2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Micah Roane, DL, University of South Dakota

• Name: Micah Roane
• Position: DL
• College: University of South Dakota
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 260 lbs
• X (Twitter): @mroane29
• Instagram: @mroane29

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

Growing up my older cousins played in high school and went on to play in college. After going to their games and experiencing the atmosphere football brought to a town or college, it inspired me; I wanted to be a part of that in the sport I chose to play.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment on a football field was beating South Dakota State with 1 second left on a Hail Mary in 2021. Nothing will beat the energy in the dome when the pass was completed and we knew we had beat our rival.

My other favorite memories were all spent with my roommates and buddies on the team over the past 3 years at South Dakota. I didn’t know I wanted a small town college experience coming out of high school. But Vermillion, South Dakota truly showed me it’s the people you surround yourself with, not the place.

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

I want to play for as long as my body will let me. Whether that is 10 years or 3 years I want to use up what’s left in the tank. I am looking forward to proving to myself and to people around me that I have what it takes to play at the next level.

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

I would hangout with JJ Watt. Everything that JJ has done in the sport and outside of it now that he is retired is super cool and exciting. Asking him questions and seeing what worked and didn’t work for him would be a dream.

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

I’m inspired by my mom and dad. The amount that they have sacrificed to put my brothers and I through our sports of choice with no questions asked is amazing. It wasn’t always the easiest, but they put three kids in three different sports through college. They always made it work to show up for all of us at games, meets and anything else we took part in. For that I will always be grateful and accredit my success to them.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Playing in an over or under front out of a 4-3 defense is my favorite. It fits my game well at end and puts me in a good spot to make decisions fast. I can get into some space and show that I can make open field tackles and drops depending on the defense.

What should we know about Micah Roane the person?

I am the type of guy that can fit into any room or group of people with ease. I am outgoing and never back down from a challenging situation. I seek out challenges and look forward to coming out better on the other end. I am one of the hardest workers on any team and try to correct my shortcomings whenever I can.

What stands out about your film the most?

I am a technician first. I take pride in the technique I play with and feel that it compares to top end talent. I grind even when I am tired. We had limited defensive linemen throughout my years at South Dakota, so playing time came in long stretches without breaks. My conditioning is up to par. I can use my technique well even when I am tired.

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

I have a great circle made up of close friends and family. Going to them with problems in the past has helped me work through them and get back on track. With that being said, I’m an independent person. If I couldn’t reach out to them in times of need like on the football field, I keep my emotions in check and solve problems well.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A natural born leader. On all the teams I’ve played on, I have earned my way into a leadership role. Once I earn my spot and get comfortable I know how to lead and bring others along with me. Whatever team I am on will get a hard worker that can pick out his own flaws and takes coaching well.

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

I love the community it brings. I have met my best friends through football and wouldn’t change it for anything. The atmosphere is second to none in a sold out stadium of football fans. Football has taught me discipline by following a schedule and making me accountable to my teammates. The lessons I have learned on the field have made me not only a better player but a better man off of the field too.

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

My teammate Blake Holden. He plays defensive tackle for South Dakota. He’s one of my really good buddies and we connected over that fact that we felt we were both under rated. He is a really good player, but hasn’t gotten the love from the media and all conference teams that he deserves. Blake is a strong player with really good technique. He can play both run and pass and excels in big games.