Hundreds of college football players are getting ready to take the next step in their life, and prepare for the NFL. Pro Player Insiders had the opportunity to interview Senior Safety Brendan Melanophy from the Fordham University football team while he was in the midst of prepping for the NFL Draft.
Melanophy, a finance major with an economics minor, played safety for the Rams, but in today’s game he notes that his responsibilities could sometimes go beyond that. “My Sophomore and junior years here we ran a 4-2-5 defense which allowed me to really play all over the place. I got to play right on the end of the line of scrimmage, linebacker depth, and also back at traditional FS depth. Then, this past year, I played much more of a traditional FS role in our defense. Having this flexibility in a defense allowed me to showcase the versatility that I can bring to the next level.”
It seems that NFL defenses are craving guys who are versatile, as many coordinators use multiple fronts and packages. The 6’1” 210 pound safety is more than just a versatile football player, he is a complete person off the field as well. He registered a 3.7 GPA at an academically rigorous school in the Bronx, and also has been recognized for his work in the community. “To me, being able to get involved and to give back to the community around Fordham was very important. It was great to be able to get involved and help out whenever I was able to. I hope that this is a part of my character scouts will see and want to have as a part of their team. When it comes to grades, I hope that when a scout sees my GPA they see it as a positive from the aspect of being an intelligent football player. I think that coming from a smaller school I have to take every advantage I can. Being able to play smart and pick up a defensive or special teams scheme quickly will definitely work to my benefit.”
Brendan was a 2012 Allstate AFCA Good Works nominee, and represents the football team on the Student Athlete Advisory Council. He was also the recipient of the 2012 Kiwanis Community Service Award at the Block F Dinner and was a Patriot League Honor Roll member all four years at Fordham.
As Melanophy leaves Fordham officially this summer, we asked him what he would miss most about his time at school. He noted that he would miss the passion the true Ram fans brought to the game but time with his teammates will be missed the most. “I was fortunate to be a part of a great group of guys throughout my 4 years here. My class is filled with great guys and the classes above and below me were awesome too. Whether it be going to practice or lifts, hanging out in the locker room, or most importantly going out and playing on Saturdays, playing with these guys has been the best 4 years of my life.”
Melanophy has been training at the Parisi Speed School in Fairlawn NJ. He trains Monday through Saturday with trainer Rich Sadiv. and has been doing a lot of speed drills and improving his footwork, to hopefully get that call come draft weekend. When it comes to getting a shot with specific teams, Melanophy, a Danbury Conn. native, admitted that it would be an unreal experience for him and his family to play for his hometown New York Giants. However, any team that gives him a shot would become his new favorite team.
