2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Gabriel Lessard, LB, University of Montreal
- Name: Gabriel Lessard
- Position: Linebacker
- College: University of Montreal Carabins
- Height: 6’2’’
- Weight: 230
- Instagram: 7essard
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?
My desire to improve every day and my athletic abilities make me a player with a high ceiling.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
If it wasn’t for football, I would have enlisted as an infantry or artillery officer in the Canadian Armed Forces.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
If I could donate to one cause, it would be to Education Cannot Wait, as education in crisis-affected areas provides children with hope, stability, and the tools to build a brighter, more peaceful future.
Who was your role model?
Winston Churchill’s resilience and leadership during the most difficult times of World War II have always been something I admire.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
When I first started playing football in 2013, I was a defensive back, and the Seattle Seahawks Legion of Boom was what got me hooked on that team. Since their Super Bowl victory, I have been a fan of that team.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
Samuel Leduc is a player who is dedicated and determined to become a starter in 2025. I have nothing but positive things to say about him.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Cowardice, someone who is not dedicated to the common goal.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
Simon Dabin is a professor who allowed me to go beyond the echo chamber we live in due to algorithms. His nuanced approach allowed me to be more interested and open to the concerns of my peers.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
Joining the Carabins in 2021, I knew that the work to get playing time in defense would be hard. I kept going, put in effort, and I am certain that I have made a positive impact on the team and my teammates throughout the journey.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?
Quesada without even thinking about it.
What is your favorite snack food?
I’m not really a snacker.
What is your degree in?
I am completing my bachelor’s degree in political science this winter.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
- First of all, my paternal grandmother. I never had the chance to really talk to her because she had Alzheimer’s.
- Secondly, Jordan Peterson would be a fascinating person to dine with. I have always been captivated by his depth of knowledge in multiple subjects.
- Thirdly, I’d love to have dinner with Jocko Willink becausehis insights on discipline, leadership, and extremeownership are incredibly inspiring.
What is your biggest weakness?
I tend to be a perfectionist and overthink.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com