2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Caleb Kennedy, FB, University of Sioux Falls

- Name: Caleb Kennedy
- Position: Fullback and Special Teams Player
- College: University of Sioux Falls
- Height: 6’2
- Weight: 245lbs
- Twitter: @CalebK5556
- Instagram: @ckennedy5555
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?
I am a top prospect at my position, because I am a big, physical, and intelligent fullback. I do an excellent job of bringing the physicality when it’s needed and then I do an excellent job of just getting my job done when asked to do a challenging task.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I started playing little league football around the age of 8 and started with my older brother’s team. But I really fell in love with football watching the Cardinals vs. Steelers Super Bowl. It was such an exciting game, I dreamed of playing in a game like that as a kid.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
Growing up, I had the same friend group since 2nd grade. Had some people come and go, but it stayed the same core people. That’s because no one could handle how competitive we were. We were the friends that on Friday night would meet at someone’s house and just run Three’s in basketball all night. We never made it through a game night without getting into one fight over rules or scoring. So, NFL teams should know that I am extremely competitive and am willing to do anything to help the team win.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I would donate to some foundation that focuses on supporting young kids with learning disabilities. Early on I wore glasses in elementary school because my teachers thought I had an eye problem. Later, I was certified dyslexic after one of my teachers recommended my parents get me tested. My parents would have saved so much money if my teachers were more educated on Learning Disabilities when they recommended, I get prescription glasses.
Who was your childhood hero?
Growing up I always loved Kurt Warner and looked up to him. My first great memory of falling in love with football was the 2008 Super Bowl. His story was just so inspirational, and I loved how he was not a big show boater. I just admired how he had this image of being a family-oriented person, who played because of his love for the sport. That’s something that I want for myself.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
The most underrated player in our locker room was a backup running back named Dylan Rudningen. He started on every single special team and was willing to do any dirty work you asked of him. What makes him underrated is how he takes pride in every single job he is given. He gives full effort every time he’s on the field, no matter how small the role he is asked to do.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve in football is when players don’t take practice seriously. Practice is the pre-exam take-home quiz, and the questions on the quiz are examples of the questions on the exam. So, if you take it seriously enough, you’ll be more prepared for what’s to come on Game Day.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
COVID was easily one of the worst times in my life, but it was a terrible time with everyone. So, other than that period. The hardest moment in my life was when I took a chance to go play Junior College football in Wahpeton North Dakota. Growing up with three brothers and having my dad as my little league coach, I was never away from family. This was the first time I was on my own and it was in a town nicknamed Dirty Whap.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
Being a Junior College transfer, I can compare my two experiences. The one thing I loved about USF was how friendly all my professors were. All these small-town Midwest schools just have the nicest professors. We also had so much support from the city of Sioux Falls. One of my greatest memories is when we beat Augie my Junior year and the Sioux Falls police department changed their name for 24 hours. They changed it to The Coo Falls Police Department.
What is your favorite snack food?
I absolutely love bagels and I grew up on Einstein’s bagels every Saturday morning before going skiing with my family. A good poppy seed bagel with onion and chive shmear is undefeated.
What is the best part of football?
The best part of football is the brotherly bonds that are built between guys that grew up on complete opposite sides of the country. I have brothers that I might never see again in person, but if I needed help, they would do whatever possible to help me.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
I strive to be the best in whatever job I take on and love the process more than the result.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
The way I was used in the offense at USF, I played most like Patrick Ricard on the Ravens. I did a good amount of swipe backs and a lot of the time I was being used in the wing position, play side.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
I would want to have dinner with Kurt Warner, just to talk about how he stayed focused on his dream to play in the NFL. Then I would have Dinner with Kobe Bryant, just so I could get more of an insight into his mentality and how he built it. The last one would be with Jacoby Jones and that’s because he stole a chance for me to go watch a playoff game in person. 2013 playoffs, he burned the Broncos for a 70-yard touchdown reception to beat the Broncos. So, we would have dinner together more so he could pay for my meal to make up for the memories I missed as a kid.

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