Michael Nacnac / Linebacker/Safety / Clarke University
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Michael Nacnac: Height is 5’7, weight is 185, and my forty time is unknown at the moment. I am yet to test.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your background, what was it like being born and raised in Hawaii?
Michael Nacnac: Being born and raised in Hawaii is an experience and lifestyle like no other. Family and respect is of the utmost importance. The culture, diversity, food, and land are unique compared to the rest of the country. I could explain how it is here, but unless you grew up in the islands it would be hard to truly understand.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Michael Nacnac: My senior year of high school, I joined the track and field team.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Michael Nacnac: Believe it or not, I played my freshman year as a center. I was the smallest lineman on the team. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I converted into a linebacker. I also played as a fullback here and there.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Michael Nacnac: Out of high school, I had zero scholarship offers. The only school that reached out to me was College of the Canyons, a junior college in Valencia, CA.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at a junior college in CA?
Michael Nacnac: I came into contact with one of the coaches through an online recruiting site. I sent them my film, told them my situation, and I was contacted back saying that I had potential to be a part of their program. I took a visit to campus and decided to take the JUCO route. It happened to be one of the best decisions of my life. The coaching staff, program, and teammates at College of the Canyons helped shape me into the athlete that I am today.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you transfer to Clarke University?
Michael Nacnac: During my last year at College of the Canyons I was looking for potential schools to possibly transfer to and continue my athletic/academic career. I came across Clarke University through social media and discovered that they were a new program with their first inaugural season coming up. I got into contact with head coach Miguel Regalado. We had a great conversation and a few moments later he offered me a scholarship. I had other looks from D2, D3, & NAIA schools, but I felt that Clarke University would be the best opportunity for me to make a statement and also to be a part of their school’s history.
Alex Khvatov: Tell us about your career at Clarke University.
Michael Nacnac: I transferred over to Clarke University in the fall of 2019, the inaugural season. It was a rough first season being that about 80% of the team had no college experience (majority were freshmen & sophomores). However, I had great appreciation for the program itself and as time passed on everything improved exponentially. I finished the 2019 season with All-Conference Honors. We were lucky enough to have a season in 2020, but due to the Covid pandemic it was cut short. I opted out early in the season to retain eligibility for the fall of 2021. I am looking forward to my final senior campaign with Clarke University this fall of 2021.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Michael Nacnac: I have a great football IQ. I study film a lot and try to find ways to read formations, alignments, or key on anything that would put me in an advantage against opposing offenses. I am also fairly strong, physical, and a strong downhill player against runs or short passes.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Michael Nacnac: I feel the need to improve on my speed and agility. I also need improvement on my man coverage skills.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Michael Nacnac: The highlight of my career was making the “game winning” sack in the final minute of Clarke’s first football victory in school history. We won that game 18-17 against Peru State.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Michael Nacnac: The biggest lesson that I have taken from my coaching staff is to never complain, have a positive attitude, and give your full effort every day in whatever you do. Adjust, adapt, & overcome.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Michael Nacnac: My favorite NFL team is the Miami Dolphins.
Alex Khvatov: Is there an NFL defender that you aspire to play like?
Michael Nacnac: I was always a Manti Te’o fan growing up, being that he was from Hawaii as well. I also look to Jamal Adams and Mark Barron and try to mirror their playing style.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Michael Nacnac: Clarke University’s football program has been growing with more talent since the inaugural season. Our two safeties: Jaydon Brooks & Kenny Spaight are the best all-around athletes on the team. Their film will speak for itself. We also have two speedy defensive ends: Israel Hernandez & Griffin Mulcahy. On the offensive side, we had a quarterback transfer who started our 2020 season – Brandon Mueller. The guy is a dual threat QB and has a lot going for him. We also have a dangerous deep threat receiver in Max Steffen. He can tear up almost any secondary.
Alex Khvatov: Which player was your toughest matchup throughout your career?
Michael Nacnac: I have faced a lot of tough players throughout my career, especially at the JUCO level. One I can remember is running back, Rhamondre Stevenson. He played at Cerritos junior college when I played at College of the Canyons. He was a very powerful runner and shifty too. He currently plays for the Oklahoma Sooners and has potential to play at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a LB?
Michael Nacnac: The most important trait for a LB is to be able to key off offensive linemen and receivers. Any LB can be an aggressive player, but having good pre-snap reads along with quick reactions puts you in a better spot to make a play.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Michael Nacnac: What I enjoy most about football is hitting people. I am able to release all of my aggression. Football has also introduced me to lifelong relationships and has opened me to many opportunities.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Michael Nacnac: I have a Youtube Channel (Nacnac Productionz) where I make sports highlight videos. It currently has over 50,000 subscribers and 60,000,000+ views! I also like to go hiking and bodyboarding occasionally.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Michael Nacnac: After my football career is over I want to find a way to give back to my community and those who have supported me. Whether it is through career opportunities or by volunteering, my parents have taught me that it is important to give back and give credit where it is due.
Alex Khvatov: What makes you unique?
Michael Nacnac: What makes me unique is that I am able to adapt to any circumstance.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Michael Nacnac: Faithful, humble, disciplined, caring & outgoing.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win the Super Bowl and why?
Michael Nacnac: I feel like it would have to be between the Chiefs and the Buccaneers. Patrick Mahomes vs. Tom Brady. Those two teams are too stacked to not make it to the Super Bowl. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bills take it all.
