2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cooper Hamilton, OL, Wilfred Laurier University

- Name: Cooper Hamilton
- Position: Offensive Line/Boundary Tackle
- College: Wilfred Laurier University
- Height: 6’7
- Weight: 305
- Instagram: @Cooperhamiltonn
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft?
- My dedication. I say this because it is my dedication to becoming the best player I could possibly be or my dedication to the team. I believe my ability to do what is needed to help the team succeed is unmatched.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
- The age at which I truly began to love football was the age of 12. Initially, I started playing football at the age of 8 years old, but in the beginning, it was just a game my dad wanted me to play. My dad played university ball for the Golden Hawks, so it’s safe to say Over time I began to love the game’s physicality, and my love for the game grew exponentially.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
- That football is my interest. I believe my level of commitment to football will make me surpass all expectations teams may put on me. I have played football all of my life, but I believe I have not reached my full potential yet. My dedication to learning the game of football and perfecting the craft has allowed me to continually improve and inch closer to reaching my full potential.
What would it be if you could donate to one cause in the world?
- I would donate to any organization that gives back to the youth community through sports. Growing up as an athlete has taught me a lot about how to live life. Sports has given so much to me, that any chance I could give my experience with athletics to another kid, I would jump at the opportunity.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
- “There is always something you can improve at.” I understand that this is more of a general term, but throughout my football career, this saying has helped me a tremendous amount. I say this, as it has always helped me with being able to continually improve my game in all areas.
Who was your childhood hero?
- My Dad. Growing up, my dad was a constant example of how I wanted to be when I became a man. Whether it was through the professional world, or how a father was to parent his children, my father was a constant positive impact on my life. As a result, I grew up most of my life wanting to be the same kind of man my father is.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
- Nathan Brooks, Tight End. Over the years, I have lived with Nate and I have grown to admire his resilience. I say this as he has faced tons of adversity throughout the past couple of years, and despite the hardships, he has always found a way to turn those situations in his favor.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
- People who blame others for their misfortunes. Even the idea of blaming others and not holding yourself accountable for your actions grinds my gears.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
- Learning to become a better student, and overcoming my learning disability. As a pre-teen, I was diagnosed with the learning disability dysgraphia. For those who don’t know what that is, it negatively impacts a variety of skills associated with writing/written expression. Due to this, continuing my education has been much hard for me compared to the average student. In turn, written assignments, readings, and even note-taking was an incredibly daunting task throughout my educational career. Due to this, I have learned a great deal in regard to handling adversity and persistence in continuing to improve upon my lesser skills in the face of adversity.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you.
- The atmosphere at Laurier is undeniably unmatched. I say this as only a few schools can say their entire campus is contained within one city block. Due to this, it creates a closeness between students and athletes that really makes you love being a golden hawk.
What is your favorite snack food?
- A Party size pack of Pringles or Kirkland steak strips. As I do have a bit of a sweet tooth, I am more of a salty snack kind of guy.
What is the best part of football?
- The physicality. Being an offensive lineman, one has to take enjoyment in the physical nature of the position. Orlando Pace said it best when he stated, “There is no better feeling than taking a man from point A to point B against his will. To me, football is a release. Football has allowed me to have an outlet where I feel at my very best with no distractions from the outside world, and in turn, I have developed a love for the game.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
- My perseverance is unmatched.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
- Trevor Penning. I say this because, at the beginning of my career, I came in undersized for the position. Despite that, I came in and worked my ass off to gain add to my long frame, and I’m always looking to finish my blocks.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- Jon Jones – I love his mentality, I love that he is a bad MF and that when you fight him, he tries to take their “soul” A.K.A. their desire to play.
- Joe Thomas – I would like to speak to Joe because in my position, he is one of the all-time greats. I would love any opportunity to be able to discuss with him how to be the best possible pro I can be.
- David Goggins – David is a Navy Seal veteran whose mentality has quite frankly separated him from the rest of the world. David’s mindset allowed him to change his life exponentially. Any chance I could have a talk with him about how he has developed his mindset would be an unbelievable opportunity.

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