Gabriel Suarez

Accomplishments & Impact What would you say is your biggest accomplishment in your athletic career so far, and what did it take for you to achieve it? 

My biggest accomplishment in my athletic career as of right now is getting rewarded as the best player in the weightroom. It took discipline and never skipping reps or sets, even if I knew coaches wouldn’t know; as well as perfecting my form as well as I can. 

Role & Identity as a Player How would you describe your playing style, and what separates you from other athletes in your sport and your position? 

I would describe my play style as a reaction type of play, but I try to stay ahead of the defense . Whenever the play starts I scan everything going on in the field and I trust in my knowledge/ Instinct to make the right move and get those few extra yards on plays. If I can’t get around, I’ll go through. Every yard counts. 

Development Curve What is one area of your game you’ve significantly improved over the past year, and how did you develop it? 

One area I’ve improved on in the past year is definitely speed. I went from averaging 4.8 in the 40 to a 4.5-4.6 in a year by always working on speed drills during the weekend and constantly working on my form while running. I’ve also incorporated exercises that help me with explosion and speed. 

Adversity & Resilience Tell us about a challenge or setback you’ve faced in your career. How did you respond, and what did you learn from it? 

A challenge I’ve faced in my career is coaches trying to move me to a different position. Since I’m not a typical running back that people see everyday, and I don’t fall into the normal standard/category, coaches have tried to move me into different spots, but I know where my passion is. Every opportunity I got I showed them I could make big things happen at my spot. This helped me learn that sometimes people won’t always understand where your heart is or what you want to do, and you have to prove to them and yourself what you’re capable of. Perseverance. 

Training & Preparation What does your current training routine look like, and how are you preparing specifically for the May 30th combine? 

My current training routine is weightlifting in the morning and in the afternoon I will work different drills depending on the day. Usually I focus on catching since that is my current weak spot I feel like, but will also do speed and footwork drills. 

Short-Term Goals (Combine Focus) What are your specific goals and expectations heading into this combine? 

My main goal is to make a good impression and just focus on improving my game and taking this opportunity to get recognized by some coaches.I have big dreams of playing at the next level. Even if it’s the long, hard road there. 

Long-Term Vision Where do you see your career going over the next 2–3 years, and what steps are you taking to get there? 

I hopefully see myself playing at the college level in the next years to come.The steps I’ve been taking to reach that goal is communicating with coaches, going to different camps and combines regularly, and WORK, WORK, AND KEEP WORKING. 

Football IQ & Leadership How do you contribute to your team beyond your physical performance—whether that’s leadership, communication, or understanding the game? 

I contribute to my team by always helping the younger players improve and holding them accountable when they slack off. Also giving them coaching points whenever I can to help them become the best version of themselves that they can be. 

Recruiting & Exposure What are you hoping coaches and scouts take away from your performance at the combine? 

I’m hoping that coaches will see me as a future player on their team, but overall I hope they recognize the work I put in to get to this point and appreciate my ethics. I never stop working. 

Motivation & Mindset What drives you to keep pushing and competing at a high level, especially when no one is watching? 

The drive I have is my passion for this sport. Ever since I got my first hit I’ve loved football, and getting an opportunity to play at a high level is something I hope to accomplish in my life. Since the window for such an achievement is very small I work hard to get to the finish line. I also do it to make the people around me and myself proud.