2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ludner Mercy, OL, Limestone University

• Name: Ludner Mercy
• Position: Center/Guard
• College: Limestone University/ Hobart College
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 300
• Twitter: @juniormercy

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Personally, I feel like I am one of the most athletic centers in college football regardless of division. I also would say my football IQ is another trait that makes me a top prospect.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was always interested in football from a young age. But being from West Palm Beach there were weight restrictions so I wasn’t able to play.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

They should know that I am a tough gritty individual who does not run from the grind. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to a foundation that researches and helps people with kidney failure. Seeing how my sister suffers from that disease.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I ever received had to be “Don’t ever stop learning and growing as a person”

Who was your childhood hero?

My mom. Yeah most definitely my mom, she raised 3 kids all by herself and all three went to college. She does things for everyone regardless of any relationship. She’s definitely a superhero.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

My most underrated teammate in my locker room would have to be Luke Ford at limestone. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve would have to be being late. I hate seeing individuals come into meetings or practice late.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

My senior year I broke my ankle and lost all my scholarships and interest from division 1 schools. I ended up going to Hobart college. Where I excelled on the football field and in the classroom majoring in Economics. Going to Hobart made me a better man and teammate.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

 Limestone will always be special to me because of the bonds me and my teammates made. Limestone went from 0-9 to 8-3 and had a playoff berth within one year. I was also a part of a top-ten offense in division 2.  I was a part of history, I will always cherish those moments.

What is your favorite snack food?

Chester Hot Fries 

What is the best part of football?

To me, it’s the battle. Going to war with your brothers weekly. You can’t beat that.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

There’s no outsmarting me, or out-competing me, I am here to win.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

I don’t think I can compare myself to any NFL player seeing how I haven’t done what they have done yet. But I can say that I model my game after Jason Kelce.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?  

Marcus Lemonis (private equity investor), Malcolm X, Jason Kelce