s like to bring on those down and distances.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Don’t’a Hightower

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

Alex Smith because he is a great decision maker and is an all around athlete.

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

One of the hardest decisions I faced in college was when I decided to transfer from The University of Tennessee. I wanted to go to either Harvard or Yale. I was very confident I would be able to get in to the schools, given that I was a Two Time All Academic SEC at Tennessee. After I found out it would not work out, I looked at LeHigh and Holy Cross. The last visit I took was to Hampden Sydney. It was a very prestigious academic institution, with a successful football program that loved to throw the ball around. After praying about it and weighing my options, I chose to go to Hampden Sydney and work harder than I ever had before. I was a Two Time All American, Three Time All Conference, won the Player of the Year Award for Division Three South, and also won the Lanier Award that goes to the best player in Virginia for NAIA, D2, and D3.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I like to go out on the field the day before the game and imagine the game being played. I see the throws I know I am going to have to make and see us winning every time.

What is your biggest strength?

My intelligence and perseverance- I want to be the smartest player on the field and a student of the game. You can never be smart enough as a Quarterback. You have to know what every position is responsible for every play. In doing so, I know I will be successful because of my work ethic. There will not be a single player that will put more hours and hard work in on the team than me.

What is your biggest weakness?

I am a people pleaser. I try to make everyone happy even when it’s not possible.

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

I am talented as any other quarterback you are looking at. I am a winner. I will outwork any other player on your team, and have the talent to back up the hard work.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers

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

Frank Sinatra, Mark Cuban, and Jordan Belfort