2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Isaiah Longino, Edge, Northwestern State University

• Name: Isaiah Longino
• Position: Edge
• College: Northwestern State University
• Height: 6’1 1/2″
• Weight: 270 lbs
• Twitter: @ginoasavage
• Instagram: @isaiahlongino_

What are your favorite things about playing football for Northwestern State?

Honestly the brotherhood, we’re a really close team and it makes me want to play harder for them. This school also has a lot of history and some really great players have played on that field. I feel like I have to keep the history going.

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Well I was always pretty interested in football from a young age, but once I started really studying the game I fell in love with the IQ side of things. Plus I was not trying to pay for college at all.

What sets you apart from other edge rushers?

My creativity on the line is very different than most dline and that’s due to my basketball history. I’m also naturally a linebacker that turned into a defensive line. I have elite get off and very nice bend off the edge. Plus with my strength and size I’m able to be a power,speed, or finesse rusher which allows me to keep the OL guessing.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

Definitely Aaron Donald, he’s my favorite defensive lineman and someone I look up to for sure. Everyone said he would be too small to be a factor in the league and now he’s a top 5 defensive linemen all time. Plus he stays out of trouble and is a good example of how to be a pro.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Easily the double overtime game against McNeese in 2018 that was the most intense game I’ve probably ever played and the way it ended was something out of a movie.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

Discipline, technique, and heart. Honestly talent is great but on this level everyone has talent so the details are the things that separate the good from the great. Plus you gotta have that dog in you or you are going to get ran off the field.

What should we know about Isaiah Longino the person?

I’m a god fearing man with a degree in kinesiology. I’ve been voted as team captain 3 times now by my fellow teammates. I enjoy music, movies, and skating. And yeah I’m all about winning, anything that has to do with winning I’m willing to do on the field and off.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Honestly a 4-2-5 I feel like in today’s game you NEED a 4 man rush and because of how prevalent the spread offense has become the need for defensive backs on the field is essential. Plus it free’s up the linebackers to flow to the ball on the run and pass. It’s overall the most balanced defensive attack.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I try to take them head on honestly, and I accept life as it is. Everyone deals with things in life and adversity will always come so I decide to accept it and fight through.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a team first positive leader that’s always going to perform to his highest and will go to work everyday to perfect his craft.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

It’s either between Jazz Ferguson or Kendrick Price. Both were NFL caliber wide receivers that honestly didn’t get the chance they deserved.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Just the full experience honestly, I’m trying to enjoy everyday of this last season and take every moment in. I’ve worked very hard throughout my college career and I feel like it’s all led up to this season.