Trevon Gauno
Cornerback / William Penn University
Ed Hunt: What are your measurements? (Height, Weight and 40 time)
Trevon Gauno: I’m 5’11, 175 pounds and have run a 4.35 40.
Ed Hunt: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Trevon Gauno: I came down to train in New Orleans at Prime-Time Training.
Ed Hunt: Can you briefly summarize your struggle in the Cali JUCO football world?
Trevon Gauno: I would say it makes you grow up fast. It makes you mature quicker. It tests you mentally. It’s something like you are 18 and you come from poverty and struggle and you go back to struggle in the same way. I would say Cali Juco made me find my reason why I want to play and what I want to do it for.
Ed Hunt: Which Division-I schools were interested in you?
Trevon Gauno: I had Wake Forrest, Washington State, UCLA, Toledo (was committed) and North Carolina. I had lot of big schools. My brother was getting recruited and he was a three or four-star recruit. And my other brother was being recruited, but I did not have enough credits at the last minute.
Ed Hunt: Why are you the biggest diamond in the rough in this draft?
Trevon Gauno: I’m the biggest diamond in the rough in this draft. I have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Most people are already in position. I know I’m not supposed to be in this position. I’m lucky to be here. The film doesn’t lie. You can’t hide talent. Talent don’t lie.
Ed Hunt: What position is your best fit at the next level?
Trevon Gauno: I feel like my best fit at the next level is nickel or corner. But my gift is my versatility. Not too many corners have my versatility. Not too many corners can move to nickel and then move to safety. That’s a skillset that not too many people have. So, I know I can come in and make an impact. I played with guys who transferred from Juco and went to major college football. Some of those guys I played with are the top players in the draft.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest sport outside of football?
Trevon Gauno: I would probably say basketball and track. Really my family just play anything. Wrestling, track, boxing, anything. Boxing, I would say is my best.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in that sport?
Trevon Gauno: I want to say just getting the tools. Not too many people have the tools. Just to be able to be one of those people in the world who have that craft. That is just a blessing. I still have the technique to play on the outside. Just my natural ability to play the cornerback position.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?
Trevon Gauno: My versatility, my athleticism and technique.
Ed Hunt: What are your weaknesses?
Trevon Gauno: At 5’11, I’m okay, but at 175 I need to gain a little weight.
Ed Hunt: What was the highlight of your career?
Trevon Gauno: My highlight of my career, when I played at Dodge City and I played against Independence. Some guys I played with, I built relationships. They made it look like I got cut out of the team, but I actually left on my own. I got MVP of the game against Independence when I played for Dodge City. It was the respect my coaches gave me when they looked me in the eye after that game that was the highlight.
Ed Hunt: What is your biggest accomplishment in college?
Trevon Gauno: I would say just being the first male in my family to get a degree. I am the oldest of eight siblings. It helped me change my family name. It made me happy for my daughter, what’s to come for her.
Ed Hunt: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Trevon Gauno: The fact that I’ve been to so many schools. I’ve been with so many coaches and great DB coaches. The NFL is all about tools. Some people go to one college and have one DB coach and struggle. I’ve learned so many techniques from many coaches. It made me the player, I am. I think that right there would give me an edge.
Ed Hunt: What is your favorite NFL team?
Trevon Gauno: New Orleans Saints, being a Louisiana guy.
Ed Hunt: Who is an NFL player you model your career off of?
Trevon Gauno: I would say my biggest one is Tyrann Mathieu. We are both from Louisiana. That athleticism and play-making ability. I always make the play and I’m always around the ball.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a defensive back?
Trevon Gauno: I would say the most important trait for a defensive back is the mentality. I’m on this island. Every play you are going to line up against somebody as talented as you. Your technique can save you. That’s when you get tired, you lose your technique and then you lose.
Ed Hunt: Before the ball is snapped, what tendencies are you looking for in the offense?
Trevon Gauno: Depending on when the ball is snapped, if I am in man, then I am looking at the tendencies of my receiver. When the receiver gets in his stance, is he getting low. If I’m in zone, first thing I’m trying to do is wait and look at the QB and look for any gestures. I watch film and look for tendencies in the QB and the offensive linemen. I’m just searching for those things in the game. I start looking for that sloppiness. The mentality is important.
Ed Hunt: What players from your team should we keep an eye on?
Trevon Gauno: TJ Hayes is a 6’5 receiver who can play on the outside.
Ed Hunt: Who is the best player you have faced on an opposing team?
Trevon Gauno: I always say my brother Davontavean Martin from Washington State Cougars. It’s my younger brother.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Trevon Gauno: I want to say just the environment. Football to me is something. It is a feeling that I get at a certain time of the year. That’s my favorite feeling.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
Trevon Gauno: What makes me unique is my passion and my grind. Somebody knowing that no matter what this kid is going to give it 110%. His back is against the wall. I never make excuses. What makes me unique is never giving up in the face of adversity. When you have been born in adversity, then you learn to be comfortable and uncomfortable.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
Trevon Gauno: I’m actually a tattoo artist. I also own a clothing line. I’m part owner in Lionheart Inc. and Lionheart clothing line. Those are my jobs outside of football. I’m building my brand outside of football. I’m going to use my goals to feed my other goals.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career?
Trevon Gauno: After my football career, I want to start a brand. Marketing and entrepreneurship. I want to open up tattoo shop. I want to get into acting. I want to build up Lionheart.
Ed Hunt: What five words best describe you?
Trevon Gauno: Loyal, funny, giving, patient and loving.
Ed Hunt: What did you think of the Super Bowl this year?
Trevon Gauno: I am not going to lie. I’m a Saints fan. My second team in Baltimore. I like to see Lamar Jackson win. But my third team, I like to see Patrick Mahomes win.
