2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nate Edwards, LB, McMaster University

• Name: Nate Edwards
• Position: Linebacker
• College: McMaster University
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 225
• Twitter: natedwards71
• Instagram: natejedwards

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2022 NFL Draft? 

My ability to make tackles in the box and in the open field. Can play multiple positions on defense and special teams. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

Started playing at the age of 6 and have loved it ever since

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

I have a  passion for football not only on the field but for everything that has to go into being successful. Love breaking down film and gaining an advantage before even stepping on the field. 

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

Mental Health for Athletes. I believe one major problem for athletes is the stigma regarding mental health. Many athletes struggle with mental health but feel they don’t have access to the proper resources or believe that because they are athletes they aren’t allowed to struggle. I would donate to a cause to help athletes find the help they need. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

It’s not success that will define the type of person you are, but how many times you have failed and kept chasing your dreams 

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero was Brain Urlacher. My parents bought me a jersey when I was very young and I always wanted to be a linebacker because of him and that Bears jersey. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

Tyler Monroe. Can play interior or edge as a defensive lineman and has an incredible motor. Never takes a playoff

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

When someone is not pulling their weight. Whether it’s a group project or in sports when you’re giving your all and you can tell others aren’t matching your effort it becomes very frustrating. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The 2020 season is canceled and not having played a game in over 18 months. The longest offseason of my life, having to continue self-motivating not knowing when I would be given the chance to play again. It made me have to really learn how to focus one day at a time and stay in the present. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Our school values the student-athlete and creates avenues for success not only on the field but in the classroom. Education is valued very highly and the coaches and support staff will do everything to give you an opportunity to succeed 

What is your favorite snack food?

Peanut M&Ms 

What is the best part of football? 

The brotherhood. Football is the ultimate team sport and all 12 guys have to be on the same page to be successful. Our team uses the motto, play for the guy beside you. There is no success if even one person isn’t doing their job and seeing that brotherhood come together over the season is like nothing else. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

I will always bet on myself and hold myself to a higher standard than anyone else ever could, I will fight every day to never let myself down. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

K.J Wright. I believe I have a good balance of pass-rush ability and coverage ability. The way Seattle plays, mixing up coverages and blitzing LB’s is similar to how we play at McMaster. The way K.J. Pays downhill while still being able to match tight ends and play zone is what I try and emulate 

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

Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, and Serena Williams. The three greatest athletes of my Generation. I would love to pick their brains about what made them successful (other than god-given ability) and how they overcame adversity not only in the public eye but behind the scenes as well.