2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Zarian McGill, OC, Colorado
Name: Zarian McGill
Height: 6’2
Weight: 308
Position: Center
College: University of Colorado
Twitter: Zarian255026215
Instagram: gmgz.__
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My experience as a student at Colorado was great. I got a chance to meet new people and bond with them. I also got a chance to connect with teachers too. I really didn’t have a major because I’ve already graduated and I have my Associate’s Degree and my Bachelor’s Degree.
What do you think your teammates would say is your best quality?
My teammates would tell you that my best quality is my work ethic. One thing you can never question me about is my work ethic and how hard I work!
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I would say that I was one of the leaders on the team last year, especially being the center. Any scheme suits my skill set. I can do it all.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
In 2022 when I was at the University of Louisiana-Monroe, it was my first year at the FBS level and we had to play Texas and I had to go against Byron Murphy ll and T’Vondre Sweat.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Yahya Attia
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
The year before I came to Colorado, I was at Louisiana Tech University. It was the first time since I started playing football that I did not start. I played in all the games besides one. I don’t even know why I didn’t play in that game either but that was definitely something that I was uncomfortable with and had to overcome not being a starter. Especially when I thought that was my last year before the NCAA passed the JUCO rule. It made it worse that I wasn’t starting my senior year and I didn’t even start on senior night. That was my biggest struggle.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball. I played basketball all throughout high school.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
I am proud to say that I got the opportunity to play D1 football at one of the highest levels. My biggest achievement is graduating college and getting my Bachelor’s Degree.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I don’t have one specific memorable play, but I would say all the games that I have won over my college career. It’s hard to win football games.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I don’t have a professional team, but I would say that my favorite athlete and player that I model my game after is Jason Kelce.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
NBA YOUNGBOY. I like to be calm and relax before a game and just listen to my game music.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Fried Chicken
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Stomp the Yard. Favorite TV Show is Supernatural. Favorite actor is Adam Sandler.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
Play video games and Netflix and chill. Outside of football, I like playing basketball and hanging with my friends and family.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because I just love the game. When I first started playing, I was a little scared because I didn’t know what to do, and I was scared to hit. But as I got older and kept on playing I just fell in love with it. I knew that I could become a great player one day and begin to take care of my family. My mom is my motivation. She’s the reason I grind so hard every day. I wanna give her a better life after all she’s done for me.
Content Creator & Senior Writer for NFL Draft Diamonds. Independent Scouting Consultant.