David Steinmetz

Offensive Tackle – Senior

Purdue

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?   

 

David Steinmetz:  I am 6’7 ½, 322 pounds and I ran a 5.3 forty.  I know I am much faster than that.  I have a strained tendon, but I should be 100% in a couple of weeks.  I have always been a durable player.  I decided to run at the pro day because it was a simple tendon.      

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

 

David Steinmetz:  At Exceed Sports in Westborough, Massachusetts. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  Your overall numbers were very impressive at the Pro Day.  Tell me about that day.

 

David Steinmetz:  I always knew I was an explosive person.  I know that I am a great OL.  I wasn’t the fastest because of my hurt foot.  But I still performed great.  I showed that I am an explosive OL who is highly coachable.  I can learn in a heartbeat.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you? 

 

David Steinmetz:  Out of high schools, I didn’t have the best grades.  I was from the New England area.  Rhode Island gave me an offer.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career at Rhode Island. 

 

David Steinmetz:  I spent four years there.  I got my undergraduate degree.  I started for four seasons after redshirting my first year.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to Purdue?

 

David Steinmetz:  I wanted to play at a bigger level.  They had everything I was looking for.  They had the best coaching.  It was also one of the schools that my dad saw before he passed away.  My dad was a blue-collar worker.  After my dad passed away, I stopped the recruiting process.

 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your final season with the Boilermakers?

 

David Steinmetz:  It was super special.  It was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  I wish I was there for five years.  There are special dudes on the team.  Coach Brohm is the smartest coach that I have ever met.  The competition was great.  It blows my mind how great the school was.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

David Steinmetz:  I am really good in the run and pass game.  I need to work on things, but I am explosive on the field.  I am extremely focused and highly coachable.  I am good at dealing with adversity.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon? 

 

David Steinmetz:  My hands in pass pro.  I am in boxing classes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  I want to improve my hand speed.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point? 

 

David Steinmetz:  The bowl game against Arizona this year.  I knew it was going to come down to the fourth quarter.  It was amazing.  Our QB Elijah Sindelar played with a torn ACL.  He was just swinging it around it.  We played like a Big 10 OL.  We showed what smash mouth football was all about.  Besides Michigan, everyone won their bowl game from the Big 10.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team? 

 

David Steinmetz:  I am just a fan of football.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player? 

 

David Steinmetz:  I model my game after Nate Solder.  We are about the same build.  I always watched him growing up.  I aspire to be him.      

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for an OL? 

 

David Steinmetz:  Mental strength.  Knowing what your position is and accomplishing what your play is.  I bring mental strength to the table. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your overall experience at the NFLPA Bowl?

 

David Steinmetz:  It was unreal.  I always wanted to play in the Rose Bowl city.  It was a dream of mine.  It was great to get NFL coaching for once.  It was hectic, but unbelievable.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest thing that you took away from the all-star game?

 

David Steinmetz:  Be comfortable in being uncomfortable.  You are going into an NFL team to take a grown man’s job.  Taking their job is strange, but it is important.   

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season? 

 

David Steinmetz:  Center Kirk Barron is on the smaller side, but he is very explosive.  He is a good player.  RB D.J. Knox is an explosive player.  He finds holes.  He is able to make his own holes and score TD’s.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced during your career?

 

David Steinmetz:  I played with some real good players.  LB Ja’Whaun Bentley is a dominant force.  T.J. McCollum is an animal.  I went against him in the NFLPA Bowl.  He will hit you hard.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football? 

 

David Steinmetz:  I love winning.  It is the best thing.  I love going to the locker room after a win and celebrating with my teammates. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies? 

 

David Steinmetz:  I am a huge fisherman.  I have a lake not far from my house.  I love hunting as well.    

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over? 

 

David Steinmetz:  I did my undergraduate in criminal justice.  I want to get into law enforcement or go to law school.  I might get into finance.  But football is my primary goal right now. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  How difficult was it to overcome the death of your father?

 

David Steinmetz:  It was really tough.  But I fed off of it.  I am the man of the house now.  I have to protect my mother and sister now.   

 

Alex Khvatov:  Finish the sentence, David Steinmetz is….

 

David Steinmetz:  Tough.