David Konowalski: 2020 Pro Prospect Interview

Name: David Konowalski
School: Bowling Green
Position: DE/OLB
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 250

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

Coming into the 2019 season my main goals were simple. First and foremost I was determined to stay healthy after missing the entire 2018 season with an Achilles injury. Also I placed a heavy emphasis on shifting and restoring a winners mentality and culture at BGSU. Capitalizing off of my experience both on and off the field, I set out to build off my previous seasons and continue to be productive on defense, continuing my maturation as a leader for my team. I made it a point to make the most of the film room, so that I could serve my team as a coach on the field, ensuring our young guys were lined up correctly, as well as helping everyone get better day in and day out by offering any kind of support I could lend. I felt it was my duty to serve as an example of the time and preparation required to play on Saturday. And as always, pertaining to a player truly committed to a program, I had a deep desire to help my teammates and the new staff make an effortless transition and develop the brotherhood and camaraderie, needed to unite the team, and ensure our program was headed in the right direction for years to come.

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

I believe my coaches and teammates would say I’m a high character player, a reliable player, a leader and a great teammate, that’s willing to help my teammates get better in all aspects of the game. I think they would say that I’m a consistent player, they know what they’ll get from me everyday. Someone they can count on, to be locked in day in and day out, and ready to work. I pride myself on being The first guy in the building, and the last one out.

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

When studying film I look for indicators that will give me an edge against my opponent. This could be anything from the O-lines stance, and whether it gives me a run or pass read. On running plays, I’m excited to learn how he will engage me, and what techniques he will employ when attempting to block me. Individual matchups are key, so I keep a close eye on how the o-line fares against fronts and various looks from defenses. Personally I believe knowing your oppositions strengths can help you nullify or negate them, Therefore, with offensive linemen’s pass set I search for what moves worked against him and what didn’t. What does he do well and where is he vulnerable. Over the course of a game, I watch to see when the O-Linemen show signs of fatigue or a yellow streak. Last but not least, identifying play-call patterns or tendencies. Gaining a good idea and working knowledge of what packages the offense will be likely to utilize or to sub in for on situational downs and distances. Overall, I watch film to enhance my knowledge of all factors that will or could come into play during the game.

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

What separates me from other players or prospects is I’ve been studying this game since my days as a child in my father’s coaches office. I firmly believe myself to be a very intuitive and instinctive player on the field, and a diligent scholar inside the film room. During my collegiate career I’ve had to embrace the challenge of being under five different Defensive Coordinators, each of them with a different and unique scheme. Which has made me a better player. I’ve proven my ability to adopt and reform within my 6 years under the various coaching staffs we’ve had. By consistently being a productive player in each system I’ve played in, I was named captain 3 consecutive years in a row. Perhaps what separates me from other players, is I am able to play multiple positions on the field without compromising our teams scheme or productivity making any adjustments to my role or responsibilities quickly and efficiently.

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

I will be training at Nx Level in Waukesha, Wisconsin in preparation for any professional opportunities. I plan on growing my game, both fundamentally and mentally while also getting bigger, faster, and stronger during my work with the Performance Coaches at Nx Level.

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

Bringing a blue collar worker’s mentality to wherever I’m at. Understanding my role and working to excel in every aspect, Not only am I accountable to the standards and expectations of the organization I’m apart of, I work tirelessly, as I strive to raise the bar, demanding the most out of myself and others. I plan on serving in the community assisting underprivileged families and children through public works and community service anyway possible in order to build relationships within the community to express my gratitude.

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

I’m a football player through and through, that’s willing to accept the responsibility that comes with it. I’m the type of player that will never quit on my teammates or coaches. No matter the circumstances. I believe my best football is still ahead of me. I believe I will be an asset to any football team and I will work endlessly in order to achieve our goal. People that know me will tell you, if they had to walk down a dark alley with anybody, they’d choose me to be at their side!