NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Orlando Colon Jr., OL, Wingate 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?

My name is Orlando Colon (Jr.)

What is your Height/Weight?

I am 6″4 305

What is your position?

I’ve played tackle/guard my my last two years of college ball. But I played tight end my freshman and sophomore year at JUCO

Where do you play college football?

I played at Wingate University. About 45 minutes from Charlotte.

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

This past spring I was given the opportunity to go to a middle school here in Wingate and read books to them. It was amazing seeing how much me and my teammates impacted those kids. I also did volunteer work this past summer at Boys and Girls club. I build a serious relationship with those kids.

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

I would have to say. A Global Perspective class here at Wingate. It’s so much you have to read every week. Managing football and reading 50 pages a night was not easy.

Where are you from?

I was born in Brooklyn, NY then move to PA as a kid. I grew up in Southside Bethlehem Pennsylvania. The city is growing more every year. I love my city, we call it the 6XWAY

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model would have to be my Father. No matter how hard times got he managed to make sure I was good. He showed me how to go get it under any circumstance. If it wasn’t for him I would not be where I am today.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

My first sport was baseball. When I moved from NY to PA my Father told me he was going to get me into sports and baseball was the first one. He played baseball all his life in New York so he knew the game really well. I also played basketball in middle school and high school

Did you play any other positions in football?

All my years playing football I probably played every position on the field besides QB,DB, and kicker . Coaches really like that I am a versatile player and can play where they want me.

At your position, what separates you from others?

I feel like being athletic with good feet really helps me at Offensive line. Even when I am in a bad position I manage to save myself with my athleticism. I am also always willing to get better. I am not scared to put the extra work in.

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

The first thing I look at is the man on me. I study everything about him. His favorite move, how effective he uses his hands, hints in the twist game and how aggressive he is. Then I make sure all week in practice I focus on the little things to make me better so I can shut down my opponent.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

The toughest player I ever faced would have to be myself. Only I determine my success. If I come out to work hard everyday there’s no reason why I shouldn’t dominate the man in front of me. Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard, and I strongly believe that.

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

I would probably compare myself to Jason Kelce from the Eagles. He is not the biggest or strongest guy on the field. But he works really hard and play with a lot of heart. He is also very athletic and moves very well. I feel like that’s my strongest contribute as a player. I am athletic and play with a lot of heart.

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

JUCO life is very tough if your away from home. You struggle with your teammates on and off the field. Eating roman noodles, hot dogs, and Mac and cheese every day gets old after a while. It makes you work harder so you can get an offer and not have to struggle anymore. It helped me grow as an athlete and as a person.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Before games I pray, listen to a lot of music, and remind myself what I been through to get here. It pumps me up knowing all the hard work has paid off.

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

Coming from a D2 school I have to prove a lot more. I have to play with a chip on my shoulder to show I am ready to play with the best of them. I would have to work harder so I could limit mistakes when my number is called.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength on the field would have to be my athletic ability my aggression and playing with a lot of heart.

What is your biggest weakness?

My weakness would have to be, being more flexible, and working on my punch and hand placement

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

I would tell him that I am a hard working player with good athletic ability. I am very versatile and able to play inside or outside on the O-line. I got good feet and play with a lot of heart. I would let him know i am not afraid of the hard work. I will make sure I work harder than everyone else so I can get a chance. I’ve been through a lot on and off the field so I know how to fight through adversity. If you give me a chance I would prove to you that more D2 Offensive Linemen deserve a chance to play in the pros.

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

Growing up I always loved the Eagles. I use to watch McNabb, Dawkins and Westbrook work. They help me fall in love with sport. Mychal Kendricks, Jason Peters, and Sproles are my favorite Eagle players right now. They play with a lot of energy and passion.

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

I would go to dinner wit my father, my mother, and Dwayne Johnson (The Rock). I grew up watching Dwayne Johnson when he was in the WWE. Dwayne Johnson is from Bethlehem and is now a big star. He literally came from the bottom and worked his way up to the top step by step. He proved to me that anything is possible if you work hard. He is one of my role models.

With your first NFL paycheck what would you buy?

First thing I would buy is a brand new car. Look for a nice apartment or house. Then I would buy a Cuban link chain with a nice watch to match. Buy my parents what ever they want. Then throw a big party at my place for my friends and family to celebrate.

Rapid Answers:

• Spongebob or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?
• Backstreet Boys or One Direction?
• Lifetime Channel or HGTV?
• Waffles or Pancakes?
• Snakes or Spiders?
• Madden or Mario?