- Name: Isaiah Shields
- Position: Linebacker
- College: McMaster University
- Height: 6’2
- Weight: 215lbs
- Twitter: IShields25
- Instagram: isaiah_.shields
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?
I’m a linebacker who has played defensive back, so I’m comfortable being able to cover receivers/tight ends/running backs in space. I played and excelled on every special teams, being a top special teams tackle leader on my team aswell as returning kickoffs. I’ve consistently produced on the field, finishing near the top of my position group in tackles and interceptions. Versatility, production, special teams.
Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?
In my first year, I was unexpectedly thrown into the game against Laurier, the best passing offence at the time, after injuries happened in the first drive. I didn’t get many first team reps and the game speed was completely different than in practice. After this, I took my film study and preparation to another level. The next time I started, I played one of my best games and came away with an interception. That experience against Laurier taught me that preparation can build confidence.
What are your hobbies outside of football?
Coaching and fishing
What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?
An every down linebacker who can play in multiple packages, contribute on every special teams unit and make an impact wherever the team needs me.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
Making youth sports more affordable so all kids have the opportunity to play
How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?
I’ve been critiqued my whole life, I take it with stride, as I’m always trying to get better and obsessed with being the best version of myself.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
Blake Williams
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them?
Kobe Bryant / Tom Brady / Ray Lewis
If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?
If I were benched, it would probably be because I tried to play through an injury when I should’ve communicated it sooner. I take a lot of pride being tough and available to play for my team. Fortunately, I have played every single game in my tenure at McMaster.
Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?
Take mental reps and envision myself in situations -> Stretch/Roll out -> Activate fast twitch muscles -> Pray
What is your favorite snack food?
Dried Mangoes
What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?
A scheme that gives me the freedom to play fast and put myself in positions to make plays
What is your degree in?
Honors Commerce
What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?
Invest
Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?
A time where I made a mistake and bounced back has to be where I missed a tackle being the QB spy against a shifty quarterback at Guelph. I reset mentally and continued to trust in my ability. The next time this situation happened later on in the game, I ended up going downhill and making a great tackle.
Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?
Dreams and Nightmares / Tale of Two Cities / March Madness
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com
