Name: Juan Giraldo
School: Eastern Michigan
Position: Free Safety/Strong Safety
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 203

Q: What were some of your goals heading into your final collegiate season?

Some of my goals going into my final collegiate season were to first be in the best physical and mental shape of my life because this was my last GUARANTEED year of football, so I wanted to make sure I was in the best position to succeed and help my team. Secondly, it was our team goal to go back to and win a bowl game, so I wanted to make sure that I did everything I could to help our team accomplish that goal. Whatever the team needed from me, I was willing to do it 110% every time. Thirdly, I just wanted to enjoy every moment and learn as much as I could from the game, my teammates, and coaches. Football only lasts so long, so you just want to enjoy every moment like it’s your last.

Q: If you could describe your style of play in 3 words, what would they be?

Fast, Instinctive, Passionate.

Q: How will you train and prepare this offseason for the draft or other pro opportunities?

I will be training here in Michigan at Total Performance Training Center with Jim Kielbaso. We will focus on my speed, strength, flexibility, technique, and position work.

Q: When you are studying film, what do you focus on or look for?

When studying film, I look at teams tendencies, what they like to run depending on the down and distance, their most popular formations, I look at my pre-snap reads, their alignment, their most popular run play as well as pass concept, I read the Offensive Line to see if they tip pass or run, I also read receiver’s releases as this can give a good idea of the route that’s coming. I also make my calls to their formations and visualize how I will defend pass routes based on the call.

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

I played both free safety and strong safety in college, but also in games this season so that shows that I am versatile and can play the run just as well as the pass. Playing both also showed that I am an intelligent football player because both positions had different responsibilities in our defense and I had to know my calls and reads. I have good size and speed and can cover well. I am also very selfless and will do whatever it takes to help the team. If that requires me to play special teams I’m 100% for that. I am very coachable and am a student of the game.

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

The strengths and abilities that I will bring to a team that will stand out on the field is my tenacity to want to be great. I want to be great and I want to help others around me be great. There is a gap between good and great and I work everyday to close that gap and be the best football player and person I can be. I am selfless and will do whatever is necessary to help my team win. I am also a smart football player who is always open to coaching from coaches or teammates in what I can do to improve as a player. Off the field, I am very honest, responsible, and trustworthy and an overall happy person, so a team will not have to worry about any off the field issues. You will always catch me with a smile on my face.

Q: What is your final pitch or sell to NFL and other pro league scouts?

My final pitch is simply this. I just need ONE team to believe in me. I know that whatever team decides to give me an opportunity will not regret it. This game has given me so much and I have a true love and passion for this game. Whatever team picks me will get a person and a player who is committed to excellence, who will come to work each and every day ready to get better and better those around me.