Free Agent Portal Player Spotlight: Donato Crisanti, Long Snapper

Name: Donato Crisanti

Position: LS

Height: 6’ 4 1/2”

Weight: 240 lbs

X: @donatocrisanti

Instagram: @donato.crisanti

What is your favorite workout or drill and why?

My favorite drill/workout would have to be some live rush work for punt snaps. I was training with a few college guys over the summer staying ready and showing them different formations and ways to block different rushes. The way I had them do it was be a bit off sides to make me force my body up quicker and make the real reps where the guy was inside easier.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player in the next three years?

I am looking to make a roster of some sort this fall/spring in the NFL/UFL to show I’m capable of playing at the professional level. By year 3 I want to have a stable spot of some sort within the NFL. I know nothings a guarantee with roster spots, but being a consistent guy within the league would be big as a UDFA.

What is one thing scouts should see about your game and why?

Scouts should be able to see my consistency and experience from my film. Away from film they should be able to see someone who is dedicated to keep playing through any opportunities.

What does a normal day look like for Donato Crisanti?

A normal day right now for me starts off with an early morning stretch with a run/snapping session. I am currently conditioning twice a week and doing speed work twice as well while snapping four times a week. After my morning session I am working as a substitute teacher and coach at my high school. Once the teaching and coaching comes to an end I am in the weight room doing my designated lift, my coach back at home created for me to do to help me stay ready for my next opportunity. Six days a week I am in the weight room doing these lifts.

Which current or former NFL head coach would you want to learn from the most and why?

A coach I would want to spend time around to learn more from would be Danny Smith from the Steelers. I loved how he spoke about special teams in mini camp and the reasoning behind his methods. I felt like I grew a lot as a player for that short amount of time I was around him.

What was your favorite experience from the last team you were on?

The last team I was around was the Steelers for mini camp, my favorite experience was having dinner at Acrisure Stadium and seeing the history of the Steelers and all that they have accomplished. It gave me some sort of feeling that I’m meant to play this game and no matter what happens at the end of mini camp that I have to keep going. The last team I actually played for was the University of Rhode Island. My favorite memory has to be winning the CAA championship after all we had been through as a group and completing what we set after since we arrived on campus.

Which one of your former teammates deserves a chance and why?

A former teammate that deserves a shot is Tommy Smith. I was lucky enough to be with him in mini camp after we spent the past few seasons at URI. He was always someone who was humble and hardworking. I could not name a single bad thing about the guy as a player or as a person. I wish him nothing but the best.

What makes you an intriguing player that deserves to be signed?

My size I feel is what makes me different from the rest of the free agents in the market. I feel I have all the attributes to be an NFL long snapper. The only thing is I’m not on a roster right now to show what I can do. My work ethic will beat anyone else’s in the room. I know my opportunity will come I just have to keep my head down and keep working.

Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen