Name: Jake Villanueva
School: Ithaca College 
Position: OL
Height: 6-4
Weight: 320

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

The goals that I set for my final collegiate season were to win the conference championship and to make it to the playoffs. I accomplished both of those goals and couldn’t have done it without my teammates, coaches, and support staff. Some personal goals that I set for myself were to repeat as a Conference, Region, and All American player. I can thankfully say that I have accomplished all of those goals, making 1st team All Conference, 1st team All Region, and AP / D3 Football All American. These personal goals were second hand when it came to my goals, I prioritized my team goals first and the personal accolades were just an added bonus.

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

My coaches and teammates would say that I am a lead by example type of player. I always strive to set the best examples for my teammates and lead not only by my words but my actions as well. My teammates and coaches would also say that I am a hardworking teammate, I strive to not only make myself better but also bring up my teammates with me. I will do anything in order to make my teammates better whether it be watching extra film with them or getting extra reps in after practice.

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

When studying film, I focus heavily on my techniques which include pad level, steps, and hand placement. I am a firm believer that when you are playing in a high intensity situation, you sink down to the level of your training. My coaches have done a great job in preparing me for these moments, so I am trained to use the correct techniques in different game scenarios. When watching film on an opponent, I try to focus on a defensive lineman’s tendencies such as how he reacts to certain blocks and if he gives away any hints to what move he is hitting. It is also important to understand a defenses schemes, for example if they give any tells as to who is blitzing such as shifting coverages in order to free up backers. This chess game is what makes football fun.

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

I would say that my physicality and footwork separate me from other prospects in my position, if you watch my film you will be able to see that I utilize both of those abilities throughout the game. My versatility also sets me apart from other prospects, my ability to play any position on the Offensive line is a strength. Playing at a small school helped shape this strength as I was asked to play both sides and almost every position on the OL. I think that this is credit to my football intelligence as I am able to know the plays for every position. Finally, the last aspect that separates me from other prospects is that I did not start playing football until the 7th grade. I was always too big to play pop warner, and didn’t start football until middle school when there were no weight restraints. I feel this gives me an advantage because I have only been playing football for 10 years and consider myself a solid player. With the help of an organization and coaching staff I will only improve my football IQ and abilities further to become the best football player I can be.

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

My off-season training plan is to continue to improve on my weightlifting and speed work. Along with those aspects, I also want to focus heavily on skills applicable to the game such as run and pass blocking techniques. I want to not only be in the best shape of my life but also move forward with the best football technicality of my life.

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

My selflessness will stand out both on and off the field. Being an Offensive lineman, I am used to being in the background and honestly I embrace that role. I am perfectly fine with not being in the spotlight as long as the team is successful. Another strength of mine is the positive attitude I bring everyday, whether in meetings, lift, or practice I strive to keep a positive attitude not only for myself but my teammates. Being in a leadership role (Captain) for the past season really helped push my limits in bringing a positive attitude everyday, because younger teammates truly do feed off of the energy of the leaders on the team.

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

First off I am honored and appreciative of the opportunity to play at the next level. To any organization that may acquire me just know that you will be getting 100% of my effort and commitment from the second I step onto the facilities. I will do whatever is necessary in order to put the team in the best position. I will not only push myself to be the best football player I can be but I will also challenge my teammates to be the best version of themselves on and off the field.