Name: Brett Gross
School: Ursinus College 
Position: LB 
Height: 5-11
Weight: 220

Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

One goal set was to be a top defense in our conference and we were ranked 1st in the conference. Another was to be Conference player of the week which I accomplished twice. A personal goal was lead the team in tackles which I was able to accomplish. Also I wanted to earn my way up on the school’s all-time career tackles list as far as I could, which I ended up getting 4th on that list with 276 career tackles.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

My coaches would describe me as very coachable. I am always open to critiques and bettering my game. They always see me striving to get better. My teammates look up to me as a leader. I am always pushing them to become and ask them to push me. We each keep each other accountable because we know how good each of us are.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

When studying film I look at alignments of the offense to see what they are trying to accomplish with their alignments. What do they run out of each formation and what could they run, that way when I see it on the field I have an idea of what they will run each play. I also study their route combinations. The offense runs concepts to try and make holes in the defense, its up to us to not give up a big play and force a check down. While studying I also watch the players to see techniques and how to defeat blocks to help develop my skills.

Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?

Effort, knowledge, and technique are all things that I can control. I give 100% effort every play to do my job so that the team can succeed. I study film and the playbook to understand not only my job, but the whole defenses job on any specific call. Plus knowledge of the opponent is essential on gameday. Technique is crucial when playing in the box, it helps to be fast but finding quick and easy ways to defeat blocks or cover a man can set someone up to be really good. Effort, knowledge, and technique are three things I stress and it is what sets me apart. What also sets me apart is that I have played almost every position on the field, I just want to play ball and win games no matter where on the field.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

My off-season plan is like it has been my entire college career, but with a little more motivation. Follow a given plan from our strength and conditioning coach that will help me train as an athlete and get bigger, faster, stronger. One thing about this past season I was able to come into camp feeling stronger than I have ever been and was able to lose some bad weight which helped me become quicker. The plan doesn’t change from past years, just extra motivation.

Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?

Commitment/effort are things that will bring to the table. As I was a captain for two years in college I know the commitment and buy in that is needed to make a team great and to build a championship culture. Even if I am not a captain I can still be a leader to get buy in from everyone on the team. I also bring 17 years of playing experience with me and have learned a thing or two, I am also very coachable and always looking to improve my game. Knowledge of the game is always important.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

All I need is one chance to show you what I got. And what you get is someone with a high motor who gives 110% effort, someone who is very coachable always willing to get better and do whatever is needed to help the team win, even if it means playing a different position. Teams are getting a good football player if they take me.