From Plainedge to the NFL? Dan Villari ready to prove himself

From record-setting QB to position switch

That edge has been shaped by a college journey filled with ups and downs. Villari first committed to the University of Michigan, arriving as a highly regarded quarterback following a record-setting high school career.

He went 23-1 at Plainedge, leading the Red Devils to their first Long Island Championship while scoring six touchdowns in the title game. He also won the Thorp Award as Nassau County’s top player in 2019.

But despite the success, things didn’t work out with the Wolverines. In 2022, he transferred to Syracuse — and soon after, his career took a major turn.

Coaches believed he would be a better fit at tight end.

Embracing the change

Villari admits the transition wasn’t easy.

“I didn’t know the techniques, the footwork, how to block,” he said. “I was kind of just out there freestyling, just trying to hit somebody.”

Instead of resisting the move, he embraced it — and that mindset helped turn him into a legitimate NFL prospect.

“I like being physical. I like hitting people. I like running with the ball in my hands,” he said. “It fits my personality a little bit more.”

He believes his background as a quarterback gives him a unique advantage.

“I think I’m a quarterback’s best friend,” he said. “I can still sling the pill, but I understand how hard it is to get the ball out, to distribute it. I’m just saying, ‘trust me,’ and I’ll be ready.”

Now, Villari says that confidence is backed by a much-improved skill set.

“My routes are really crisp now,” he said. “I wouldn’t have said that last year. My hands have always been really good, and my ability with the ball in my hands has always been there.”

Villari credits the challenges along the way for shaping who he is today.

“I feel like I’ve been hit with everything,” he said. “And I did nothing but attack it with hard work and faith.”

Staying rooted in Long Island

Even with the NFL within reach, Villari remains closely tied to his roots. He still trains on Long Island and stays connected to the teammates and community that helped shape his journey.

“Those were the best times,” he said of his high school days. “It’s the guys you grew up with. We did everything we set out to do, and we still talk about it.”

Now, as he prepares for the biggest moment of his football life, that pride remains front and center.

“I’m the biggest Long Island guy ever,” Villari said. “When you say someone’s from Long Island, that means they’re a worker, a tough player. I’m true to where I’m from.”

Ready for the moment

Villari told GLI he has spoken with multiple NFL teams in the lead-up to the draft, but like most prospects, he knows there are no guarantees.

“There’s no real way to tell,” he said.

What he does believe is that his best football is still ahead.

“I think I have the biggest upside,” Villari said. “With how much better I’ve gotten in three years, it’s unreal. I can only imagine what it’s going to look like in two or three more.”

For Villari, the opportunity is what matters most. Wherever he lands, he’s confident he’ll make the most of it.

“They’ve been wrong before, and they’re wrong now,” he said. “I’m going to show them.”

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. The draft will air on NFL Network and ESPN and stream on NFL+ and Disney+.

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