Name: Adrian Vlahovic
School: Pace
Position: LS
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 220
Q: What goals did you accomplish heading into your final collegiate season?
The only real goals I set for myself for this season was to snap the ball accurately and just do whatever I could to help the team be successful. I would say that I did that. We went 7-3 on the year and our special teams played a big factor in many of those wins. Whether it was flipping field position by pinning teams deep on punt or hitting a game winning field goal or extra point against Bentley and Merrimack.
Q: What would your coaches say about the type of player you are?
I think my coaches would say that I’m a competitor. They would say that I love to work on my craft and get better. I also think they would say I’m extremely persistent and know how to bounce back when things go wrong.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on to improve your game?
When I’m watching my snaps I look to see if my back is flat and if my feet are set correctly. I also check if I’m following through with both hands. When I’m watching film to prepare for a game, I’ll look at how the punt return team sets up their return, whether someone is running with me downfield or whether they give me a free release.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
As a long snapper there is not too much separation between the top athletes in each class in terms of snapping ability. I think what separates me from my competition is the intangibles. I really enjoy the process, from strength and conditioning to practice and games. That paired with my competitive drive and my level headedness is where I believe I have the advantage.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
Right now I’m training at home here in Bergen County, New Jersey. A normal training day consists of speed work, about 30-40 snaps and strength work. Right now I’m working on improving at various combine drills that I may be asked to perform at a pro day. I am also focusing heavily on blocking after the snap. This is something I didn’t do in college so it’s new to me but I think I’ve made significant progress with it over the past few months.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Aside from accuracy and consistency I think that I would be a calming presence on the special teams unit. With specialists a lot of it is a mental game that you need to learn how to manage. I think as a snapper, part of your job is to help your kicker and punter stay confident even if they are struggling. As for off the field I would try to be active in the community and use my platform as a professional athlete to make a difference in anyway that I can.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I would tell them to just give me a shot. I love the game and understand what my role is as a specialist on a winning football team. I’ve had success at every level so far not because I’m the most talented snapper, but because I like to push myself and those around me to be better.
