2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Gaven Haselhorst, DE, Fort Hays State University

• Name: Gaven Haselhorst 
• Position: Edge
• College: Fort Hays State University (FHSU)
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 250lbs
• Twitter: @gavenhasel
• Instagram: gaven_haselhorst

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

I think what separates me is that I bring proven production, leadership, and consistency every single day. I’ve been a five-year starter and a two-year captain, so I’ve learned how to lead by example and hold myself to a high standard. On the field, I pride myself on playing with a relentless motor, being physical against the run, and affecting the quarterback. I’ve battled through adversity, including coming back from a major ACL injury, and that’s made me mentally tougher and more resilient. I know I’m not a finished product, but I’m confident that the combination of my work ethic, football IQ, leadership, and competitiveness gives me confidence that I can earn a role, contribute early, and continue developing into a player an NFL organization can rely on.

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

I tore my ACL in Week 3 of the 2023 season. It was tough because I had high expectations for that year, and shortly after I also had shoulder surgery for a torn labrum. I attacked rehab the same way I approach football—with discipline and consistency. I focused on every detail, from rehab and strength training to nutrition, and I came back stronger. In 2024 I earned Third Team All-MIAA, and that experience taught me resilience and how to handle adversity.

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

My hobbies outside of football are fishing, lake days, video games, hanging out with family and friends. Really, anything outdoors. I also have a fiancé and 2 year old baby girl, so doing absolutely anything with them is a big hobby for me.

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

I see myself earning a role through my work ethic and becoming someone a team can trust. Early on, I want to contribute however I’m needed—whether that’s as part of the pass rush rotation, setting the edge against the run, dropping into coverage, or making an impact on special teams. As I continue to develop, I believe I can grow into an every-down defensive end who can create pressure, stop the run, and be a leader in the locker room. My goal isn’t just to make a roster, it’s to become a player that coaches can rely on in every situation.

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

I’d support animal rescue and conservation organizations because animals depend entirely on people to protect them. If I had the ability to make a difference, I’d want to help protect wildlife and give abused or abandoned animals a better life.

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

I welcome coaching because I know it’s how you improve. My coaches are trying to get the best version of me every day, so I don’t take criticism personally. If I’m corrected once or ten times, my job is to listen, apply it, and make sure it doesn’t become a repeated mistake. I think being coachable is one of the biggest reasons players continue to improve.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

I’d say linebacker Gavin Meyers. He’s a really smart player, works hard, and I think people outside our program haven’t seen how good he can be. I think his best football is still ahead of him.

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

Dwayne Johnson – I admire the discipline and work ethic it took for him to succeed in multiple careers.

Steve Irwin – I’ve always been a reptile enthusiast, so getting to learn from someone who dedicated his life to wildlife conservation would be incredible.

Theo Von – Because he’d probably keep everyone laughing the entire night.

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

If I were benched tomorrow, I’d hope it would be because someone was simply playing better than me that week, not because of my effort or preparation. I take a lot of pride in being dependable. If that happened, I’d ask my coaches what I need to improve, get back to work, and earn my spot back.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

I’m pretty routine-oriented on game day. I start by making sure I’m hydrated and getting a good meal in so my body is ready to perform. When I get to the facility, I like to review my notes, the game plan, and key tendencies from the opponent so everything is fresh in my mind. Once we’re on the field, I go through my warm-up and activation routine, focusing on movement, flexibility, and getting my body ready to play fast. As kickoff gets closer, I visualize my assignments and different situations I might see during the game. By the time we take the field, I want to feel confident that I’ve prepared all week and can play fast without overthinking.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Beef jerky. It’s easy to throw in my bag, it’s high in protein, and it’s something I’ve always liked.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I believe I fit best in an aggressive defensive scheme that allows the front to attack, but I also think I’m versatile enough to play in multiple systems. I think I can play in either a 4-3 or a 3-4. In a 4-3, I see myself as a defensive end who can play every down, set the edge, and generate pressure. In a 3-4, I believe I can play as an outside linebacker or stand-up EDGE because I’m comfortable playing in space when asked and rushing from different alignments. My versatility gives coaches options, and I think that’s one of my strengths.

What is your degree in? 

I’m completing my bachelor’s degree in Human Health and Performance at Fort Hays State, with graduation expected this December.

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

The first thing I’d do is pay off my mom’s debt. She raised me as a single mom and sacrificed so much to give me opportunities. Being able to take that burden off her shoulders would mean more to me than buying anything for myself.

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

Against Missouri Western during homecoming, I was called for a late hit in a close game. That was on me, and I knew I had to be smarter in that situation. I didn’t let it affect the rest of the game. I reset mentally, focused on doing my job, finished with multiple pressures and quarterback hits, and we won by a touchdown. It reinforced that you can’t let one mistake affect the next play.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. Brain Stew-Green Day
2. I Wonder-Kanye West
3. MET GALA-Gunna