2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kodi Blackshaw, C, Wilfrid Laurier University

• Name: Kodi Blackshaw
• Position: Centre
• College: Wilfrid Laurier University
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 300 lbs
• Instagram: _kodi_blackshaw

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

I think my biggest strength that makes me a top prospect is my football IQ, as important as on field preparation is for me. I definitely think most of my preparation for gameday comes from being in the film room and on the white board both by myself and with my coaches. I take pride in studying my opponents defenses so that when game day comes I can be prepared for the looks they will be bringing, and so I can adjust our blocking schemes and protection to ways that give us the best advantage. I also find that it slows the game down for me and allows me to play fast and free. 

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

Going into my first training camp my papa passed away just a few days before camp started. It was hard for me because he meant a lot to me and I was about to go into something I knew was going to be difficult and one of the biggest changes in my life and football career. I used it to push myself harder both on the field and off the field and it led to me having a pretty good first training camp and earning a starting spot in my rookie year. 

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

Outside of football I love to play the acoustic guitar, go fishing, and spend time with friends. 

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

I am happy to play whatever role helps the team the most. I am a team first player and whatever role I am given I will embrace it fully and do everything I can to fill that role in the best way possible. 

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

I would donate to cancer research because I have multiple family members that have been impacted by cancer and I would love to be able to help make a difference.

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

I believe I respond very well to coaching and criticism. I understand I will make mistakes while playing football but my job is to try my best to learn from my mistakes and do everything I can not to make the same mistake twice. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

I think the most underrated teammate at my school is Khalil Derman. I have been playing with Khalil since my grade 10 year with the Cambridge Lions in the OSFL, he is one of the hardest working players on our team both on and off the field and I see him dominate every single day.

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

1. I would choose my Papa, he passed away right before my rookie training camp and he showed me a lot about toughness. It would be amazing to talk to him one more time. 
2. I would choose Tom Brady, I would love to listen to him talk about his work ethic and process preparing for game day.
3. I would choose Jason Kelce, He’s one of the best centers to ever play and I think he is hilarious and would love to have a conversation with him. 

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

I think the most likely reason would be a teammate performing better than me. If another player is performing better then me then I would respect my coaches decisions to do what’s for the team. That being said I do everything I can control to be the best player I can be to make sure I give myself the best chance of that not happening. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

When I get to the stadium I gather on the field with the rest of Lauriers O-line and we walk two laps around the field together as a unit. After that I go inside and get taped and get my lowers and jersey on and go back out for early outs to get some snaps in. I then go back inside and meet my dad at the stadium doors and give him a hug and put my jersey and pads on while im with him. After that I go back inside and eat some snacks, text my dad that I love him and go out for warm up and then game time.  

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food is dill pickle chips. 

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I am a versatile player that can play in multiple different schemes. I believe this is because Laurier runs a well rounded offence so I have experience in both gap and zone schemes with multiple different protection styles. 

What is your degree in? 

Kinesiology

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

The first thing I would do with my NFL check is give back to the people who supported me and allowed me to get to this point in my football career, such as my family and close friends. 

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

In my rookie year we were in a close game against western and I lost a rep clean in a one on one pass block against their nose tackle on a 3rd and long and it caused my quarterback to step up into a sack by their boundary defensive end. When I got back to the bench I was able to put my emotions aside and look at the rep on the iPad and go over it with Coach Scotto and fix my mistake moving forward. I think it is very important to be able to have a “next play” mentality and be able to put your emotions aside and focus on the rest of the game. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. Revival – Zach Bryan
2. Dixieland Delight – Alabama
3. Irish Goodbye – Treaty Oak Revival