2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kyle Bahnsen, NT, Colorado School of Mines

• Name: Kyle Bahnsen
• Position: Noseguard / DT
• College: Colorado School of Mines
• Height: 6′ 01″
• Weight: 285
• Twitter: KyleBahnsen
• Instagram: Gantu9393

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft? 

I believe my work ethic makes me a top prospect at my position. As a player from a D2 school, I know that to get a shot, I must work harder and study more than many of the players that I will be competing with for a spot, and I am willing to put in that work. 

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

I have been playing football for as long as I can remember. I started playing as early as I was allowed, so around 9-10. 

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

I played football for a small 2A school that was average throughout my high school career. I made it to Mines, and during my sophomore year, I was told that I would never make an impact for Mines football. At the end of my college career, I was a two-year starter and was first-team all-conference and all-region. I have defied all odds up to this point in my career. I know that I can continue to defy the odds by making an impact for an NFL team.

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

I would donate to the Tim Tebow Foundation for the Night to Shine events they host that is intended to give those with special needs an unforgettable experience. As someone who has always been blessed, I would want those who were not given the same opportunity as me to be able to experience some of the same experiences I have, and I absolutely love watching highlights from
the event. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Failure defines you more than your success does. There are many instances in my life that I can look back on that truly defined who I am as a person, and majority of the time it was from failure, whether it was classes, or losing two straight national championships. I know that it has truly helped me grow
as a person, even if failure hurts in the moment. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

I have two, my dad and stepdad. Both were good role models and contributed to my life and journey in different but impactful ways.

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

I think the most underrated teammate in my locker room is our scout team center. I played against him every single practice for two years. He constantly pushed me to be better and I believe he deserves his shot in the game. However, I would say any scout team player is incredibly underrated, since most don’t get credit for how they prepare those of us who got the privilege to play on Saturdays.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

I try to not let much bother me, but being interrupted in the middle of a story might be my biggest pet peeve. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My physical education teacher from high school was a woman with high character who treated all her students with respect. She always came to work with fun energy and always gave her students her best every day. She had a big impact on my life, as she always encouraged me to keep a positive attitude and serve others.

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

I had to retake a few classes early in my career at Mines. It is hard to watch many of those around you succeed while you fail. In this moment, it would have been easy to give up, but instead I put my head down and studied more. It was hard to be behind those who I was going through the classes with, but it made it so much more satisfying when I was able to push through and pass those classes.

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

Mines is an engineering school, so everyone is struggling through the same stuff. Therefore, I think the relationships I created there are different than most, because you bond with those around you while going through difficult schooling. This also made us all close on the football team, which significantly contributed to our success on the field. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?

Chick -fil-a is the easy answer. I don’t think I ever get tired of it. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Summer Sausage, cheese, and crackers.

What is your degree in? 

Mechanical engineering. I also have a Masters in Engineering and Technology Management.

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

I am a self-motivated leader who is willing to put in the time and effort to be successful and help those around me be successful, on the field and off.

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

He retired a few years ago, but I have always tried to mimic Ndamukong Suh’s play style. He played strong, aggressive, and even if he wasn’t in on the tackle, his very presence was impactful on the offense. 

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

Horse/Camel racing is my favorite. You get to race against your friends so it stays competitive but whether you win or lose its all in good fun. 

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

I think I would want to have dinner with Bert Kreischer, Shane Gillis, and Joe Rogan. I am a big fan of the Joe Rogan Podcast and I love their comedy, so I think it would just be a really good time.