Name: Matthew Gotel
School: University of West Florida
Position: NT/DT/DE
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 330

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

A list of goals I set during the preseason were to win a conference championship, national championship, and be 1st team all conference. Fell short winning a national championship but did win a conference championship and I was 1st team all GSC.

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

It was difficult not being able to play a season but I think it was a blessing in disguise. I was able to develop my game and take it to another level and I was also able to become a student of the game and learn our defense a lot more. The Covid year also gave me more attention from scouts and that helped my chances go up at going pro.

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

I believe my coaches and teammates would say that I am a coachable, athletic, and a dominant big guy who has a motor.

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

When watching film I look for tendencies that I may see in the offensive line and then I think to myself how I could dominate that offensive lineman by exposing those tendencies. I also take a look at there most ran plays and what formation they are being ran out of.

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

I believe I am an exceptional athlete for my size and I can play the run as well as I can transition to playing the pass. I am a guy who can play zero and two gap, but also a good enough athlete to rush the edge in a 5 tech and everything in between.

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

The university of West Florida has a great training program planned out for me and I will be taking full advantage of that.

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

My work ethic is something that I have took pride in my whole college career and this is something that I will take with me for the rest of my life. I believe work ethic is what will help me be successful in anything i do and it will be use beyond football.

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

To any pro team, I am a competitor who loves the game of football. I am a guy who knows his role and is willing to do anything for the benefit of the team. I played in the best conference in division 2 football and my film speaks for itself.