Name: Daniel George
School: Anna Maria College
Position: LB
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 220
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The main goal for my final collegiate season was to be an all conference linebacker and to win a championship for the first time in history at Anna Maria College. I was able to accomplish both those goals along with my teammates. Another goal was to make the NCAA playoffs, which was another goal that was achieved.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I believe i took great advantage of the extra year of eligibility because I got stronger and a lot faster sideline to sideline. I lived in the weightroom and on the field working on my speed. The extra year of eligibility helped me grow my knowledge as a linebacker, and I felt like the game slowed down a lot for me in my reads.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I believe my coaches and teammates would describe my all around game as very versatile. They would say I can come downhill and fill a gap, but I also have the speed to chase down a stretch run going towards the sideline. They would also say that My game revolves around my speed and power. They would also say I am the type of player to never quit on a play, and I have a very high motor to the ball. Lastly, I believe they would say I am the type of player that consistently does my job and makes plays for my teammates.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Love this question, the first thing I usually look at when watching film is the opponent’s offensive line. As a linebacker, reading the offensive line is the most important part of playing the position. I look to see if the other team’s oline works hard or are they lazy and slow.Does the guards or tackles make it obvious they are pulling for a run block?I also like to figure out the other team’s bread and butter plays that their offense revolves around. Should I focus on the run this week, or are they heavy pass oriented? If I know a team is heavy power for example, I know throughout the week I can play the run a little faster compared to a heavy pass team. Lastly, I study the other team’s quarterback and runningback. I look to see if the quarterback is mobile and will leave the pocket and take off and run, or will he throw a risky pass instead of taking off and trying to make a play. I also look to see what type of back the team has for that week. I see if he can make people miss, or is he just a straight downhill running straight no matter what back. I believe it is more of a challenge to play a quick back that can bounce a run from the A gap to the C gap.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I think what will always seperate me from a lot of players is my drive to be the best linebacker I can be. I love the grind almost as much as gameday. I can stay in the gym for hours, and I can be at the field all by myself while noones watching. I think that chip on my shoulder seperates me from other pro prospects because I am from division 3 and noone is trying to hunt me down to come tryout or play for them but I don’t care. I am still working hard everyday and seeing the vision even though it is not clear. Lastly, I believe my speed and power seperates me from many other players and I think my film speaks for itself.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My offseason plan will be the same plan I had since I was a freshmen and that is out work everyone else that wants the same thing as me. I will live in the gym with a couple other teammates that are trying to reach the same goal as me. I will work on my speed consistently because I believe at linebacker speed kills in today’s game. It is great to have strength and power, but that is nothing but a bodybuilder without speed. I will study my film and see what I can work on for my upcoming opportunities. Lastly, I will work on getting my name out to as many scouts and coaches as possible.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I will always be a supportive teammate. I am big on trust when it comes to the defensive side of the ball. I want my other linebacker and safety to trust that I will do my job and not get reached on an outside zone. I think my physicality and lateral speed will stand out on the field. Off the field, my dedication and determination to be great will stand out and always has in my opinion.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch would be that football has always been my life. I love the work you have to put in and sacrifice just as much as the reward at the end of it all. I am from a division 3 school, but that chip on my shoulder motivates me everyday to outwork the other guy that wants the same thing as me. I believe my strength and speed is different and I play at a very high speed. I am working non stop everyday for that one chance I get to show leagues that I belong. I am more motivated than I ever been to be apart of the small percentage that makes it from division 3, and again I believe my film and workout tapes speak for themselves on my work ethic.
