2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kaden Degraffenreid, OL, Pittsburg State

• Name: Kaden Degraffenreid
• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 305lb
• Position: Offensive, LT
• College: Pittsburg State University
• Twitter: @Kaden_Deg
• Instagram: @kadendeg_03

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?
I have had a great experience as a student at Pitt State, the best part being the game day atmosphere I get to be a part of. I graduated in the fall of 2025 with my Bachelor’s of Science in History Education allowing me to obtain my teaching license. I am now headed into my third semester for my Masters of Science in Educational Leadership with Athletic Administration Emphasis. In addition to football and classes I also participated in the rec basketball league as well as intramural disc golf tournaments with friends in the off season. 

What do you think your teammates would say is your best quality?
I believe my teammates would say my best quality is my ability to push myself and others to be better. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
My role on this team is the leader of the O-line. Left tackle suits me best because with me at that position we have been able to get the ball on the defenses edge, while also protecting the quarterbacks blind side. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I have faced during college would be Markee Jones, a defensive linemen from Ferris St. He was a versatile player, with a great mix of speed and power. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
The teammate that impresses me most would be Kuron Parchman. Kuron always goes and makes plays most players aren’t able to complete. As well as his ability to bring energy to the team when we need it. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
My biggest struggle was overcoming injuries my first Spring as a Freshman. I wanted to be in the position to compete for a playing spot that fall but after a knee scope and recovery my first play back resulted in a high ankle sprain. This was very difficult to overcome as I was unable to compete for a spot and do what I loved, play football. I was able to gain a travel spot that fall as a backup but this delayed my progress. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I didn’t play football I would play baseball. In high school I was recruited to be a pitcher before I decided to go to college to play football. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?
I am most proud of being someone people can depend on, including coaches and teammates. They depend on me to protect the quarterback like I depend on them to make big plays. My biggest achievement to date is being fully dedicated to playing football while successfully continuing my education. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
I don’t have one play but one drive, it was my redshirt sophomore season when we first hosted Ferris State, I was in for our last drive of the game our offense ran off just over 9 minutes of game clock to seal the game. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite professional team is the Kansas City Chiefs. I don’t have a favorite player but I do respect their tackles abilities to fire off the ball and protect Mahomes. 

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist is Chris Stapleton. I like to keep the fire low before the game by listening to Zach Bryan, Bailey Zimmerman, and Warren Zeiders during warmups. Before we come out of the tunnel I get fired up listening to bands like Green Day and Foo Fighters.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My favorite comfort food is pot roast that falls apart when you take it out of the crock pot.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My friend from high school got me interested in Anime, and my favorite anime would be Bleach. But the anime with the best story line is Attack on Titan.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time I enjoy the outdoors, whether that is hunting or fishing whenever I get the chance. I also enjoy BBQing on days where I have more time to smoke a few racks of ribs.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I play football because it has been apart of my life since I was in 1st grade. It has molded me into the man I am today, someone who’s hard working and trustworthy. Football has brought so much joy into my life, getting to get on the field with my brothers and just have fun. And one day I plan to spread the love of the game to younger players.