Sam Castronova – Quarterback – Senior – Bethel University

 

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

 

Sam Castronova:  6’1 1/2, 213lbs, 4.8.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?

 

Sam Castronova:  Proformance Sports with John Opfer (Buffalo NY).

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the National Bowl all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL.

 

Sam Castronova:  Overall, it was a good experience.  I had meetings with the agents and getting to be in front of scouts was definitely a first.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest thing that you will take away from that weekend?

 

Sam Castronova:  How I need to treat this as my job and be a professional all the time in order to be successful.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who was the best player that you have faced at the National Bowl?

 

Sam Castronova:  Buffalo State D-End (Clifton Brown).

 

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

 

Sam Castronova:  Mercyhurst, Edinboro and Brockport.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you go the JUCO route?

 

Sam Castronova:  I didn’t quite get the offers I was looking for, and the JUCO route allowed me to try and get another chance at playing at the highest level.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you decide to transfer to Bethel University?

 

Sam Castronova:  Coach Jasper recruited me and told me that I would get a chance to play at the next level if I performed well enough at Bethel.  There was a strong family atmosphere at the school as well.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

 

Sam Castronova:  I believe my strengths are being an accurate, quick-decision maker that can dissect a defense and make plays when the pocket breaks down.

 

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

 

Sam Castronova:  I need to improve on my speed and arm strength.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

 

Sam Castronova:  I think my overall career went well.  I didn’t miss a game from injury, which was really a blessing.  The Lord kept me safe and healthy.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest reason behind your breakout senior season?

 

Sam Castronova:  I worked the hardest I ever have this summer, in the weight room and on the field.  Combining with the new offense and coach Dearmon’s offensive prowess was a big reason why I was so successful my senior year.

 

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

 

Sam Castronova:  Probably beating Georgetown in overtime 50-49 and throwing five touchdown passes.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?

 

Sam Castronova:  How to break down defenses and attack them in the run game just as much as the passing game.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Sam Castronova:  Die-hard Buffalo Bills fan!

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

 

Sam Castronova:  Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a QB?

 

Sam Castronova:  Leadership.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?

 

Sam Castronova:  How many defenders are in the box.  Is the Sam keying on the run or the FS.  Corners pressed or off, inside leverage, head up or outside leverage.

 

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

 

Sam Castronova:  Eriq Hicks (DT), Jeremy Bealieu (LB) and De’Ontay Tate (RB).

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?

 

Sam Castronova:  #28 From Baker University (Kegan Schumann).

 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

 

Sam Castronova:  The camaraderie.  11 guys working together for one common goal!

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your biggest role model and why?

 

Sam Castronova:  Right now, it is Carson Wentz.  He is playing the game at a high level for an audience of one and doing so much off the field to help others in need.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

 

Sam Castronova:  Someone who shows up to work every day with an attitude to get better and be the best.  Not necessarily always being a vocal leader, just leading by example and always doing things the right way.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

 

Sam Castronova:  I love to play basketball when I have free time.  I like to spend time with my girlfriend and family.  I like to play some Call of Duty and Fortnite.

 

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

 

Sam Castronova:  I’d like to pursue a job in my major, which is in business or work with kids who need special attention in school.

 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

 

Sam Castronova:  Faith, family, football, friends and food.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win the National Championship in CFB this year?

 

Sam Castronova:  Alabama.

 

Alex Khvatov:  Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?

 

Sam Castronova:  New Orleans Saints.