Watch CBS News

Villanova's Kowalski Ready For The NFL Draft

By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- Vince Kowalski has spent the last four years as a rock on the edge of the Villanova offensive line, paving the way for one of the best quarterbacks and rushing attacks in the country in FCS. Now he's hoping to grab the attention of an NFL team in the upcoming draft.

"It's a very exciting time," Kowalski tells KYW Newsradio. "Every kid dreams about this, I've been dreaming about this since I was kid as well when I first started playing football in first grade. It's just a happy opportunity to do all this, to go through the whole experience with the combines and the draft. It's surreal, honestly."

Listen: Vince Kowalski

 

Kowalski, who grew up in Williamstown, New Jersey, started every game during his four years on the Main Line and as a senior, he was named first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association. He talks about one of the big things he can bring to the table for an NFL team.

"I think a big thing for me that's going to translate is my experience," Kowalski says. "Since I started all 48 games during my career at Villanova, I think that's something, I have, like an edge on a lot of people. Being in different situations throughout games and careers. I've seen it all through the good times, the bad times, comeback wins, comeback losses, all that stuff."

Kowalski checks in at 6'4", 305 pounds and while he played tackle for the Wildcats, he thinks his future in the pros lies elsewhere along the offensive line.

"I'm anticipating moving in to guard," Kowalski says. "Tackles in the NFL, their wingspan, their arm length is just a lot longer than mine. I think that's just a huge part. And they're a lot taller as well. So I feel like I fit better as a guard/center type player. I'm a little shorter, but still have the good footwork. Playing tackle all four years (at Villanova) definitely helped me, because obviously playing tackle you have better feet, you're more athletic, so being moved into guard shouldn't be as big of a problem."

The NFL Draft begins on Thursday.

You can follow Matt on Twitter @mattleonkyw.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.