2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Shi Gaskin, EDGE, Fayetteville State

• Name: Shi Gaskin
• Height:  6’3
• Weight: 230
• Position: DE/EDGE
• College: Fayetteville State University 
• Twitter: Shi_gaskin15
• Instagram: _rlly.shi

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My experience as a student has been up and down my whole college career, but my major switched from IT management to Business management when I got to the University of Fayetteville State.

What do you think your teammates would say is your best quality?
I asked my fellow teammates and they said the ability to make the clutch and game changing plays.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself being a big-time player and a game changer for any team that gets me because I’m versatile and smart but also through my college and high school yeah I’ve played 5 different positions including WR, TE, LB, DE, and slot. I know I will fit in any scheme because I’ve played in a 3-3 stack, 3-4, and 4-2-5.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I’ve played against was Valdosta quarterback Sammy Edwards

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Mali Harris-Strayhorn

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
When I first got to my Junior College during Covid it was very challenging to balance football, school, and military activities

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I’d play basketball

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
I’m most proud of making it this far because I wasn’t supposed to, and I have overcome a lot of challenges to make it this far. Winning the CIAA championship is my biggest achievement.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Getting a big-time sack in the championship against Virginia Union last year

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite is MJ but I don’t have a favorite team, but I’d say that I’d model my game after Max Crosby.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite all-time artist is J Cole, and my favorite right now is Rod Wave. Well, I have a routine before games, but as soon as I step on the field I’m already pumped up.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Wings and fries.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Rush Hour 2, my favorite TV show is Lost in Space, and my favorite is Chris Tucker.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like to relax and play games, I also go fishing, workout, and bowl. And I feel like my secret talent is that I can sing a little.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because it’s a way for me to better my life, and I am naturally great at the sport, so I feel like it’s a blessing to be this gifted to play because I know there are a lot of kids who were not born with this ability to play and wish they could play right now. So I don’t take it for granted. Another reason is that my whole life I’ve been doubted and overlooked, so I love to prove them wrong, and I’ve worked too hard and come too far to give up.