NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Jacob Schunke, OL, Towson University

NFL Draft Diamonds and our staff have been bringing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 2 years and this year we mixed up the questions and added some fun questions for our readers. We have tons of NFL staff that read our interviews, and we actually received several of the questions from NFL scouts we speak too. This gives them a little bit more information regarding your character. We hope to bring you more than 300 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner.

What is your name? 

Jacob Schunke

What is your Height/Weight? 

6’5” 305-315

What is your position? 

Offensive Lineman

Where do you play college football? 

Towson University, Towson Maryland

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field? 

I feel the one coolest and memorable thing that I did off the field was teaching a group of youths how to play football at Falston Recreation Center. The day wasn’t all about football; it was teaching them how to be safe but at the same time making sure they were having fun. I enjoyed spending time with these kids and seeing smiles on their young faces was one of the best feelings in the world.

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

KNES 465 Cultural Economy & ECON 205 Statistics

Where are you from? 

Wayne, New Jersey

Who is your role model, and why? 

My biggest role model in my life is my mother. The reason I say this is because she is a single parent who does everything for everyone. My mother always thinks of others and puts herself last. She never asks for help with anything. Best mom anyone could ask for.

Did you play any other sports growing up? 

Growing up I was involved in various sports including baseball, lacrosse, soccer, and track/field “throwing events.”

Did you play any other positions in football? 

I played multiple positions in football including tackle, tight end, and short/long snapper.

At your position, what separates you from others? 

I believe the things that separate me from others players playing my position are my strength, speed, explosion and my mindset going into the game to never give up.

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

When breaking down film there are several key aspects I always focus on. Starting with the one that plays the biggest role for me individually. This is knowing and understanding the player lined up across from me. The next thing I look at is the pressure sheet provided with the scouting report. I use this to identify whether or not they are a high-pressure team, or more conservative. Next, I would try and identify flaws/tells my opponent subconsciously performs; such as: stance, alignment, and depth. Next, I will move to the linebackers and dissect their stances and read responses. For example tight lined linebackers indicates cross axe (Blitz). Finally, I would watch the film as a whole to look at team chemistry, key players, and popular play calls.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced? 

Zach Kerr who played for University of Delaware and currently plays for the Indianapolis Colts.

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

Ronald Leary who plays for Dallas. He is a very strong, solid, athletic and very good at walling off defenders in the run game.

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

My parents getting divorced were a difficult and upsetting time in my life. My parents did the best they could to keep things as normal as possible, which made it easier for me to handle.

Do you have any pre-game rituals? 

My first pre-game ritual is saying a prayer. I also play my pre-game pump up songs, which gets me motivated and psyched out. Also, going to all the players on the field and giving each other pump up talks.

As a small school football player what obstacles do you feel you have to overcome?

My biggest obstacle I believe coming from a small school will be making a name for myself.

What is your biggest strength? 

My biggest strength is my strength/speed and mind set.

What is your biggest weakness? 

I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform well.

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

 I will never give up! I will always stay focused and never take a rep off. I play with heart and determination to better myself every play. 

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up? 

The New York Giants are my favorite football team. Growing up in New Jersey I have been rooting for my home team for years. My favorite player growing up has been Payton Manning.

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

Three people that I idolize and would enjoy meeting and having dinner/conversation with are: Ronda Rousey, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Lionel Messi.

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

Once I make the NFL the first big thing I am going to buy is something for my mom because she does everything for me that is within her power.