2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Stephen Hoffman, DL, Bemidji State University

• Name: Stephen Hoffman
• Position: DL
• College: Bemidji State University
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 275 lbs
• X (Twitter): @hoffmans4141

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

I started playing ball because my oldest brother Matt played and I wanted to follow in his footsteps, he’s really helped me all the way to the point where I am now!

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments from football are all from Bemidji State. From winning our conference twice to being two-time all-conference to making it to the national tournament for the third time now!

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I’m trying to continue to play football at the next level whatever level that may be if it’s NFL, XFL, CFL, or AFL.

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

If I could spend a day with any NFL player it would be Aaron Donald or Jared Allen just because I believe they are the best defensive linemen to ever play the game so just to be able to take all the knowledge I could from them would be huge.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Honestly, there are so many people but the three that are extremely inspiring are my mom Joy Hoffman, my little brother John, and my oldest brother Matt. They have always been here for me and have constantly pushed me to be the best person and athlete I can be.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Honestly, I love blitzes and loading the box just knowing I’m going to war with my 7-8 guys vs your 7-8 guys is just what football’s all about.

What should we know about Stephen Hoffman the person?

What you should know about me is I’m the middle child of my family and I’ve always grown up with that team aspect and doing your job to the best of your ability while also picking up slack in areas that need it. Also, I’ve seen so much success in my family that I’ll do whatever to match it or exceed it.

What stands out about your film the most?

What stands out about my film is that I’m relentless. Double team, triple team, one on one. Doesn’t matter to me I’m gonna give it my all every single rep until the whistle is blown. Also, I love the game I’m a student of it I’m always trying to learn to be the best I can be.

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

Challenges that come are all the same. Take time to pray over it and handle what I can do and leave the rest to my lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get someone who’s a student and shows up to work ready to get their hands dirty every day and do the extra work that normal people wouldn’t. I give 110 percent and I hold everyone around me to that same standard.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

Growing up my favorite thing about football was hitting people and that still is true but really how much it’s a team game and that you need everyone to win games and also the strategy of the game as you get older it’s just a blast the more you learn about it.

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

The most underrated player I’ve played with is either Cade Barret or Marco Cavallaro. Cade for sure because I’ve never seen someone work the way he does day in and day out and still not get the recognition he deserves but still shows up and is a leader of men constantly. Marco because he is the most technically sound player I’ve ever played with and he’s a complete wrecking ball.