2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Rashad Colson, DT, Alabama A&M

• Name: Rashad Colson
• Position: Defensive Tackle
• College: Alabama A&M University 
• Height: 6’6
• Weight: 330lbs 
• Twitter: @bigshad_6
• Instagram: @rashadc_26

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

What makes me a top prospect in the year 2024 Draft Class Is me being 6’6 330lbs and being able to cause havoc in the back field and be disruptive. Also taking on double teams splitting them and being able to shed off blocks faster than others. I can play the shade, 3-Tech or even on Offense when some teams may go a “heavy package” my size alone will be a great usage let along my athleticism and my strength. I am a Team player that loves to compete at the highest level as possible not only making myself better but others around me better as well and you can trust me 100%. I love the game of Football and this is my passion. 

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

I was about 9 years old when I was introduced to football. I was a triple sport kid growing up my whole life. Basketball, Football, Wrestling. As I got older I had to pick 1 that I enjoyed the most and that was football. Since then I’ve been in love with the game of Football ever since.

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

I am extremely good with people and I am very coachable. Those two things I believe are imperative that coaches need to know about me.

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

I would donate to St Jude. Me being the person that I am I love putting smiles on kids faces and giving them a memory that they’ll forget.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

If one door closes, Another one is going to open. Keep praying and work for what you want. Nobody has your back like god does.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero is my older brother which he deceased. He taught me everything I needed to know at an early age so I had to grow up fast and accept life for what it is. He saved my life.

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

The most underrated teammate at my school is Dorian Pickket

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is being around a negative person and someone that wants to bring you down with them no matter what it is.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite Teacher is Horane Allison. Kept a connection with him since high school and has been extraordinary to me ever since. Can’t thank him enough. 

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

The first couple of years at FIU I couldn’t really get going because I honestly didn’t know who I was as a person it’s like I was just there to be there. I didn’t know the problem and time was running out. I knew I loved the game of football, I knew this was my chance of doing something great not only for me but for my family as well. For 4 1/2 years a carried a dark cloud over my head and I thought I had full control of myself.  Fast forward to 2021 fall at FIU going into the season I felt off and not my self but my team needed me as I was a captain for the entire year. After a loss to Central Michigan at there home field, from that point on I knew something was wrong with me. On the plane ride back to Miami I kept crying and asking myself what am I doing wrong. After that day I decided to dismiss myself from the team and wanted to seek help for myself as soon as possible. I went on and got a therapist they ran test on my and turns out I was diagnosed with depression and bipolar disorder. I completely went into a shell for 2-3 months where I had no contact with the outside world. During that time I did some self reevaluation and self-development for myself because I knew that the fight wasn’t over for me. It was hard and it almost took me out mentally but prevailed throughout everything. I put God first and myself second and went on and found a new home at Alabama A&M University. God gave me a second chance on doing what I love and that was playing football. 

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

My school is special to me because everyone treats each other as if we’re all family and I am big on that.

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

Outback Steakhouse 100% guaranteed.

What is your favorite snack food? 

I enjoy Oreo double stuffed and bananas.

What is your degree in? 

I graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice

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

I tend lead by example and set the standard high each & everyday. No matter whether on the field or off the field that’s what having a winning mentality is all about.

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

Chris Jones & Calais Campbell

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

Basketball Lebron James, Rick Ross and Adrian Peterson. The reason why is because they all played a different role and an amazing impact on my life. Being a kid in poverty growing up in the tough streets of Miami it’s rare having someone that you idolize and want to be just like.