2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Isaiah Obiorah, DB/LB, Wilfrid Laurier University

• Name: Isaiah Obiorah
• Position: DB/LB
• College: Wilfrid Laurier University 
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 218
• Twitter: isaiahobiorah
• Instagram: isaiah.obi

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?

I feel the main things that make me a top prospect at my position in the 2027 NFL Draft are my athleticism, versatility, and IQ. I played defensive end in high school and transitioned to more of a DB/LB role at the collegiate level, and I feel I can excel in all phases on the defensive side of the ball. I have the length and strength to play on the line, the ability to play in the box, blitz on or off the line, and I have the coverage skills to be able to shut down receivers or tight ends, and I am super comfortable dropping high as a safety in Cover 2 man schemes or Cover 3 or 4 zones. I’ve also played on all special teams every year I’ve been at Laurier and take a lot of pride in it. Even though I only started playing football a year before I made it to college, I’ve dedicated so much time to learning the game, have been extremely coachable, and have gotten reps at multiple different positions to increase my knowledge even more. I believe my combination of athleticism, versatility, football IQ, and willingness to do whatever the team needs separates me from the rest of the class.

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

A time I faced adversity within this game was being taken off the starting lineup halfway through the season. Initially, it was very hard on my mental and confidence after working so hard over the offseason to win the spot at camp; it left me with a lot of doubt and uncertainty. I didn’t allow it to affect my preparation or play, and I used it as fuel to find more success on special teams, took advantage of every defensive package I was given, even if it was just 10 snaps a game or whenever a guy went down and my name was called, I was ready and performed to the best of my ability. Something my coach has always said to us was to never allow ourselves to have a victim mindset, so I didn’t sit and feel sorry for myself for the rest of the season; I kept my head down and worked. My work spoke for itself, and when it mattered most, I was able to play the majority of the defensive snaps in the Yates Cup final and played a great game. I feel going through that strengthened the mental aspect of my game, and now I will never feel comfortable with anything that’s given to me.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

Golfing, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and watching film. I genuinely enjoy learning football even when I’m away from the facility. 

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?

The role I see myself playing is being the hardest-working sponge in the room. I feel I could make an immediate impact on special teams, work my way to become a starter, and a leader on the team. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to the Save the Children cause that protects their rights, provides education, healthcare, and more.

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I feel I handle coaching very well. If it’s from the head coach, my positional coach, or even the strength coach, I’ve always been categorized as a very coachable player throughout all the sports teams I’ve played in my life. I’ve always been a very coachable player. I don’t take criticism personally, I take it as an opportunity to improve. The fastest way to earn trust is by showing coaches you can apply corrections immediately. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

A lot of guys on our team deserve this shoutout, but I’ve got to go with Gideon Aliku. I’ve trained with him a lot over the last few offseasons, and he’s just a guy with an insane motor who never takes a rep off and has a lot of talent and finesse in his game.

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them?

Jesus Christ, my faith is the foundation of who I am, and I’d value the opportunity to learn from Him above anyone else.

LeBron James, he’s my favourite athlete and someone I really look up to, and I’d love to learn about how he’s been able to be so dominant and healthy for so long.

My grandpa, he passed away when I was 7, and I’d love to be able to have one more dinner with him.

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?

If I were benched tomorrow, it would most likely be because I tried to play through injury and the coaching staff felt I couldn’t play to my best ability while hurt. I’ve always tried to put the team first, sometimes even at my own expense. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

I get to the facility 3 hours ahead of kickoff. I walk the field and say a prayer, go to the hot tub and watch some last-minute cutups, foam roll, and stim my quads. I then do my own dynamic stretching and footwork on the field while going through checks and possible scenarios I might come across in the game. After that, we have early outs, and then when we all rush the field, I say one last prayer before the national anthem, and then I take some smelling salts before kickoff or kickoff return, and go ball out.

What is your favorite snack food?

I’ve got a bit of a sweet tooth, so my favourite snack is slightly undercooked cookie dough, with ice cream on top, more specifically Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I think I fit any defensive scheme because I’ve played multiple positions throughout my career. Whether that’s playing in the box, covering receivers, blitzing, playing off the edge, or dropping into coverage, I’m comfortable adapting to whatever a defense asks of me. I feel that, due to my versatility, I fit best in any defensive scheme. I’ve got the size, speed, and experience playing at so many different spots, and I feel I have such a great work ethic and obsession with learning and getting better; I would be comfortable in any scheme I’m thrown into.

What is your degree in?

I am in sociology and minoring in education.

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?

I’d max out my TFSA, invest my money wisely, and make sure I’m setting myself and my family up for long-term financial stability.

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

We were playing the Gee Gees, and I was manned up with their FB. All game, he had done the same motion every time he went to crack block our defensive end and run outside zone on that side. This time he did the same motion, but ran a vertical route, and I bit down too hard too early, and allowed a big completion for a first down late in the game. I was thankfully able to bounce back on the last drive of the game, getting a TFL on first in goal on the one-yard line, dominating that same fullback in an outside zone look and taking down the running back for a loss of 2.

Name three songs we can expect on your playlist?

• March Madness by Future
• Faneto by Chief Keef
• Hot by Gunna