What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?
What makes me a top prospect is my versatility, my work ethic, and how seriously I take every part of the game. I’m confident that I can play all five positions on the offensive line, and I take pride in being someone a team can trust wherever I’m needed. I also think my engineering background has helped the way I approach football because I’m always trying to understand how and why something works, not just memorize what I’m supposed to do. More than anything, I’ll bring consistency, maximum effort, and always put the needs of the team first.
Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?
One of the biggest challenges that I have recently faced has collectively been the last three years as a whole. I have been balancing a mechanical engineering degree, three part-time jobs, and of course, Division 1 football. There were numerous days where I was overly exhausted and felt like there weren’t enough hours in the day, but quitting or slacking in one area of my commitments was never really an option for me. I learned how to manage my time, prioritize what needed to get done, and continued to show up motivated and ready to work every day. Looking back, this adversity has pushed me to be better while still performing to the best of my abilities.
What are your hobbies outside of football?
My hobbies outside of football involve anything outdoors. Specifically, hunting and fishing. I enjoy working on anything with a motor. I thoroughly enjoy taking things apart and finding a way to put them back together. What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?
I see myself being a dependable offensive lineman who can come in, compete, and earn a role wherever I’m deemed fit. I want to prove that I can be someone who can play multiple spots, be trusted when my number is called, and eventually earn a starting role. More than anything, I want to be the kind of player a team knows they can rely on every week.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would have to be the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA). My sister has ITP, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to destroy platelets and can lead to abnormal bleeding and bruising. Because of that, platelet disorders, specifically ITP, have always been a part of my life. I’ve personally experienced how a diagnosis like my sisters can impact someone and their family. Being able to support research, awareness, and resources for other people living with ITP or other autoimmune disorders would mean a lot to me.
How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?
I handle coaching and criticism as opportunities to learn. You cannot get better by continuing to do the same things repeatedly, so if something can be corrected, even the smallest detail, I want it brought to my attention. I would take honest coaching, even if it is Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
I’d say Jeffrey Keller. He’s another offensive lineman, so I get to see firsthand how hard he works every day. He does everything the right way and may not always get the most playing time or recognition, but he’s always there doing the little things that help the team. He also brings a ton of energy, not only to the offensive line room, but to the team as a whole. Fans in the stands can literally hear him hyping up the team before kickoff. Not everyone has that type of energy.
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them?
I would choose Jesus, my grandpa, and one of the Wright brothers. I’d choose Jesus because my faith is a huge part of my life, and I can’t even fathom the questions I would have for Him. My grandpa is one of my best friends and only lives a few blocks away from me. He’s the person who got me obsessed with cars and the outdoors, so I’d never pass up another dinner with him. Lastly, I’d choose one of the Wright brothers. Outside of football, one of my biggest dreams is to become an aerospace engineer, so getting to talk with someone who helped invent the airplane and completely change the world would be If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?
If I were benched tomorrow, it would most likely be because I made a few mental mistakes. I’m confident in my ability and how I prepare, so if I was pulled off the field, I’d expect it to be for something correctable like that. I’d own it, get it fixed, and be ready when my number is called again. Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?
Always start by praying to the Lord for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love. After praying I get into my pregame stretch/activation routine, throw on the game day tunes, and work my way from the weight room to the locker room before getting dressed for gameday.
What is your favorite snack food?
My favorite snack food is pickles, specifically the hottie bites from Oh Snap!
What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?
I feel like I fit best in a downhill, physical run scheme where I can use my size and strength to move people at the point of attack. I also think I’m athletic enough to pull, climb to the second level, and work in space, so I wouldn’t want to limit my abilities to just one scheme.I’m comfortable learning whatever the offense asks me to do. What is your degree in?
Bachelors in mechanical engineering. I am currently working on masters in mechanical engineering.
What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?
My first NFL check would probably be put toward my parents. I’d want to buy them something meaningful such as paying off their current home or vehicle. They’ve sacrificed so much time, effort, money, and countless other things to help me get where I am today. Being able to use the money I earned, by pursuing the dream they helped me achieve, would be something pretty special.
Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?
I’d go back to our opening game this year. Early in the fourth quarter, we were in a close game and marching down the field when I got called for unnecessary roughness after a late hit following the whistle. The 15-yard penalty killed the drive. They ended up tying the game after that, so I knew my mistake had hurt us. I just had to own it, move on, and keep playing my game instead of letting one bad play get in my head. We ended up taking the lead back, and our defense sealed the win with an interception. Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?
Glorious (Macklemore), Rather Be (Clean Bandit), and Run This Town (Rihanna)
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
harsh or repeated, over silence because I know it is helping me improve. Some of my best performances have come after being told areas I could be better. Nothing motivates me more than beating out myself.
something a kid can only dream about.
