2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Shaun Balkcom, DL, Delaware Valley University

• Name: Shaun Balkcom
• Position: DL
• College: Delaware Valley University
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 255 lbs
• X (Twitter): @tornado4life
• Instagram: @sbfrmda0

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

When I was a kid, I used to watch football games with my dad, and I was intrigued by the energy, the hits, and the big plays. I remember being 7 years old and asking my dad if I could play football. He said yes, and from the moment I stepped on the field everything was just natural to me and felt something I was made to do.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some of my favorite moments are the big hits I’ve made on the field. There’s nothing like the feeling of delivering a clean, hard tackle and giving my team that momentum and energy. When something like that happens it becomes contagious and makes everybody play harder.

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

I’m looking to play football at the highest level, competing with and against the best players in the game earning the respect as a football player from my peers. I want to be like the guys I used to watch on TV growing up. 

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

I’d love to chill with Marshawn Lynch for a day. I feel like it would be a fun time, doing some side quests with him and just enjoying the day. Beastmode is known for being down to earth and doing things his own way no matter where he’s at so i feel like we’ll click well.

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

My dad inspires me the most. From the very beginning, he’s been there, introducing me to the dream of football and supporting me every step of the way. He’s the one who helped me get started, and he’s been with me through those early mornings and late nights, always pushing me to be my best. I want to make everyone proud, but especially him, because he’s believed in me from day one. Making him proud is one of my biggest motivations.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive scheme is the 4-3. It allows me to play truly on the edge, where I can set the edge against the run and be aggressive in rushing the passer. I love the opportunity to be disruptive from that position, whether it’s stopping a running back from breaking outside or getting after the quarterback. The 4-3 scheme lets me use my speed and power to make an impact on every play. 

What should we know about Shaun Balkcom the person?

Shaun Balkcom is a down-to-earth, humble, heart-on-his-sleeve kind of guy. He never gets too high or too low, always staying level-headed no matter what’s going on around him. One thing about Shaun is that he’ll always be himself, no matter what room he’s in or who he’s around.

What stands out about your film the most?

What stands out most on my film is my passion and controlled aggression. I focus all my energy into making life as uncomfortable as possible for the quarterback. Whether it’s rushing the passer or setting the edge. My job and main priority on the field is to disrupt the offense, especially the quarterback, and I take pride in making sure they feel the pressure on every snap.

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

Football has taught me to face challenges head-on. I focus on controlling the controllables, every challenge is an opportunity to learn. I take lessons from each experience, whether it’s a win or it didn’t go as planned, and apply them to help me succeed next time. 

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a disciplined, coachable, and trustworthy player. I lead by example, always holding myself to the highest standard. I constantly ask myself, “If the whole team did what I’m doing, would we be successful?” That mindset helps keep me in check, and I hold myself accountable to always give my best effort. I strive to be someone my teammates can respect and rely on.

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

What I love most about football is how the game tests you and brings out both the worst and the best in you. It forces you to face adversity head-on, and you learn a lot about yourself when those tough moments arise. Football will continuously present you with challenges, but it’s in overcoming them that you grow not only as a player but as a person.

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

Honestly, I feel like I’m the most underrated player I’ve played with. I know the work I put in, what I bring to the field, and the impact I have on the game, but I don’t always get the recognition I feel I deserve. That drives me to keep a chip on my shoulder every workout every time I step on the field. I let my performance speak for itself and use that feeling as motivation in my grind and strive for success.