The 2023 Senior Bowl will provide an opportunity for NFL draft prospects to prove themselves on the largest pre-draft stage. TCU interior offensive lineman Steve Avila plans on taking full advantage. Avila recently spoke exclusively with the Senior Bowl and Draft Network to discuss his motivation for accepting his invitation to compete in Mobile, Alabama.

Avila also talked about what he’s striving to prove to NFL general managers and scouts in attendance at the Senior Bowl, his scheme fits at the next level, his favorite aspects of playing on the interior, and more. Let’s get to know Steve Avila a little better.

JM: Where were you when you found out about your Senior Bowl invite and what was your initial reaction like?

Steve Avila: I was at our facilities at TCU. I was really excited when I received my invite. I know it’s going to be a very fun experience. I’m excited to compete against some of the best seniors in the nation.

JM: What was your motivation for accepting the Senior Bowl’s offer?

Steve Avila: I really just want to prove what type of player I am. I’ve always viewed playing football as another opportunity to get better at my craft. I know the Senior Bowl is going to present me with a perfect opportunity to do so.

JM: What are you looking to prove to NFL general managers, coaching staffs, and scouts in attendance in Mobile?

Steve Avila: I’m going to showcase what type of player I am. I’ve molded myself to be the best player I can be. I can fit any scheme at the next level. That’s what I’m hoping to prove in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.

JM: I was going to ask if you see yourself playing in a gap or power scheme at the next level.

Steve Avila: I know a lot of people are projecting me to play in a gap scheme (laughs). I personally feel like I can play in any scheme. I always put my best foot forward in any task that’s asked of me. I don’t like putting limitations on myself.

JM: You’re getting an opportunity to prove your versatility at the Senior Bowl. What a season it was for your TCU Horned Frogs after advancing all the way to the National Championship. What’s your biggest takeaway from this historic campaign?

Steve Avila: I think back to how much hard work we put into it. We spent so much time preparing for this season. It really paid off for us. Us as a team, even myself, our mindsets changed from last year to this year.

That’s the main reason why we began winning so many football games. All the credit goes to our level of preparation. We proved that hard work really does pay off.

JM: You’re an absolute bull in the run game. You’re a high-motor player that loves to play through the whistle and finish defenders. Talk to me about your approach in the run game.

Steve Avila: My main objective is to create as much push as I can in the run game. I try to finish every play strongly. That’s one thing I try to focus on every play, especially on those gap scheme plays. I try to displace and finish my defender on a snap-by-snap basis. My goal is to leave them on the ground.

JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent?

Steve Avila: I love those inside zone running plays. That’s going to get called every single game. The more we run in, the more of a groove I get into. Inside zone is one of my favorite plays to run. That may sound a bit generic, but it gives you an opportunity to take all of your anger out on your opponent (laughs).

JM: Spoken like a true offensive lineman! We saw you do that on those inside zone runs. What can you accomplish at the Senior Bowl that you can’t at other pre-draft events?

Steve Avila: We’re going to put the pads on and play football. I’m going to show everybody that I’m not some one-dimensional player. Everything is different once those pads come on. We’ll be doing more speed and agility stuff at the NFL Scouting Combine. It’s a different game when we put the pads on.

I’m going to Mobile to prove that I’m more than some run-blocking guru (laughs). I feel like I’m a balanced offensive lineman that excels in a lot of different areas of football. That’s what I’m going to prove in Mobile.

JM: We can’t wait to watch you in person. Is there a player in the NFL you’re looking forward to eventually swapping jerseys with?

Steve Avila: Definitely Jason Kelce. He’s a great guy both on and off the field. He certainly gets the job done on the field. He’s someone I try to mold my game after.

JM: We’re excited about the Steve Avila and Jason Kelce jersey swap. At the end of the week, what does a successful Senior Bowl week look like for Steve Avila?

Steve Avila: It definitely looks like me dominating every rep.

View Avila’s full scouting report here.