Name: Danny Garza
School: Houston Baptist University
Position: Long Snapper
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 238
Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?
My goals heading into my senior season were pretty simple. First, do everything I could to help our team win every game that we played. Secondly, I wanted our special teams to be the best in the nation. FCS, FBS, DII, DIII. That’s one of the great things about being a specialist, in my opinion shouldn’t be any difference between different divisions. The job remains the same.
Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?
Consistency is key.
Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?
As far as snapping, my work load has been focused on generating more velocity on my ball as well as refining techniques that help with accuracy and precision. Athletically, I have been concentrating on my speed, being able to have fluid hips, and heavy French contrast training.
Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?
For the past 3 years at HBU, we have ran a pro style punt, which isn’t common in college ball. My main focuses while watching film was to study different tendencies teams had in designing where they would bring pressure. For example, if a team showed that they are a heavy return team, I could concentrate on quick setting and getting out of my release much more during practice than a team who shows that they always bring pressure. Watching film also helps you situationally when looking at certain formations teams use in different situations.
Q: What separates you from the other players at your position?
What separates me from other snappers is my experience playing in a pro style punt formation. The ability to snap a great ball is pretty much guaranteed for all snappers at this level, but the ability to snap a perfect ball, then block, then cover is what makes snapping at the pro level so difficult. I have had literally 100s of game snaps and 1000s of practice snaps in a pro style punt, which is unique for a snapper coming out of college. Obviously, playing against athletes in the NFL will take sometime to get used to, but as far as the techniques needed to play in a pro style punt, I will be ready from day 1.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I am a football player that snaps, not just a snapper who plays football. I understand the game at a very high level and I understand the importance that special teams play in the course of the game. That being said, it is my consistency that I bring to the table everyday. Not only in my ability to snap the ball and block and cover, but everything that goes with being a ball player. Showing up to meetings, being attentive at practice, staying out of trouble, leading. In my career, I never missed a game (51 career games), play, practice, meeting, or workout. Consistency in everything is key to me.
Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?
I may not be the tallest, the strongest, or fastest, but if you bring me in, you’ll know what you’ll get. Someone who is dedicated to perfecting their craft, will do what’s right, and someone who will have the ability and experience to show up and be ready to perform on day 1.