2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Caden Campolieti, LB, Valdosta State

• Name: Caden Campolieti 
• Position: Middle Linebacker 
• College: Ohio University/Valdosta State 
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 226
• Twitter: @thecadencamp1
• Instagram: @thecadencamp1

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

I believe I am a top prospect because  I am always around the ball no matter where it is on the field. I also believe my ability to read the run and make sure I plug whatever gap the ball is going to secure the tackle makes me stand out. I played in a 3 down odd front this year which means I have to be able to cover multiple gaps at once while defeating the pullers and scrapping over the top to meet the ball carrier and match his flow. 

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

I am determined and always looking to get better each day. 

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

An Extensive Mental Awareness Program that focuses on athletes in particular so they can perform at their highest level without any stress. 

Who was your role model? 

My role model is my grandfather. He is my role model because he not only understands and treats everybody with respect but was a great athlete who was determined to get better everyday in every aspect of his game. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

I grew up going and watching the Cleveland Browns. My family had season tickets to the games since the Cleveland Browns returned in 1999. My life at young age was dedicated to supporting my hometown city with all the power I had. It has always been a dream to play in for my hometown team in geo t of my family. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Alajujuan Sparks and Jamorey Jones. Both these players played Nosetackle on an odd front defense. They made my job easier every day in practice and in the games because of their ability to do their jobs at a high level and free up space for me to get to the running back. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Laziness because people talk about how great they want to be daily at what they do but they don’t want to put in the effort to do what it takes to be the best they can possibly be. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

It would have to be the head coach at my high school at St. Ignatius by the name of Ryan Franzinger. He was and still is a great teacher of mine because he taught me how to play the linebacker position at high level and what I needed to do to assure I’m always around the ball.

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

The hardest moment in my life I had to overcome was definitely the death of my grandfather. He died of a heart attack randomly when in good health at the age of 69. It was a shocking blow to the family especially since he lived right next door. My grandfather played a crucial role in my life driving me everywhere as child from practice to practice and game to game. He was my biggest fan. He was a main reason why I gave it everything I had every time I touched that field. His belief in me was unwavering and he helped shape me into the hard worker I am today. 

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

Instead of restaurant I would do a smoothie place by the name of Smoothie King. Smoothie King has the best smoothies there are to offer which always fills me up and tastes amazing. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Anything to do with peanut butter. 

What is your degree in? 

Entrepreneurship and Marketing. Working on my masters of business administration as we speak. 

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

Jesus Christ, Kobe Bryant and my grandfather. I say Jesus Christ because I am a devoted catholic and I take my faith serious. Without Jesus Christ in my life nothing I am doing now would even be possible. Kobe Bryant because of his mamba mentality I believe if I was able to talk to him I can take my work ethic and passion to the game to a even higher level even though I feel that I work extremely hard and love the game like no other. Lastly my grandpa because I want to be able to talk to him one more and talk to him about all my experiences I have had playing ball. His dream was for me to play college football and make it to the league. 

What is your biggest weakness?

I think my biggest weakest would have to be my straight line speed. I believe with great work and offseason training as I prepare for the NFL I can turn that into a strength and be 10 times the player I am today.