Name: Noah Smaltz
School: University of New Haven
Position: DL/OL
Height: 6-1
Weight: 330

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

So, the main goal I set for myself this season was to help my team in any way possible to win as many games to get back to the postseason for the second consecutive year, which we did.

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

I believe that my coaches and teammates would say that I am a very tough and quiet player. I’m a very strong hard-working guy who is unselfish and resilient and plays aggressively with a lot of passion.

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

When I played defensive line, the main thing that I would look for when studying my own film would be my get-off, feet, hand placement, my alignment, assignment, and execution. Those are always the first few things that I would look at to see if I got downright and how I could improve on each one. Then I would carefully analyze what the offensive line was doing to me during that game or practice to remember that and make a mental note of it. To prepare for a game, I would look at different tendencies, especially with the center. I would look at what their movement was like right before they snapped the ball, does he look down first and then snap, or does he stay in the squat stance and then get up and snap immediately or does he communicate with a guard right before he’s about to snap. I would look at their splits, where the guards are lined up on certain plays, and whether they are in 2 or 3 point stances on pass or third down. I would look for what type of a grabber the offensive lineman is, where he likes to punch, how much depth is he getting in his kick step, and lastly how fast are they coming off the double teams. These are what helped me during the time I was playing nose tackle.

When I moved to center, the main thing I would focus on was my snaps and first two steps. I would check to see if I was gaining ground in those first few steps. I would focus on how high or low are my snaps, is my QB easily able to catch the ball and hand it off or throw it with ease. I would also focus on how fast I’m getting off the football after snapping it, and where I’m aiming for when hitting a defensive lineman. I would pay attention to if I am giving enough space for my guard to form a double team. I would also check for how much depth I’m getting in my kick steps and vertical sets and where I’m punching a defensive lineman. Especially with the 1 on 1 film, I look for how many times the defensive linemen would try to rush inside based on how wide they are in their stance, I would look at my redirect steps, and how I power down. When it came to preparing for whatever defensive lineman I would be going up against, I would look for what their favorite pass rush moves are, and what are their tendencies vs the run. I would pay attention to their get-off, does he false step a lot? How close they’re lining up to the line of scrimmage? are they a power or finesse type of player? And most importantly what fronts do their defense run, and on what downs.

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

The main thing that I feel separates me from other pro prospects is my versatility, the fact that I do have the ability to play both sides of the ball so teams can have their pick whether they want me at nose tackle, at center, or even guard for that matter, I even can long snap if needed. My physical strength and power also separates me from most other players in general.

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

Right now I am currently training with Ike Igbinosun a former NFL player at Prolimit Athletes in North Haven, CT and I will continue to train for both Nose tackle and center with him at his facility. I will be working to refine my attributes and work on getting faster.

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

Well, I enjoy playing the positions that people see as grunt work. Playing in the middle of the line, being violent, always hitting somebody, and using my strength to overpower people. Also like I mentioned before, I am very resilient, I don’t give up, and that’s my strong suit. Off the field, I hold myself to a high standard. I’m always locked into the team, our goal, and the well-being of my teammates. I don’t get myself into drama or situations that can deter the focus from what we’re trying to accomplish, whether that’s just winning the next game, being better at practice, or making the playoffs and winning the natty.

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

My entire life I’ve had people telling me I can’t play here or I wouldn’t be able to play there. I had somebody tell me I wouldn’t be able to play high school football because I started late. I played one year of high school football, where I started my senior year at right guard, and defensive end. My high school coach said I would never play college football as a lineman because I’m too small. During my freshman year in college, I was able to start at nose tackle in multiple games. I was also told I would never win anything when I got to college because that’s just life. I currently have three rings, sitting at home. People at my previous school thought that I would never be able to play at a higher division, I ended up transferring up to a division 2 school where I did in fact play. I’ve been doubted my whole life, and I know that there will be people reading this that will continue to doubt me, just know that I will continue to work no matter what, and I will continue to prove people wrong because that’s what I do, I will always have something to prove. I know I’m ready for whatever opportunity awaits me at any level or league.