Name: Josh Black
School: Syracuse University
Position: DL
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 285
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My final season was predicated towards rebuilding the culture and leading. Sure, I wanted to make personal strides on the field but I wanted to make sure there were examples set for years to come.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
Having an extra season enabled me to practice my craft and also provide more film for professional scouts. I also gained more experience in our new defense to illustrate my versatility.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
I don’t like to toot my own horn like that but I believe my coaches and teammates would say I’m a very seasoned veteran who has his priorities straight, leads by example and brings energy to meetings, practice, and workouts and constantly finding something to try and to improve.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I am studying film, I look at offensive linemen habits as well as the backfield set while paying attention to the down and distance. Are they leaning? Is their weight shifted on their heels? Are they in a two point stance? Do they vertical or quick set in pass pro? Empty formation? 3rd and long? Second and short? Keys like this in film really slow down the game and helps make me play faster.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
A few components that separate me from other prospects at my position are; the amount of experience I bring to the game of football, my versatility to play any position on the DL, my ability to play double teams in the run as well as effect the quarterback, how I study the game of football, and how I approach anything football related in a professional manner.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
Right now I am training for the combine if God willing, other than that it’s for pro day prep. Lose 10 or so pounds of fat and put on 15 pounds of lean body mass while improving my athletic capabilities and movements to give me the best possible chance at performing my best when I test.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Communication, trust, integrity, and perseverance are all traits I possess that will help not only on the field, but off the field in creating relationships with other coaches, players, and communities as well.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
What you see is what you get with me. If a team wants a hard-working athlete that has lots of experience, works well with others, gives great effort, never settles, thrives in a team atmosphere, and possesses the physical traits to become a great NFL player, then I am your guy.
