2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Shane McInerney, K, Ottawa University Arizona
- Name: Shane McInerney
- Position: Kicker
- College: Ottawa University Arizona
- Height: 6’ 4”
- Weight: 220 lbs
- Twitter: McinerneyShane
- Instagram: shanemcinerney_
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?
My accuracy and consistency as a kicker.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
During lockdown in Ireland at the beginning of 2021 I decided to start kicking for football and knew I had potential to be successful with it.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
I’ve played professional soccer in Europe, the USA, and Australia. I adapt well to new environments.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
Pieta house – a mental health organization in Ireland that helps prevent suicide.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Mentally have the game won in your head before you go out and play the game.
Who was your childhood hero?
My uncle Gerry McInerney. He’s someone I speak to on a regular basis for advice.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
Carter Freedland. The guy works extremely hard and he’s got a lot of potential.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Negative people and negative energy.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
Living on my own during lockdown in Ireland for a year and not been able to chase my goals.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
It’s a very professional set up here and we have great coaching staff.
What is your favorite snack food?
Lemon drop bang energy and garden salsa chips.
What is the best part of football?
Everyone on the team chasing the same goal. As a kicker – having the ability and responsibility to win a game for your team.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
I’m a very ambitious and self driven person who will do whatever it takes to succeed.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
Justin Tucker – we have a similar kicking style.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- Conor McGregor – because of his mentality and how he went from social welfare to multi millionaire athlete.
- Tony Robbins – because I’ve read his books and been to his live event when I lived in Florida. He’s a powerful person and anyone could get motivation from him. I’m also a huge believe in the law of attraction.
- Jim Carey – because of the belief he had in himself to achieve great things, even during times of struggle.
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