2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joe Ollman, LB, South Dakota State University

• Name: Joe Ollman
• Position: LB
• College: South Dakota State University
• Height: 6′ 1″
• Weight: 235 lbs
• X: @joeollman42
• Instagram: @joeollman8

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I’ve dreamed of being in this moment I’m in now for as long I can remember. It really started when I was in 6th grade when I scored a game winning touchdown in our first game of the season and just fell in love from there. I eventually consumed much of my free time training and watching any YouTube videos I could find to get ideas to get better. Pretty much anything that revolved around football, I wanted to be a part of it. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

There’s many, but a few that come to mind are: Making a run to state during my senior year of high school, winning consecutive National Championships in my first two years of college, getting put on scholarship after spending 2 years as a walk-on, hearing my name called in the locker room when starters were announced moments before my first start, our overtime win this past year against Montana State, our overtime win at North Dakota to clinch a playoff berth, and our snow game win in Round 1 of the playoffs against New Hampshire.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

I’ve got a few, but the one I’ll talk about is my dad. He passed away when I was 11. In the time I did have with him, he showed me what it looked like to work hard for what you want. I enjoyed baseball a lot at that age, so he’d always take me to the batting cages, the field to hit me some ground balls, or play catch in our yard at home. He gave me the foundation of my work ethic, and I’m honored to carry that with me and it’s what’s gotten me to this position I’m in today.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

It’s easily been the relationships that I’ve built over the years that will last a lifetime. Countless memories have been made on and off the field that I’ll carry forever. There’s something special about going out on the field with your best friends that can’t be beat.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

I’d say Luke Kuechly. I love the passion and aggressiveness he played with. He’s also one of the smartest football minds in the game; I’d love to sit down and pick his brain. He was on a podcast a while back and he explained how he watches film during a game week, going in depth on what he specifically watches and what he looks for when watching. I’ve followed the same routine ever since I watched the video.

What are your favorite things about playing football for South Dakota State?

Playing with the people I’ve gotten to play with, the memories made on and off the field, and the amazing environments we’ve gotten to play in. I’ve played in a good amount of sellouts on our home field and it is truly an amazing experience to hear how loud that place can get on Saturdays. We’ve also played in some great road environments which is always cool when the opposing fans show up.

What should we know about Joe Ollman the person?

The biggest thing I’d emphasize is how much I care. Anything or anyone in life that I’m involved in, I take it all very seriously. It means a lot to me to be able to get the absolute most out of everything and everyone in my life.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

It’s hard not to get excited when a blitz is called. It’s like you’re in youth ball again and you get to go have some fun. A well executed blitz can kill a drive and get you off the field in an instant.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Recently I’ve grown more in my faith, and that’s helped me a lot along the way. I’ve always believed that everything in life happens for a reason, and that God doesn’t make mistakes. It might take some time, but one day you’ll have a better understanding. Reading the Word and then applying what I read into my day-to-day life puts me at peace with everything that happens, good or bad.

What would a team get in a player like you?

You’d be getting a hard-nosed, hard hat and lunch pail type of worker who will dominate their role no matter what it may be. I pride myself on my effort, and it’s something you’ll never have to question when I show up on Day 1.

What stands out about your film the most?

I’m the ultimate technician. I emphasize having eye discipline pre and post snap, being patient and efficient with my footwork, and having great hands when a lineman or tight end are climbing to me. My IQ and understanding of the game will show up as well. I invest into my film study to allow me to anticipate what play I’m going to get before it happens. Understanding everyone else’s job on defense also allows me to play fast, beat people to the spot, and make plays when I get there. 

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

I’ll shout out two guys, Dawson Ripperda and Logan Green. Neither of them got nearly enough recognition last year for the type of players they are. All you have to do is turn on the tape, they are game wreckers up front!