Name: Michael Ziemba
School: Indiana University
Position: OLB/DE
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 252
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
My goal for my last season was to do whatever my team needed from me, whether it was on defense or special teams. Providing the winning edge, being at my best when it counts the most, and making those game changing plays.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I took advantage of the extra year of eligibility by continuing to work on my body and my craft. We have one body and staying healthy is so crucial in this game.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
It’s not about me and I don’t care who gets the credit. We live by that here at IU and my coaches and teammates would say that I am a selfless guy that cares about his teammates and the culture we have worked so hard to build. I won the 2020 sportsmanship award for IU and each team nominates one player per team. I also was able to be on the 2021 Wuerffel Award Watch List for service and things that I have done in the community.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When I am watching film of opponents that I will be facing I look for their tendencies and their weaknesses, but also their strengths. Looking at the previous game during the season you look for things that you can get better at like your footwork on stunts and get odds and things like timing of the hands and using my leverage better. I will always be able to improve my game because I can always learn more.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other pro prospects is my skillset and my drive to want to win. I hate losing more than I love winning and doing whatever it takes to help my team win is all that matters.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
The off season plan has been awesome because I stayed here at IU to train for pro day with our head strength coach, Coach Aaron Wellman. Pro day was last week on March 10th and it was an experience I will never forget with the boys. We have worked so hard here at IU since 2017 and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The Colts reached out to me recently and told me I have been invited to their pro day on April 11th and I am looking forward to that opportunity! These opportunities are huge and I am going to take advantage of every single one that God has blessed me with.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The types of strengths and abilities that I will bring to a team that will stand out on and off the field are my ability to take coaching and be a stand up guy who will respect and bring a passion to work each and every day that I am blessed to be out there. From day one, I want to make an impact and help my team win. Whether that is on special teams or on the pew give squad getting guys better each day, I will get it done.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch to the NFL or any other pro leagues would be that I love the game of football. It has opened up so many doors and introduced me to so many amazing people in my life that I will always be thankful for. #LEO!!!
