2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kellen Reed, WR, Grand Valley State University

• Name: Kellen Reed
• Position: Wide Receiver/Return Specialist
• College: Grand Valley State University
• Height: 5’9”
• Weight: 174
• Twitter: Reed2kellen
• Instagram: Kellenreed_

1. What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?

With my speed, I am able to bring explosiveness as both a returner and a receiver every chance I get. I take pride in being someone who can change the game with one play, whether that is creating separation, making something happen after the catch, or putting our offense in great field position from returns. I also bring a unique background coming from Division II. Compared to a Division I school, we are not always given the same resources, facilities, or technology, so I have had to rely a lot on work ethic, discipline, and making the most out of every opportunity.

2. Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

During a time when I was out with an injury, I had to learn how to still bring value to the team even when I could not be on the field. It is really easy to check out when you are not able to play, but I made it a point not to do that. That ended up making me almost like another coach out there, because I always made sure to grab an extra script, help with drills, and stay involved however I could.

3. What are your hobbies outside of football?

I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing card games, golfing, playing pickleball and basketball, and playing video games.

4. What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?

I see myself first making an impact on special teams and then continuing to grow into a receiver that can be relied on in key situations.

5. If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would invest in athletes’ mental health, especially young athletes. There’s a lot that comes with chasing something big , pressure, expectations, and doubt. Not everyone has the support to handle that the right way.

6. How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

I never take it personally. I know they want what is best for me and want to make me a better player, so I focus on applying it right away to show that I am listening.

7. Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Jake Vermaas is a wide receiver and a good friend of mine, so I know him both in football and outside of football. He wants to be a coach someday, and he has done a great job of developing himself not only as a player but also for his future. His play on the field is outstanding. Even though he is not the most naturally gifted athlete, he has worked hard for everything he has earned and in my opinion, has become a top player. He is still a younger guy going into his redshirt sophomore year, so he has not had a ton of opportunities yet, but I expect him to have a really solid year.

8. If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them?

I would choose my dad’s father because he passed away before I got the chance to meet him, so all I have ever known about him comes from the stories my dad has shared with me. I would also choose Tank Dell because he is a player with a similar build to mine, and I really enjoy his play style. I try to model parts of my game after him. My third choice would be Dave Chappelle because he is my favorite comedian, and I know dinner with him would be hilarious.

9. If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?

It would most likely be because I consistently messed up on my blocking. As a smaller guy playing in the slot, I sometimes struggle when I have to block bigger players.

10. Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

After our team meal, I usually head back over to campus to visit my family’s tailgate for a little bit, then I go back to the fieldhouse while we get ready for our Laker Walk. Before that starts, I usually either watch a motivational video or look at some old game clips of myself to get in the right mindset. Once the Laker Walk starts, I queue up some of the songs I have been listening to recently. When we get back to the facility, I put my pants on before getting my wrist taped so that when I stretch out my hamstrings, I can also loosen up my pants a little bit. After that, I usually just relax, listen to music, and get locked in before we go out.

11. What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food would have to be Original Ruffles with Heluva Good French Onion Dip.

12. What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I would say any type of Air Raid or spread offense, because those systems create more space and more opportunities for playmakers to make things happen.

13. What is your degree in?

My bachelor’s degree is in Sport Management, and my master’s degree is in Business Leadership.

14. What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?

I would pay off my student loans, as well as my sisters’ student loans.

15. Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

This is a great question because it is something I struggled with early in my career. I dropped an easy pass because I was already thinking about what I was going to do after the catch instead of focusing on securing the ball first. On the very next play, I got another opportunity, locked in on the catch point, and it ended up resulting in a touchdown.

16. Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. Hate it or Love it (G-unit Remix) by 50 Cent
2. FDO By Pooh Shiesty
3. Withdrawals By Treaty Oak Revival