Dan Iannone
Offensive Lineman
New Haven

 

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

 

Dan Iannone:  My height is 6’2, about 280-285 and 4.99 forty. 

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

 

Dan Iannone:  I have been training at a local gym and at the school as well with my strength and conditioning coach for my pro day. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your expectations for the Pro Day? 

 

Dan Iannone:  I have had a hard time getting into a pro day.  I was supposed to go to Holy Cross.  I have been waiting to hear back from them.  I have called about 15 schools.  I don’t know if I will have a pro day.          

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

Dan Iannone:  I had Division I schools looking at me.  I had local schools from CAA, Rutgers, Syracuse, Patriot league and Ivy league, but no one offered me.  I had New Haven and Merrimack.  I took visits.  I fell in love with New Haven. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose New Haven?

Dan Iannone:  I am from New Jersey.  I came up to visit, and the school was nice.  It was not too small or too big.  I heard about New Haven.  The blue turf was a big hit.  The academics are great.  I majored in paramedics.  Not many colleges have that major.  The coaches cared about you on and off the field.  I fell in love with the school.  There were good players here.        

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Dan Iannone:  I am definitely a strong individual.  I set multiple school records on the bench press and squat.  I had 37 reps at BSN scouting combine.  I am a physical player.  I play hard to the whistle.  I understand schemes and know the tendencies. 

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

Dan Iannone:  Mostly footwork.  I was a tackle for four years.  I will have to move inside at the next level.  I have working at guard and center on pass settings, hands and explosion.     

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall career.

Dan Iannone:  I came in and played as a true freshman.  I was a four-year starter.  We went to two conference championship games.  We came up short during my freshman and senior years.   We finished strong at 9-3 my senior year.  We went to D-II playoffs and beat West Chester in the first round.  I finished first team all-conference and first team all-super region.  I was named All-American by Don Hansen my senior year.  I loved playing with all of the players and coaches.  They were all phenomenal.     

 

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about the BSN National Scouting Combine in Indy. 

 

Dan Iannone:  They had about 38 linemen there.  There were 20-25 O-linemen from D-I to D-III.  I had a good workout there.  All of the scouts said I did well.  I did individual work, and my numbers were good.  I can play football.  I met a lot of good people.  It was a solid showing. 

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

 

Dan Iannone:  It would be playing West Chester in the first round of the playoffs during my senior year.  It was a solid team win.  We kind of snuck on them.  West Chester was picked in the top four.  We had more heart and came out with that playoff win.        

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?

Dan Iannone:  My biggest accomplishment would be getting my accolades.  I was discouraged after my junior year.  I thought that I would get recognized.  As a senior, I got those accolades.  I put my head down, worked hard and I was happy with the end result.        

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

Dan Iannone:  Paying attention to the small details.  When you are watching film, you have to look at the little tendencies.  They were always teaching us how to study film and how to diagnose plays. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

 

Dan Iannone:  I am an Eagles fan.  I am about 20-25 minutes from Philly.        

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Dan Iannone:  Aaron Donald.  His work ethic is incredible.  He is undersized, but it is incredible how he moves for his size.        

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

Dan Iannone:  The drive in you.  You have to have relentless mentality.  Never give up.   

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

Dan Iannone:  I look at the alignment of the D-linemen.  I am seeing if there might be a twist or a stunt action.  I am picking up on their tendencies.  I look at the linebackers around the line of scrimmage.        

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

Dan Iannone:  Our LT Osaro Eromosele was a transfer from Southern Connecticut.  He should have a good senior year.  He is a physical player.  WR Ju’an Williams transferred from American International.  He led the nation in receiving yards for a while last year.  He was a D-II All-American.  DE Markel Johnson is fast and twitchy.  He had eight sacks last season.          

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

Dan Iannone:  #95 DE from West Chester (Diquan Gilbert).  He played physical the whole game.  It was a good battle.  Our OL led the country and only gave up three sacks the whole season.        

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Dan Iannone:  The bond with your teammates is unlike anything else.  We are always with each other all the time.  We make friendships that are so strong.  We put it all on the line for each other. 

 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your definition of a leader?

Dan Iannone:  Putting yourself out there.  Applying and taking the time to speak up and teach your teammates how to do things the right way.  Coming in and doing your work.  Affecting people in a positive way and making everyone around you better.        

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Dan Iannone:  I like to go to the gym and work out.  I like to play video games with my friends.  I am involved with clinical work in the offseason. 

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

Dan Iannone:  After football, I want to get certification for a registered paramedic.  I got accepted into respiratory therapist school.  I have done so much extensive work for hospitals that I only have to do it for one year.           

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Dan Iannone:  Disciplined, hard-working, dedicated, relentless and outgoing.