2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Rush Lansdell, LB, North Alabama

• Name: Rush Lansdell
• Position: Linebacker
• College: North Alabama
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 218
• Twitter: rushlansdell14
• Instagram: rushlansdell

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

My versatility and my drive. I have experience playing safety and linebacker. I have coverage skills, can play in the box, and rush the passer as well as having experience playing all core 4 phases of special teams. I’m adaptable and have worked hard to play where I’m needed. I believe my best football is in front of me with the right scheme to fit my abilities.  

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

I’m not the loudest guy on the field, but I’m tough. I will play through the challenges, through injury, pain, position change, whatever you throw at me. I played an entire season with a completely torn elbow at linebacker before I could have it repaired. I never hesitated when I was moved from safety to LB. I have WR-like ball skills at the LB position and I’m able to track and catch the ball very well. 

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

I would want to donate to any suicide prevention organizations. I believe that every person’s life matters. There is suicide in my family history and if there is anything I could do to help someone to save their own life, I would do it. 

Who was your role model? 

My role model is my Dad. He was my high school coach and I learned from his winning mindset which has helped me through hard times in life and football. 

Who is your favorite NFL team? 

Tennessee Titans because I grew up in the Nashville area.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Safety Ike Rowell. He showed up every week and made a lot of plays and didn’t get his name talked about enough. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Doing something just because others do it or because it’s a trend. I like being around people who are creative and make life interesting by being themselves.

Who is your favorite teacher ever? 

My 4th Grade teacher Mr. Adams. He made learning and reading fun and our class was like a family.

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

The past couple of years I’ve dealt with some deaths in my family, and I had a former high school teammate who passed away too. I’ve also had some setbacks with injuries and just bad luck sometimes in football. Whenever I’ve been down, I’ve had to lean on my faith and the people I love to help me get back up and overcome any doubts or fears. 

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

Popeyes

What is your favorite snack food? 

Purple Skittles or any kind of hot chips 

What is your degree in? 

I have a B.S. in Sports Coaching from Memphis and a M.S. in Sports and Recreation Management from North Alabama.

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

Stephen King, Michael Jackson, and Jerry Seinfeld. They are all brilliant and creative in what they do and aren’t afraid to take risks or be different. 

What is your biggest weakness? 

I’m more laid back as a person and I’m not a huge talker. Maybe that has hurt me sometimes when it comes to how people may perceive me or prejudge me, including coaches.