2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Fred Stokes Jr., EDGE, Prairie View A&M

• Name: Fred Stokes Jr. 
• Position: Edge Rusher 
• College: Central Michigan University/ Prairie View A&M 
• Height: 6’6 
• Weight: 260
• Instagram: Fredstokess

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

My combination of length, speed, athleticism, and true work ethic to push myself to get better with every moment I have the opportunity. I’ve always been overlooked as a player so I will come into any locker room with that chip on my shoulder to be him through action. 

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

NFL teams should know that I am very energetic and coachable. I am a high character guy that will enjoy every opportunity l get to showcase myself.

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

My close family member/ friend recently passed away from the neurological condition, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, the first thing I would donate would be towards the research of understanding ataxia. After that giving back to the homeless in Chicago, we give back as a family in Chicago so I really wish to do that on a bigger scale.  

Who was your role model?

No doubt my dad Fred Stokes SR. AKA DJ YOO BIG POPPA. Throughout my whole life he has pushed me to be better in everything I do and always supports me with everything he has. He is the biggest character when you get to know him and showcases what a real father and man is supposed to be in every facet. If I’m supposed to give a celebrity you guys have to ask for more specifics though. 

Who is your favorite NFL team?

THE Chicago Bears because that’s where I am from, die hard BEAR DOWN guy. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

The most underrated teammate has to be my guy Justin Whiteside with the football inside ive gotten from him. Real standup guy on and off the field who definitely deserves a shot on someone’s minicamp. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is people who snore so loud that it doesn’t sound like they are really sleeping, just trying to stop me from getting sleep. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Mr. Washington. S/O to Living Word Christian Academy in Chicago, that gym class is forever undefeated even though it was back in 1^st grade. 

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

The hardest moment I’ve had to overcome was when my little brother moved to Minnesota and I had to live in Houston. My little bro and I have a different type of connect so when we both operated on different schedules it made things very difficult with the 2 things in different time zones. 

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

The franchise restaurant I would have in my house would be Benihana no doubt. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snacks are Doritos, Gushers, Oreos, and rice crispy treats. I have recently developed a love for pineapple juice as well. 

What is your degree in?

I received my bachelor’s degree as a Physical Activities Specialist major, currently I am working to receive my masters degree in Health and Education. 

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

I would have dinner with Kobe Bryant because he is so knowledgeable and legendary for his work ethic that I need to sit down with him. Second person would be Barack Obama because of how influential of a leader he is to the community even to this day; I want to talk to him about my character to become better as a young leader. The third person would have to be LeBron James because who doesn’t want to sit down and talk to the best athlete currently playing today.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is people who chew loudly.