Name: Andrew Arterburn
School: Western Colorado University
Position: Safety
Height: 6-0
Weight: 215
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Coming in as a PWO my main goal was to earn a scholarship. Another goal my first season was to work myself into the rotation and earn a starting spot. I ended up working into the rotation my first collegiate game and started in a few games that season. My redshirt season the team was 2-9. I wanted to flip that culture and set a winning culture for the program. Finishing my collegiate career with two playoff games never before seen with the program, a conference championship, and a 10-2 season. Earning a scholarship after my first season playing, turning the program into a winning culture, and being an all conference safety along with being the Defensive captain my senior year. I achieved all my goals.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would all agree that I’m the hardest worker in the room. I’m expected to be the best player in every drill and to win every rep. The personality of my program is, “tough, hard nosed, aggressive, fundamental football played with fanatical effort for as long as it takes to win, and leave no doubt.” My coaches and teammates would all agree that I match that personality.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Being a defensive back I realized that I need to understand offensive concepts as well as I understand defensive concepts. I pride myself on my understanding of both sides of the ball. When I’m preparing for a game, I watch the opponents biggest targets and how they play the game. I then watch the concepts they run in order to get their biggest targets open. Another factor that a lot of people overlook is watching the actual player. What type of release do they do and when, how do they block, do they run you off on run plays. I watch how good defenders thrive in games against their best players. Find out what works for them and works against them.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I pride myself on my man coverage and my zone coverage. My ability to read the quarterback in zone gives me an extra step to make plays on balls that other defensive back give up. This comes with my film study as well. Being the strongest player on my team I am also at an advantage physically. Receivers can’t block me. I am physically strong enough to play linebacker but fast enough to cover the fastest receivers.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
I am planning on training and Landow Performance in Denver Colorado this off season. With the focus on getting faster and stronger along with surrounding myself with a crazy amount of talent everyday pushing me to be better.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
My best attribute is bringing people along with me to go the extra mile. I have been blessed with the ability to help lead my team over the past couple years. I believe that you can’t expect to be great in only one aspect of life. In order to be great you have to great in every aspect on and off the field, this is what I will bring to whatever team I have the opportunity to be on.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
If I am given the opportunity to play at the next level I am confident in my ability to thrive and help that team be successful.
