2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Shedrick Rhodes Jr., OL, Ohio University
- Name: Shedrick Rhodes Jr.
- Position: OL
- College: Ohio University
- Height: 6’5
- Weight: 299
- Twitter: @shedjr4
- Instagram: @kxng_shed
Who is the NFL player you compare yourself the most to? Why is that?
Penei Sewell because Sewell is an extremely athletic offensive lineman that plays to his strengths. He moves well in space, has really good hands, and is a violent player. He also plays smart and uses his technique to put him into advantageous positions that allows him to dominate his blocks.
What aspects of playing in the NFL do you find to be intriguing?
The aspects I find intriguing are competition, learning, and fanbases. Competition brings out the best in a player especially one the never shys away. I love elite competition because it does nothing but make me better and it’s greatly rewarding when you prove that all of your hard work and preparation pays off against someone that also performs at a high level. Being a student of the game is what makes it fun. Learning new techniques and depths to defenses allows you to play fun, fast, and free. There is always something to learn and you must take everyday with a beginner’s mentality in order to maximize on every opportunity. Fanbases are amazing. Playing in college I’ve gotten to experience some of the most amazing atmospheres from Ohio State to Penn State to Virginia Tech. Amazing fanbases and atmospheres make the game unforgettable.
In what ways have you improved since last season?
I’ve improved on using my hands in both the pass and the run game. I’ve become more powerful off of the ball and more dominant in both the run and pass aspects of the game. I’ve also improved on fitting double teams and staying hip to hip allowing zero space and taking my down lineman to the linebacker. I continually grow in knowledge and experience with every snap remembering defenses, patterns, and player types that I can use to outperform my opponent.
What is your favorite memory so far as a college football player?
My favorite memory as a college football player is a hard question to answer. There’s so many great parts of the game. If I had to choose I’d say the locker room talks after practices, workouts, and games. Those are the times where you become more than a teammate. You become brothers and build bonds with the guys to your right and left that last a lifetime.
What is the most important thing you would like NFL scouts, coaches and general managers to know about you?
The most important thing I would like for NFL scouts, coaches and general managers to know about me is that you will receive a consistent player. You will get a player that brings intent and focus everyday to every drill, meeting, practice, and game. I’ve earned my way to where I am by being consistent. Consistency builds trust in both coaches and your teammates. When you know what you will get from a player it makes it easier on everybody.