Name: Patrick Minenok
School: Youngstown State
Position: S/LB
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 215

What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?

We had an entire new coaching staff my last year at Youngstown State, so my biggest goal was to help implement and live out their principles so that way the younger guys could reap the benefits of a better culture when my class of guys were finished.

Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?

I used that extra time during covid to learn how to study film like a coach. Doing so, I knew it would help my performance on the field and it would be a good skill to learn sooner than later, because after football, I want to be a coach. What I took away from that was, how to study opposing offenses and special teams in segments. What I mean is, breaking down the down and distance, along with tendencies and personnel groupings on certain days, instead of just watching games all at once. That acquired skill helped me get ahead of the game tremendously my last year.

Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?

If my teammates and coaches would describe me as a player, I think they would all use the word trustworthy, but they can trust me in a variety of ways. They know my mind will be prepared because of the time they see me in the office, and how I could teach guys about our scheme and get them up to speed mentally. They can also trust me physically, because I always stay in shape and am constantly searching for ways to improve my game, and the way I train.

Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?

When I watch film of myself, I am my biggest critic. From wasted movement, to being able to transition my eyes to the proper key, I am always looking for ways to improve and get corrected for the next time on the field.

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

There are a few things that separate me from other pro prospects at my position. One is the fact that I’ve played multiple positions and succeeded at them all. Our coaches would move me around almost every week because they knew I understood our scheme just as much as them. I have played both field and boundary safety, Will linebacker, and a hybrid position in our defense called “penny”. I think my skill set is very unique because I have the tools to cover a receiver in the slot, yet I have the strength, size and violence necessary to cover a big tight end or tackle a running back. I have also been used in key ways on special teams, and was a special teams captain for three years. So being familiar with understanding different types of special teams foot work, dialect, and schemes, I believe my special teams experience gives me an advantage on other prospects as well.

Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?

I plan on training with Terry Grossetti at Grossetti Performance in New Castle, PA to continue to prepare for the next level. I trained there during my draft prep and now that my pro day is over, I am excited to get back there and get to work.

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

When it comes to strengths and abilities on the field, I am a guy who has experience doing a lot of different things on defense and special teams. Whatever team gets me, I will be excited to learn and apply the teaching and coaching exactly how they teach me how they want something done. My biggest strength is that I am coachable, and can apply the coaching immediately to my game. Off the field, I am a down to earth guy who wants to make a difference in the community, and use my platform as a professional football player for good. I only have two goals for myself, to be a multiple time all pro special team player, and win Walter Payton man of the year. If I am fortunate enough to live out my dream of playing in the NFL, then it is my obligation and duty to give back. I have some really cool ideas about things I’d like to do with the city rescue mission and some parishes and churches back home, so I’m just really excited for what’s to come.

Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?

My pitch to an NFL Team is that you won’t regret giving me a shot. I am a down to earth, and hard working guy, and that molds well in any locker room. On the field I play harder than anyone I’ve ever known, and my film speaks for itself, the way I play the game will never change. Off the field I will be someone who upholds the standards and values of the organization, and the National Football League.

For Film, contact Nick Radom at radom@ruppbaase.com