2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Harold Irby III, DL, Saginaw Valley State University

• Name: Harold Irby III
• Position: Defensive Line
• College: Saginaw Valley State University
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 290
• Twitter: @HaroldIrby1
• Instagram: harold_irby15

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft? 

What makes me a top prospect is my football IQ, paired with my physicality and my motor. My ability to play fast comes from my understanding of both the defensive scheme as well as the look that we are receiving from the particular offense.

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

NFL teams should know that I have a never-quit mentality and I am in constant improvement every day, I take steps forward every day and that will never change. I’m also addicted to winning and will find a way to do that in some form or fashion all the time.

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

If I could donate to one cause in the world, I would donate to a child healthcare-based cause such as St. Jude Research Hospital. Children have such innocence and have barely gotten a chance to enjoy life so any means of putting an end to diseases like pediatric cancer is a huge must for me.

Who was your role model? 

My role model would have to be both my mother and father. I have been blessed enough to have loving parents who have taught me everything I know about life. My father has taught me how to work hard, get the job done by any means possible, have integrity, as well as how to carry myself as a man in this world. My mother has taught me how to have compassion and care for others while still not wavering from who I am as a person. Additionally, she has taught me how to think critically and to always look for opportunities to learn.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team has to be the Detroit Lions because they were the hometown team and I used to dream of running out of the Ford Field Tunnel as a child. I also was a huge Seattle Seahawk fan as a child during the Legion of Boom era.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

There are multiple good players that I have gotten a chance to play with but the most underrated would have to be Connor Cracchiolo and Adom Leduc. Connor’s play and growth over the last four years speaks for itself, he has done nothing but give to this program without looking for anything in return but may quite possibly be one of the best small school o linemen in the nation. Adom Leduc is a younger and hungry defensive end who works extremely hard and can be phenomenal in the next couple of years.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is people not having respect for themselves or others as well as people who are not authentic and try to be somebody, they are not to impress others.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

I’ve had a lot of great teachers, but my favorite would probably be my 10th-grade health teacher, Mrs. Decker. She has always been super supportive of me and my goals and still checks up on me.

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

One of the hardest moments in my life was losing my grandmother just about 2 years ago. Me and my grandmother had an extremely close relationship my whole life and it is still something that I struggle with occasionally. I was in a dark place in the months after her passing and, thankfully, through my relationship with God, and many nights in deep prayer, I was able to come out of the situation a better man. My Grandma was a woman who helped shape me into who I am, and I would not be where I am without her.

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

A franchise restaurant that I would have in my house would have to be Texas Roadhouse or Chipotle.

What is your favorite snack food? 

I don’t eat that many snack foods honestly, but I would say a good trail mix or maybe some hot Cheetos.

What is your degree in? 

My degree is in Rehabilitation Medicine, and I will be going on to receive my doctorate in chiropractic medicine.

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

The first person would be my Grandmother, just to see her one more time, the next person would be Aaron Donald simply to pick his brain, and the last person would probably be Warren Buffett to learn more about investing.

A runner-up would be Calijiah Kancey because I like his game as well.

What is your biggest weakness? 

I do not believe I have a big weakness, but I will say an area that I am working to improve in is my pass rush out of the play action.