Brady Aiello
Offensive Tackle – Oregon
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Brady Aiello: I am 6’6 3/8, 307 and 5.11 forty.
Alex Khvatov: Where were you training for the NFL Draft?
Brady Aiello: Landow Performance in Denver, Colorado.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe your overall performance during your Pro Day?
Brady Aiello: It was on March 12th. I got the chance to perform in front of NFL scouts at Oregon. It was definitely a big thing on my calendar. I didn’t go to the Combine. The training was really good, and it got me ready for the drills. I felt comfortable when the lights were on. I got 27 on the vert, 21 on the bench and 9’1 on the broad jump. Seahawks OL coach pushed us for about 15-20 minutes. It was very up tempo. We were doing a lot of movements. I did really well. They threw a lot of things at us. It was four of us doing the work in the drills.
Alex Khvatov: What was it like playing with the rest of your O-line teammates at Oregon the last couple of years?
Brady Aiello: We all came in together in 2015. We played for four years. I built a strong relationship with the guys on and off the field. We played so well together. We made goals and wanted to achieve great things.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about beating Utah in the PAC-12 Championship game this past year.
Brady Aiello: We always have the team first mentality here. We wanted to win the PAC-12. It was the first time we were there in the last five years. The senior class remembers the 4-8 season. It was great to be on top again.
Alex Khvatov: How would you describe the Rose Bowl win against Wisconsin?
Brady Aiello: We wanted to play our brand of football. We didn’t want to get caught up in outside noise. It was just like any other Saturday for us. We ran Justin (Herbert) against Utah and Wisconsin. We caught them off guard. I don’t know if the result would have been the same if we didn’t use his feet in the game. It was great coaching.
Alex Khvatov: What was it like playing for your head coach Mario Cristobal?
Brady Aiello: He elevating our standard. We built a strong culture again. It was a huge downfall for Oregon football before he got here. Cristobal brought a good culture. He preached to us what you are doing when no one is watching. He prevented a lot of issues. We were a close-knit team. We wanted to play for each other.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about the NFLPA Bowl.
Brady Aiello: It was great, but I didn’t realize at that moment. We had HOF players coaching us. I learned so much from them. We spent the week practicing and going hard each day. It was awesome meeting the coaches. They mentored us. I had Jackie Slater and Kevin Mawae. I learned a lot from them.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Brady Aiello: I am from Bay Area in CA. At the time, I had Washington State, Nevada, San Diego State and a few others. Oregon was my first big team offer. I had no idea I could play D-I football. I was 220 pounds. My high school coach sat down with my parents and I. He told me that I could play D-I ball. In the offseason between my junior and senior year, I did all of the camps and put on the weight.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Oregon?
Brady Aiello: I went to their camp during the summer. They gave me an offer, and I committed on the spot. Oregon is a special place. It was a perfect distance away from home. My parents were able come to every home game.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Brady Aiello: Preparation is huge for me. You separate yourself with preparation. You take the time, get ready each and every week. My athleticism and I am coachable. I pick up on new techniques and schemes very quickly.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Brady Aiello: My lower body strength and moving guys at the POA. These are the biggest flaws of my game.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your overall career.
Brady Aiello: Team wise, it was very much a rollercoaster ride. We got better every year. We went 12-2 this year. At first, it was rocky, and then we got better. I got better and was able to develop under three OL coaches. We became Rose Bowl champs.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Brady Aiello: Winning the Pac-12 and the Rose Bowl.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Brady Aiello: Desire to finish. It was something that I really took seriously at Oregon. Wanting to outwork the guy you are going up against and put him in the dirt.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Brady Aiello: I am a 49ers fan. I was always watching their OL. Staley and Boone. It was great to watch them play.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Brady Aiello: I like to watch the whole OL play together. Watching all five guys. Dallas is really good. The 49ers and the Raiders are nice with Incognito.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Brady Aiello: It starts with who you are going up against. Then you read the safeties and read the linebackers’ depth. There is so much that goes on every play.
Alex Khvatov: What type of player and person is your QB Justin Herbert?
Brady Aiello: Herbert is one of a kind as a player. Off the field, he has no issues. He comes from a great family. He wants to compete. He is super dedicated. He has great athleticism. He is a special player. He will be doing great things at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Brady Aiello: DL Jordon Scott. We also have the entire secondary coming back. Lenoir, Graham and Wright. DL Kayvon Thibodeaux should have a huge year, building off his freshman campaign.
Alex Khvatov: Who was the best DL unit that you have faced during your career?
Brady Aiello: Auburn was a tough DL group. Washington, USC and Utah had great DL units.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Brady Aiello: Football brings together a diverse group with different backgrounds. But we all have one common goal. I compare it to the military. A lot of blood, sweat and tears. I like the brotherhood and camaraderie.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Brady Aiello: I like being outdoors a lot. I play video games and hang out with my girlfriend.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Brady Aiello: I want to do a few things. I want to get into the business field whether it is sales or something else. My primary focus now has been football.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Brady Aiello: Passionate, leader, hard worker, compassionate and driven.
