ShunDerrick Powell: The Explosive Underdog Ready to Break Through

Overlooked. Underrated. Unstoppable. ShunDerrick Powell has spent his entire football journey turning doubt into fuel. From breaking records at North Alabama to leading Central Arkansas in rushing while battling injuries, Powell’s career has been defined by explosive runs, relentless preparation, and a will to win. Now with over 2,700 career rushing yards and a unanimous preseason All-UAC nod under his belt, Powell is ready to prove he belongs at the next level. I caught up with ShunDerrick to talk about his mindset, his evolution as a complete back, and why NFL teams shouldn’t bet against him.

Shunderrick Powell is a RB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 7.46 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 535 out of 2099 RB from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/EPQFzJtvQK pic.twitter.com/uhIIzDhA2k

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 8, 2025

You’ve put up over 2,700 career rushing yards and were a unanimous preseason All-UAC pick — what separates you from other running backs in this year’s draft class?

I would say my will to win, my vision, my explosiveness, and my speed.

You averaged 7.4 yards per carry last season despite battling injuries — how do you maintain that level of explosiveness and efficiency on the field?

Determination to do all I can to help my team win. Every time I step on the field, injured or not, I make no excuses.

You’ve rushed for over 200 yards in multiple games, including 256 against ACU and 218 vs. North Dakota State. What’s your mindset when you’re in that kind of rhythm?

To score touchdowns every time I touch the ball.

How would you describe your running style — are you more of a home-run hitter, a between-the-tackles grinder, or something else entirely?

I believe I’m an all-around back. I believe I can do it all.

You transferred from North Alabama after an All-American season and a Walter Payton Award finalist nod. What drove your decision to make the move to Central Arkansas?

I moved from North Alabama because of a lack of coaching stability. I chose Central Arkansas because of Coach Nathan Brown and Coach Nelson Gunnell, and it was closer to home.

What did you take away from your time at North Alabama, both as a player and as a person?

I learned how to be a better teammate and understood what it meant to really be depended upon.

You’ve also shown value as a receiver out of the backfield. How important is versatility in your game, and how do you approach route running and pass protection as a back?

I understand that to play on the biggest stage, you have to be able to do everything. Catching out of the backfield helps me evolve my overall game. Pass blocking is something I’m still working on, but I’m willing to keep improving and learning.

You’ve returned kicks and racked up over 100 all-purpose yards per game — how do you prepare mentally and physically to contribute in so many phases of the game?

God has blessed me with the ability to do many different things, and I want to help my team any way I can.

How have you dealt with injuries and stayed locked in mentally during times you weren’t 100% physically?

I do what I can to take care of my body — ice baths, stretching, cryotherapy, whatever it takes. Even when I’m not 100%, I want to be out there with my team.

What’s your approach to film study as a running back? Are there specific keys you look for when preparing for opposing defenses?

I watch film a lot. Reading and understanding defenses is part of my job. Knowing what defensive fronts I’m facing and what runs work best against them definitely helps my overall game.

Is there an NFL running back — past or present — whose game you model yours after or study closely?

Barry Sanders and Chris Johnson — those are the two I watched the most.

You’ve been producing since your high school days in Hoxie, Arkansas — breaking records and making a name for yourself. How did your hometown and early coaches shape your journey?

Coach Tom Sears was a player’s coach. He let me be me while also teaching me to love and respect the game. I’m forever indebted to him.

You’ve received offers from schools all over the country, but you chose your own path through North Alabama and UCA. What kept you focused and grounded through that recruiting process?

Understanding that it wasn’t about the money. I wanted to play for the love of the game. Taking money to go somewhere that didn’t fit me wouldn’t have been right. I play better when I’m happy.

What’s one game or play on film you’d want NFL scouts to rewind and watch closely — and why?

Arkansas State — the 80-yard run. It shows different aspects of my game all in one play: vision, agility, understanding of reading defenses, and speed.

What are some traits you bring to the locker room — how do you lead or set an example for your teammates?

I’m always in a good mood, always willing to learn, focused and determined to win. I believe being a leader sometimes means sacrificing, and I’m willing to do that. I believe in not just talking the talk but walking the walk — leading by my preparation and actions.

What’s a goal you’ve set for yourself at the next level, beyond just getting drafted or signed?

To become a rotational piece my team can depend on — and eventually a starter at running back.

When you’re not training or studying the playbook, how do you unwind and stay balanced off the field?

Spending time with my son and my parents. Seeing them reminds me why I have to keep getting better — they’ve sacrificed so much for me, and now it’s my turn to give back.

What message would you send to NFL teams considering drafting you — why are you the guy they want in their running back room?

My whole life I’ve been overlooked because of my size. That turned me into someone who won’t be outworked. I’ll give everything I have to represent the organization, the coaches, my teammates, my family, and myself with the utmost respect. I’ll work my butt off to help my team win.

ShunDerrick Powell has never been about the headlines — he’s been about the grind. With rare burst, elite production, and a chip on his shoulder the size of Arkansas, Powell is built for the next level. The team that bets on him won’t just be getting a playmaker — they’ll be getting a fighter, a leader, and a teammate who leaves it all on the field.