NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kory Woodruff, OL, Pittsburg State

Kory Woodruff is a massive brute on the Pittsburg State offensive line. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
Kory Woodruff is a massive brute on the Pittsburg State offensive line. Kory Woodruff recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I began my college career at Briar Cliff University. I have majored in Business Management at both Briar Cliff and Pittsburg State. During my time at Briar Cliff, one of the organizations that I was part of was a group called Men of Color which helped to promote diversity. We also did activities in the community. During my time at Pittsburg State, I participated in a community service event called Victory Day which is dedicated to helping special needs children.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I work very hard and have the ability to lead by example. I’m always the first one in and the last one out. I never take plays off, and I hope to bring my teammates along with me.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
This year, being a senior, I see myself taking on a more vocal role as a leader. I have played all along the OL. I was All-Conference my freshman year at RT. In my sophomore year, I played LT, being named All-Conference and All-American. During my time at Pittsburg State, I have mainly played guard, which is likely how I will translate at the next level. As far as scheme, I can thrive in almost anything from outside zone, inside zone, gap schemes, pin & pull and releasing on screens. Being very athletic for my size gives me the ability to plug and play wherever the coach needs me.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I played against DT Sam Roberts when he was at Northwest Missouri State. He was just recently drafted by the Patriots. He was really impressive in his ability to be twitchy and use his body effectively. He and I had our battles.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
WR Bryce Murphy is one of the hardest workers I know. He dedicates so much time and continues to get better and better. I expect him to really thrive this season.

LB PJ Sarwinski’s long list of accolades tells you how impressive he is. He’s an All-American who does everything well, shedding blocks and making tackles. I go against him every day in practice, and I’m happy he’s on our side.

Kory Woodruff is one bad man! Check outt his video of Kory Woodruff putting in work in the gym!

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
After the 2018 season, I had to have minor back surgery to correct a slipped disc. That had to be one of the hardest points in my life. There were days that I could barely walk, and I questioned whether I was ever going to be able to play again. Yet, as I went through rehab, I learned how to run again. I had to dial into my patience and take things slow. It took me about 2-3 months after surgery and rehab to get to a point where I felt comfortable playing football. The following fall season was my best year to date, being named All-American and first team All-Conference. I haven’t had any problems with my back since.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball. It was my first sport. I started playing it at the age of 5. I was named 3-time All-conference in high school.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m the first in my family to go to college and will be a first-generation graduate. That’s something that I’m very proud of. It shows my younger brothers and sisters that they can do it too.

Some of my football accomplishments include being a 2-time All-American and a 3-time All-Conference player.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My sophomore season at Briar Cliff, we were playing against Hastings. We had a screen where I faked right, releasing left. I made contact with a DB and drove him about 20-25 yards down the field, eventually pancaking him. The announcers really blew that play up over the radio, comparing it to the scene in the movie The Blind Side. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite all-time athlete is Lebron James. I’ve been a big fan of O’Dell Beckham Jr ever since watching him make that famous catch. My favorite baseball player is Bryce Harper. When I study players, I like watching Quinton Nelson and Trent Williams. They are both terrific and dominant, and I try to take something from both of their games.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Some of my favorite artists include Rod Wave and Lil Baby. The last song before we go out on the field needs to be “5500 Degrees” by Lil Baby and 42 Dugg.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Anything my mom cooks is my comfort food. Her spaghetti and garlic bread are some of my favorites.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Creed 1 & 2 are my favorite movies. Black List is a show on Netflix that I really like. Michael B Jordan and Wesley Snipes are two of my favorite actors.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to play basketball. I also like to play video games like Fortnite, 2K and Madden. I also have 2 dogs that I enjoy playing with.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play because I love playing sports. My parents have pictures and videos of me playing when I was a kid. I like football because of its violent nature, but also because it requires well-thought-out motions where you have to outsmart your opponent.

My family motivates me the most, specifically my mom. She has remained the most consistent supporter in my life. She’s taught me so much whether it be how to cook, clean or even catch. The main reason why I work hard every day is so that I can give back to her everything that she deserves and more.

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