Name: Donovan McNelis
School: Alderson Broaddus
Position: G
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 300

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

I had set some team goals and personal goals for the season, one of which was to be named team captain again. The team goals where not solely in my control, but the goal of being elected Captain in my Senior season was accomplished.

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

My coaches and teammates would describe me as a selfless leader who leads from the front on the field and off. My coaches would really stress my coachability and attitude. I put my team first and will do anything to help and protect my teammates. They would also say I am a player with a Strong blue collar type work ethic who you can always rely on. As a player they know they have a no nonsense guy who will outwork everyone to win and will play with a chip on his shoulder and will go out and do his job from the first whistle to the last. He’s the first one in the weight room and the one who turns off the lights of the film room.

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

When I am studying film I watch several things for preparation and to improve my play. First, the week before a game, I watch the defensive line I am going up against and evaluate their best pass moves and which moves they use the most often to giving me an edge in the game allowing me to know what they are going to do before every pass play. To improve my play I watch my feet and hands each play to watch that I am not hoping out of my stance and my hands to make sure they are up and ready to punch. Finally, I still watch other D1 and pro players in my position to see how they are moving and reacting to different play schemes.

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

Along with my dynamic personality and coachability, one of the biggest things that separate me from the other prospects is my versatility and physicality. My four years starting on the offensive line I have played all three positions and I have achieved all conference as both an Offensive tackle and guard, I even achieved all region as a guard. I have also practiced as Center since I played center in my earlier high school career. Being versatile is a huge difference between me and the other prospects it shows that I can be placed at any position on the line and execute without any issues. Worst case if there is an injury I can be moved around the line to help wherever I need to be to help my team win. Lastly my physicality is one of the strongest attributes of my play style, I am quick and violent with a strong motor and endurance. You can see in my film that I try to put someone on the ground each play.

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

As of right now I am continuing to stay active in collegiate football by working as a graduate assistant Offensive Line/Strength coach at ABU, where I played college football. I am doing this because I love football, the incumbent Head Coach sought me out to help build his new team, and do not want to be away from this sport. In the mean time I workout and train with the team everyday to get myself ready for any opportunity that comes to me. Each day I am up at 4am helping the football team in the weight room and working out and training for the seasons to come. I continue to train with my strength trainer (former professional powerlifter) and speed and agility trainers when I am at home. I am ensuring that I continue to progress, not stagnate.

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

Not only do I bring my obvious physical strength and ability to the team, but I also bring a strong work ethic, high moral standards and unending desire to learn, compete and win. I am an extremely coachable player and a huge positive personality in the locker room and film room. I ask for and accept criticism and have the ability to offer advice to others without being demeaning or condescending. I lead by example and I will never be a Liability on or off the field. My family name and my team are important to me, I would never embarrass nor abandon either.

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

I’ve played my entire career with a chip on my shoulder and I will continue to do so. I never fit the D1 “cookie cutter mold” for size and that made me train harder than others to show my ability and prove others wrong. My loyalty is unshakeable and my ability is unmatched. Bringing me into your locker room will have a hugely positive effect on all players. I can be trusted to protect the ownership, team and my teammates with my actions on and off the field. My goal is to play at the professional level and win a championship(s) and I will do whatever is necessary to help my team achieve the latter common goal. My versatility and ability should make me a smart choice since I can (and have) successfully played all Offensive Line positions. My heart and Soul are for football and I will not disappoint any owner, coach or team. Let’s win some championships together!