Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Phil Faccone, LS, Wagner 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?

Phil Faccone

Where do you play college football?

I played for Wagner College in Staten Island, NY

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

30+ schools

How did you choose your school?

It was close to home, Wagner’s football program gave off a family based vibe which is something I loved, also the academic opportunities New York City brings to the table.

Where are you from?

Brick Township, NJ down at the Jersey Shore.

Who is your role model, and why?

A big role model of mine is Prince Amukamara. I became friends with him a few years ago through a Fellowship of Christian Athletes event at Wagner and since then he has been so motivational in my life and helping me stay strong in with my faith.

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

A few did when I played in the FCS National Bowl and they requested film.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played baseball and lacrosse.

Did you play any other positions in football?

Offensive line and Outside Linebacker

At your position, what separates you from others?

As a long snapper, my consistency and reliability. I was a two time All-American at Wagner.

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

Accuracy, speed, and my down field coverage (punt)/blocking (field goal)

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Believe it or not, it wasn’t in college, my former high school teammate Will Wowkanyn was a savage. I really shouldn’t say was because he is still playing. He just finished up his last junior college season in November. Keep an eye out for his name, he has a lot of opportunities in front of him.

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

I would say Matt Overton, the Long Snapper of the Indianapolis Colts. He has heart like no other person, his story is amazing and how he ended up with the Colts. He is one of the best, if not THE best in the NFL right now. He is someone I truly aspire to be like.

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

I think the biggest obstacle for me was finding my way to the Lord. I felt misguided going into college, I felt out of place and lost and luckily I found God. Even though this really does not seem like a huge obstacle to others, to me it was. That journey I had up until finding my way to God was difficult but it was the most rewarding.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I do my snapping warmups just like every other snapper but I listen to some of my favorite music including The Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, Rage Against the Machine, Rise Against, and I usually throw some Led Zeppelin in there.

What is your biggest strength?

My heart and love for the game. I have been told I have a lot of grit.

What is your biggest weakness?

I am very nit-picky, I kind of stress over dumb things sometimes but I think it is a side effect of having a big heart.

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

If you want heart and soul, a player who leads by example, a selfless teammate that will do anything to help the team win, and someone who can help you get the ball to the punter when we are backed up into our own end zone, I am your guy.

Who was your favorite NFL team growing up?

My favorite team growing up was the Giants

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

I would choose my savior Jesus Christ, Founding Father/President George Washington, and of course the great Vince Lombardi