2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Raidan Thorne, WR, Wilfred Laurier University

• Name: Raidan Thorne 
• Position: REC
• College: Wilfred Laurier University 
• Height: 6”3
• Weight: 185
• Instagram: rayray1k__

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

My ability to go and get the ball, I have a great catch radius accompanied by what I believe to be, some of the best hands in USPORTS. My ability to get in and out of my breaks quickly at my height also play a big part in why I consider myself a top prospect for the receiver position in this upcoming draft.

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

I am a great locker room guy, I try to bring up everyone around me with positivity and encouragement because we all have the same goal, which is to win football games.

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

I would donate to foundations working on helping out single or struggling mothers. As I can relate personally to the difficulties and obstacles single mothers face, I would like  to help lighten the burden for some of these individuals. 

Who was your role model?

Geoff McArthur, my old high school football coach at Canada prep. He is full of wisdom pertaining to life on and off the field. From playing alongside Aaron Rodger’s, and being Cals all-time leading receiver, to having to turn down entering the draft due to injury’s, he’s showed me how to deal with adversity and roll with the punches of life while keeping a positive outlook for the future always.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Baltimore Ravens, I’ve been a fan for 15+ years now. There gritty and hard nosed defences are what won my loyalty so long ago. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Omari Hastings, he is a defensive end with great speed and aggression. I just believe he’s never received the flowers he deserves.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people chew with there mouth open.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mrs. Miller while I was at St. Timothys secondary school. She always let me be myself and showed interest in my education. She was fun and outgoing herself which resulted in a pleasant classroom environment. For years I have been trying to track her down because I would like to do something nice for her but I can’t seem to find her contact anywhere.

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

I was stabbed in the shoulder in 2017, it ended my football season and left me with some physiological effects. I was down in the dumps mentally and not sure if I wanted to continue pursuing post secondary education and my football career. I rehabbed and did what I needed, changed my mindset, picked myself back up and got back to the field to chase my goals I set out from a young age.

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

Popeyes 100%, the spicy chicken sandwich would get ate twice a day!

What is your favorite snack food?

I’m not a big snack guy, usually just fruits between meals. If I had to choose though I would say hot cheetos.

What is your degree in?

General Arts

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

My 3 people would be Malcom X, Randy Moss, and Jesus Christ.

1. Malcolm X for his wisdom and experiences as they would offer powerful lessons on leadership, activism and resilience.
2. Randy Moss to hear about his journey to becoming one of the greatest wide receivers of all time. As well as his mindset on overcoming adversity and what fueled his competitive drive.
3. Jesus Christ to ask deep questions about faith, purpose and morality. Having a chance to understand his message in its purest form would be life changing.

What is your biggest weakness? 

Sometimes I am too trusting/forgiving. I am deeply empathetic so I feel for what people are going through and take on their problems as if they are my own which occasionally ends up being to my own detriment.