Sept 20, 2007
Center Vince Natali is a returning starter who is putting together a breakthrough senior season. Natali’s return to health after offseason shoulder surgery has solidified the offensive line and been a key to the Lobos’ offensive success this year. He missed spring practice, but impressed the coaches with how quickly he mastered the new offense during training camp. Natali has appeared in 26 games (17 starts) in his career and is an aggressive, smart and self-motivated player who is the quarterback of the offensive line. He served as 3-time all-MWC center Ryan Cook’s understudy for before breaking into the starting lineup in 2006.
A tremendous performer in the weight room, Natali earned the team’s Beefmaster Award for players weighing 276 pounds and above in 2005. He was also an Academic all-MWC honoree last year who graduated in December of `06 with a degree in Finance. He posted a 3.86 GPA as an undergrad and is now working towards his M.B.A. His parents Fausto and Nicolina were both born in Italy. Vince also speaks the language and is an accomplished Italian cook.
Natali has been outstanding in the first four games this year, leading a strong early season performance by the rejuvenated Hitmen on the Lobo offensive line. He is 2nd on the team, behind LG Anthony Kilby, with 35 knockdowns and has allowed just 1 sack.
D.J.Renteria: Growing up did you look up to anyone as a role model?
Vince Natali: Mainly my brother and my father. My father always had guidance for me and my brother was older and also played college football. I always wanted to be exactly like the both of them.
DR: What is the best thing about being a senior?
VN: The leadership that comes with being a senior and a lot of guys looking up to you is great. Being there for the younger guys and being role model just like I looked up to when I was young.
DR: What would be the biggest victory of the year for you?
VN: TCU would be big for me because of the fact that when we played there (in 2005) the crowd was kind of nasty with us and it would be good to quiet them down.
DR: Lady’s man or mama’s boy?
VN: Mama’s boy definitely. I love my mother very much.
DR: Do you have a favorite restaurant in town?
VN: I like this place called Empire Burritos. That place is really good!