2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Isaiah Stalbird, LB, South Dakota State University

• Name: Isaiah Stalbird
• Position: LB
• College: South Dakota State University
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 215 lbs
• Twitter: @stalbird2
• Instagram: @zay_deuce

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

I feel like it’s just something I always paid attention to when I was younger and as I grew older I fell in love with it even more because it was a getaway.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Just the whole process like in high school my senior year and we lost in the championship but it was a learning moment. Being at Nebraska blocking a punt against NIU. At South Dakota State just how we have tried even harder after we lost the national championship.

What sets you apart from other linebackers?

I really think coming down from safety having the defensive back knowledge that I’m very versatile and can guard tight ends. And always feel like I have room for improvement and I think a dream to get to the next level is even something I can possibly get. I wasn’t heavily recruited and ended up walking on to Nebraska with a chip on my shoulder and then I ended up here at South Dakota State in one of the best divisions of football in the FCS.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I’m going to say like a cool, calm energy but ready to bring the juice if I make a play and motivate players if they need motivation.

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

Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins and Sean Taylor. Because those were guys who are passionate about football. I feel like I can get some knowledge from those guys and it would help me and be a dream for sure.

How do you prepare for games?

Just sit down watch some film go through first down, second down, third down and red zone and see if they do any gadget plays and see what there tendencies are and go practice what you need to do.

What should we know about Isaiah Stalbird the person?

Just a humble guy trying to chase a dream and make the most out of the opportunities I get.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Nickel or dime, because we mix things up so much it’s harder for offense’s to read, you can play the slot, go out in coverage, play in the box. So you can read what the quarterback is doing.

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

I just learn to keep going through it if I didn’t get through challenges I wouldn’t be where I am in football and even on the football field if you make a bad play you need to keep going because if you don’t get through the bad things you will never learn anything and you just need to keep going through adversity.

What would a team get in a player like you?

I think they are going to get someone with a high ceiling who is going to be coachable and I’m always going to think I can do better, coaches think they are hard on me but I think I’m harder on myself. And I don’t shy away from physical contact even if I am an undersized linebacker and they would get someone who is very versatile.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Just proving to myself who I say I am and getting my personal goals done and team goals done.

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

DyShawn Gales, I don’t think he gets the recognition he deserves and I think people think he is underrated but I’m excited to see what he can do.