Name: Jimmy Ghilardi
School: University of San Diego
Position: C/OG/OT
Height: 6-4
Weight: 275
Q: What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
Going into my final season I thought my goals were to solidify myself as a starter, after missing the majority of my previous season due to injury, and to help lead USD to a playoff appearance. I did end up starting the entire season, however we weren’t able to make that playoff appearance. Looking back at it now, I honestly realize that my goal was simply to make a meaningful impact to the program. I wanted to do my part in maintaining the program standard that guys before me had set. As such I worked with and cared for my teammates the best I could. My hope is that my fellow seniors and I were able to once again set that standard of character, hard work, and determination that has been the staple of our program.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
That I am a solid teammate, hardworking, dedicated, dependable, intelligent, and selfless. That I am going to give it everything I have to improve not only my own game, but the game of those around me as well. That I will do what is asked of me, no matter the situation. I put the game and the needs of my team before my own always.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When it comes to preparing for opponents, I study the D-Lineman I’m most likely to face. I watch for their tendencies: what moves they like to make and when they want to make them, what tells they might have, and what habits they have that I can exploit. Outside of that, I look for any tells of blitzes or games like safety rotations, out of the ordinary placement, and nonverbal communications. As for reviewing my own performance in a game, I examine things like my foot work, punch, drive, late play effort, etc.. Basically, I look for any part of my game that might have put me at a disadvantage or cause me to lose a rep. That way when it comes to practicing for the next opponent, I can stress the details that I know need to be trained in order to improve my game.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
I believe it to be my knowledge of the game, my desire to understand as much as possible, and my dedication to improvement. I put in the work so that I can fully understand the offense I am a part of, and to be able to read the defenses my team faces. I do everything I can to find some way to win regardless of differences in strength, size, and ability.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
My plan is to continue training for my Pro Day opportunity. I am doing this by continuing to work with Coach Mark Lamoreaux (USD Director of Athletic Performance) and honing my OL skills through drills that I have picked up from both my Coaches at the University of San Diego and the Coaching staff at the junior college I attended, American River College.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
Definitely my dedication and desire to help others. I work hard to do the right things both on and off the field. This sport is everything to me, so I won’t do anything to jeopardize my opportunity to continue being a part of it. Also, any future opportunity would give me even more opportunities to give back to my community and those who have gotten me to this point.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
Honestly, everyone at this stage is a hard worker and dedicated to the sport. However, I am going to do whatever is necessary to make an impact, no matter what it takes. I will take any opportunity to ensure the success of my teammates, the success of the program I belong to, and my own success. As an O-Lineman I know that success doesn’t come without every member doing his part. I will ensure that not only will I be performing at my utmost best, but so will those that will be standing beside me.
