2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ryan Crandall, LB, University of Northern Iowa
- Name: Ryan Crandall
- Position: LB
- College: University of Northern Iowa
- Height: 6’2
- Weight: 220lbs
- Twitter: ryancrandall4
- Instagram: ryyancrandall
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?
I believe my experience has been tremendously helpful. I also think I find ways to be around the ball every play.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
I think that I am very coachable. I will put the team above personal glory and will do whatever is best for the program. I also learn from my mistakes very easily and will do whatever it takes to correct myself.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
Underprivileged kids who don’t have the opportunity to play sports, because I think sports can change kids’ lives
Who was your role model?
My Father
Who is your favorite NFL team?
The 49ers
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
Jackson Stortz
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Chewing with your mouth open
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
Mrs. Fogarty, Southeast Elementary School
Overcoming adversity is what defines character. What was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
Coming into college, I was on a team that didn’t end up having the success that we wanted. Each week, I had to dig deep to try and motivate my teammates to keep fighting no matter the outcomes. I faced lots of adversity, but I put my head down every day and played and prepared as hard as I could.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your home, which one would it be?
Chipotle
What is your favorite snack food?
Chips and guacamole
What is your degree in?
Business Administration
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Joe Rogan, Theo Von, and Gary Brecka. I listen to all of their podcasts daily and think the conversation would be hilarious, with great input at the same time.
What is your biggest weakness?
I am very critical of myself. I hold myself to a standard where if I tend to fall a little short, I am very hard on myself. Sometimes I tend to focus too much on mistakes.
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