2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Xavier Balson, WR, Baldwin Wallace University

• Name: Xavier Balson
• Position:WR
• College: Baldwin Wallace University
• Height: 6’ 3”
• Weight: 218 lbs
• X: @xbalson
• Instagram: @xbalson

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

Football was always something that I was going to play. My dad instilled the love for football in my life very early on. Watching Marcus Mariota at Oregon solidified that love for the game. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments from my football career was being a big part of the last game this past season against Heidelberg, where we won on a game winning field goal. It was very fun to comeback down 17 as a team and winning the last game of that season in such fashion.

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

My father inspires me the most. He has done a great job showing me how to handle adversity and has shown me how to grow into a responsible and respectful man.

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

I love the chess game that offenses and defenses play all game. All the little things that coordinators set up throughout a season that can turn a game around completely with one play separates football from any other sport in the world.

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

I think it would have to be Tom Brady. I would love to talk to him about the leadership and mentality that brought him to the top from being taken in the back end of the draft.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Baldwin Wallace?

My favorite things about BW football are the coaches and how tight the team is. Without the coaches believing in my ability, I wouldn’t have made the transition from quarterback to receiver so well this past season, giving me an opportunity to possibly continue to play football after college. What they believed in with my athleticism and work ethic is paying off. I also just love all the guys on the team. I have felt comfortable having a conversation with anyone in the team since my freshman year. Just a very tight group of athletes.

What should we know about Xavier Balson the person?

I’m a pretty laid back individual.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

I love being in the boundary in a 3 by 1 set. This gives me the opportunity for a 1 on 1, whether they allow something underneath or take a chance over the top it gets me fired up.

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

I don’t allow challenges on the field or in life affect me too much. I find it much easier to not allow these things to affect my emotions too much, as challenges always pass by and life will just get harder as it goes on.

What would a team get in a player like you?

If a team took a chance on me, they would get a hardworking, lengthy/strong receiver that is developing into the position very quickly. I am great at attacking the ball/ coming down with jump balls and I am tough to bring down with the ball in my hand. I’d love to make any difference on special teams as well. I will offer a high ceiling based on my strength/athleticism with my development at a newer position.

What stands out about your film the most?

I’d say my size and my explosiveness stands out on film the most. At my level, I am typically the largest guy on the field and I show my vertical and tackle breaking ability in my highlight plays. As this season went on, I became more comfortable moving on the field at receiver it is very noticeable on tape.

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

The most underrated player I’ve played with is our Mike LB Nolan Hartsel. He is the most intelligent football player I have been on a team with and cannot miss a tackle. He had all American honors last year and I think he will be the best linebacker in d3 football next season.