Todd Summers
Tight End / Villanova

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

Todd Summers:  I am 6’5, weighing in the 245-250 range and my 40 time is a 4.65, which would be my best guess.    

Alex Khvatov:  How are you currently preparing for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Todd Summers:  I have been doing a lot.  I work out with a speed coach several times a week.  It is a private gym that has remained open.  Our strength coach at the school gives us lifting cards and speed work.    

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Todd Summers:  I played basketball.  It was my favorite sport.  During my sophomore year of high school, I was focusing on basketball.  Then I started back up with football during my junior and senior year.  I was a PG in high school.  I was 6’4 and I scored over 1,000 points in high school, which isn’t too shabby.  Robert Morris and Holy Cross spoke to me.  Mostly D-II schools offered me as a basketball player.    

Alex Khvatov:  What positions did you play in high school? 

Todd Summers:  I was a DE and TE.    

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

Todd Summers:  My recruiting happened very late.  I didn’t play my sophomore year.  I had about 12 offers.  I had Iowa State, Kansas State, Villanova, Duquesne, and most schools in the CAA.  Iowa State offered me four days before signing day.  Iowa State came to my basketball game and were watching the guy on the other team.  He was going to Iowa State.  They noticed me and offered a scholarship.  Iowa State and VMI wanted me at DE.  Kansas State and Villanova were looking at me as a TE.     

Alex Khvatov:  How did you wind up Villanova? 

Todd Summers:  It is a great combination of athletics and academics. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your junior season?      

Todd Summers:  Last season was the most fun I have ever had.  The team came together.  It was our first time in the playoffs since I have been here.  Our offense and defense worked well together.  The practices were intense.  I was more of a receiving TE with the new offensive coordinator taking advantage of me there.  He was getting the ball in my hands.      

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from Villanova this upcoming season? 

Todd Summers:  We are returning 10 starters on offense.  We make a lot of big plays.  Personally, I finished second in TD’s, second in receptions and second in yards for a TE in my conference.  The expectations are high.  We can beat any team in the country.  National championship is what we strive for.  We are looking to win our conference and go far.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Todd Summers:  I am a great receiver for my size.  I am a mismatch for any LB or DB.  I am able to move in space pretty well.  I can lineup anywhere on the field.  It gives our coach a lot of options where to put me.    

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

Todd Summers:  I am trying to be more of an all-around TE.  I need to work on my blocking and footwork.  I need to become a better route runner and create separation.    

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

Todd Summers:  Delaware is our big rival.  I have never lost to them.  The trophy has been in our possession for the last four years.  It has always been a fun game and a big turnout.   

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff? 

Todd Summers:  Make every snap count.  You never know when it will be your last.  Our coaches always talk about how they could go back and have one more time suiting up with their brothers. 

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Todd Summers:  I am from Pittsburgh.  It is the Steelers.   

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Todd Summers:  Big Ben.  Last year, we all saw how valuable he is to the team.  I have grown up watching him.    

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

Todd Summers:  QB Daniel Smith had a huge junior year.  He led the FCS in total points scored and he was fourth in the NCAA in total points.  OL Paul Grattan is a three-year starter.  RB Justin Covington was leading the country in rushing yards before he went down with an injury.  He is rehabbing really hard.  WR Changa Hodge went over 1,000 yards.  I expect big things from him.  He is one of the best receivers in the country.  On defense, LB Forrest Rhyne should have a huge year.  He is a captain and a great leader on and off the field.      

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

Todd Summers:  Freshman year, we played Pitt.  It was RB James Conner.  It was his first game back from cancer.  He was an explosive runner.    

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

Todd Summers:  Effort.  You might not be the biggest or the fastest guy, but it comes down to effort.  You have to work hard to get the job done.     

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Todd Summers:  I love the team aspect.  Everyone has to be on the same page.  Trusting all 11 guys who have to do their job.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Todd Summers:  Hanging out with friends, watch sports and golf a little bit.    

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

Todd Summers:  I graduated two weeks ago with an economics degree.  I will have an internship this upcoming year.     

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Todd Summers:  I can lineup anywhere.  I can lineup with a hand in the dirt and block down.  You can have me lineup as a receiver and a fullback.  Versatility is a big part of my game.  I have played special teams on kickoff return and field goals. 

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Todd Summers:  Hard working, team-oriented, leader, respectful, and problem solver.