Name: Dan Minetola
Position(s): OL/DL
Height/ Weight: 5’11/210
Jersey: #59
School and Class: William Tennent 2026
Favorite NFL team: Eagles
Quote from the head coach: “Our anchor on both the offensive and defensive lines. He is not the most vocal leader he leads by example, and always seems to have a smile on his face while doing it. On defense, he's a disruptor, getting into the backfield and blowing up plays. Dan's leadership by example on the line of scrimmage is going to be crucial for us, and I'm looking forward to seeing him dominate on every snap.”
On-Field Focus
What’s your proudest moment on the football field for Tennent this season or in your career?
“I would say winning our homecoming game against Wissahickon last year. We went into the game with everyone expecting us to lose and we had a really hard fought win.”
Describe a play where you made a game-changing impact. What was going through your mind?
“A 4th down sack against Methacton last year to seal the game. I wasn’t having the greatest defensive game up until that point and knew I had to make a play and I did. I was just excited I came up big for the team.”
What’s the toughest part of playing OL/DL, and how do you prepare for it?
“Going up against so many different players in the same game would be the toughest part for me. On offense you have guys switching in and out for who goes against you. And on defense you do pretty much the same. So you are getting a lot of different looks with players that have different tendencies and skill sets which makes it tough. I prepare for it by practicing against different teammates. And knowing all of my D-line moves.”
Which NFL player do you model your game after, and what do you admire about them?
“Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata. They’re both offensive tackles that play for my favorite team. They’re some of the best in the world. I admire there work ethic that they have. And in particular that attention to detail in there pass blocking.”
What’s a drill or skill you’re grinding to perfect before the season?
“My long arm for defensive line, along with some other moves for defensive line.”
Personal Story
How did you start playing football, and what keeps you passionate about it?
“I started playing football when I was 6 years old for the Far Northeast Raiders. My dad really got me into the sport with always watching football when I was a kid and getting me to play. Once I really understood the game and started playing it the right way I absolutely loved it. I have always been a lineman so I got to just focus on that position throughout the years which also helped because I had so much time to just learn that position.”
Who’s been your biggest supporter (e.g., coach, family, teammate) in your football journey?
“My mom and my dad. They were always for me playing, they would go to all of my games. My dad coached me throughout all of my years of little league. And they were always supportive of what I did.”
What’s a challenge you’ve overcome—on the field or off—that’s made you a better player or person?
“I would have to say a couple weeks before one of my seasons in little league was starting, I felt like I didn’t want to play. I don’t know why I felt like that but I did. My dad got me to go to a couple summer practices and within a couple of weeks I was back to wanting to play. And I know if I didn’t play I would have regretted it. And I never had that thought again.”
How does playing in the Suburban One League shape your experience as a high school athlete?
“Having competitive teams that have players with a wide range of skill sets is nice to have in the league that we are playing in. And it has been a good experience so far.”
Football Flair
What’s your pre-game ritual or superstition to get in the zone?
“Always chew gum and listen to music in my headphones.”
What’s the one song on your pre-game playlist that fires you up, and why?
“Public Service Announcement by Jay-Z, it’s just a song that gets me into the zone and fired up.”
What’s your nickname in the locker room, and how’d you earn it?
“Just Dan”
If you could take one teammate’s skill for a game, whose would you pick and why?
“I would say Chase LuBrant with being a corner. I have always wanted to be able to lock someone up on a route. Or just have a shutdown game, which he has the ability to do.”
Future and Goals
What’s your biggest goal for this season with Tennent?
“To make the playoffs. It hasn’t been done in a long time for Tennent, and I really think we can do it this season.”
Are you eyeing college football? What’s your dream school or program to play for?
“I am still not sure what I will do after college. A dream college program to play for would be Georgia.”