2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Matthew Stokman, OL, University of Manitoba

• Name: Matthew Stokman
• Position: Offensive Line (RG)
• College: University of Manitoba
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 330
• Instagram: Matthfew

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

A few things that make me a top prospect in the 2025 NFL/CFL draft are my experience at the OL position, starting for 4 years with the Bisons (2021-2024) and 5 years of offensive line experience before that, and my willingness/eagerness to learn from coaches and my peers and get better at the position.  

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

One thing teams should know about me is that I am a hard worker both on and off the field, I value doing everything I can to get better and love to watch film, criticizing my techniques so that I can learn and get better each time I step on the field by approaching each rep with a plan based on what I have seen in film.  

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

If I could donate to any cause in the world, I would donate to anything that helps kids get involved with and participate in sport. I think that as a kid, participating in and playing sports played a large part in shaping who I am today, and that every kid deserves an opportunity to explore some form of athletic career if they’re interested in sports.

Who was your role model?

My role model growing up was Roberto Luongo, a goalie for the Vancouver Canucks, among other teams in the NHL. As a kid I grew up playing hockey alongside football and lacrosse, and always idolized the goalies for being in such a critical position in the game, and wanted to be able to perform like a great goalie in my athletic pursuits.  

Who is your favorite NFL team?

 My favorite NFL team is Indianapolis Colts

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

 I would say the most underrated player on my team is Maxwell Fisher, a fellow offensive lineman. Max is a super strong guy and one of if not the hardest worker I have ever seen. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

 My biggest pet peeve is undefined and inconsistent expectations. Referring specifically to expectations for plays, I believe that having clearly defined expectations makes understanding the play, and how to improve my own techniques in the play a much easier process. 

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever would have to be my grade 12 English teacher, Mr Maher. English was not my best subject in school, after reading one of my papers he reached out and helped me learn from and better understand a hard point in my life. From my recollection he also looked a little like Jack Black which was really cool.

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

 Throughout my life I’ve experienced adversity in a few different ways, the most impactful adversity I’ve faced is the news that came out about my high school football coach, Kelsey Mckay. Up until that point he was a person I held very high opinions of, so it was jarring information, and it left me sort of dazed and confused as I tried to grapple with the fact that the man I thought was this great football figure was actually not who I thought he was.

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

 If I were to have any franchise restaurant in my house I would have to go with Wok Box. I am a huge fan of rice and noodle dishes!

What is your favorite snack food?

 My favorite snack food is pistachios, salted and peppered pistachios specifically. 

What is your degree in?

My degree is an arts degree, with a major in sociology and a minor in psychology. 

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

 If I could have dinner with three people I would have to choose Coach Dan Dorazio, Angus Reid, and Quenton Nelson. I met Coach Dan in 2024 at the East-West events and he was one of the most outstanding people I’ve ever had the privilege to be coached by, so having the opportunity to be a part of a conversation with him, along with great football minds/players like Angus Reid and Quenton Nelson would be an astronomical opportunity for me. I would love to figure out how to play just like Nelson, and I think that having both Angus Reid and Coach Dorazio there to help me interpret and understand both the physical and mental side of his game would be a one of a kind experience, and greatly help me in achieving that goal. 

What is your biggest weakness?

 I would say my greatest weakness is confidence. I wouldn’t say that I have no confidence, but sometimes it feels like if I just had a little bit more I would have an easier time overcoming some of the mental roadblocks I face in my athletic journey. 2