2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Maxime-Olivier Cabana, OL, Laval University

• Name: Maxime-Olivier Cabana
• Position: Offensive lineman
• College: 1 year at Louisville University and 3 years at Laval University 
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 300
• Twitter: MaxOCabana
• Instagram: Caby_.77

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

My athleticism, speed and physicality are what separates me from the rest. In addition to that, my love for the game and the fact that I always want to learn and get better, help me develop furthermore.

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

I am a french Canadian who left his home and family at 16 years old to pursue his passion for football in a whole different country. That was the hardest thing i’ve ever done and even if nothing was given to me, I succeeded to get a D1 scholarship and a chance to fulfill my dream.

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

I’m Canadian so of course hockey plays a major part in my life! I also love to read, watch movies and stay active playing sports like volleyball, tennis, etc…

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

I see myself being a leader. I want to be the guy that makes sure everyone is on the same page and I want to lead by example. I believe that if you want to win a championship, everyone needs to fully commit and I want to push everyone so that they are able to achieve their full potential so that we can all achieve our objectives.

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

If I could donate to a cause it would be for the ALS society of Canada because someone who was close to me died of ALS and I wouldn’t want anyone else to have to go through what my family went through, seeing him suffer everyday without being able to help.

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

I handle it really well. I think that being coached is the best way to get better. I like to think that if you get coached hard, it’s because your coach sees potential in you and wants you to be great. A little criticism never killed anyone.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Victor Charland. He is one of our QBs and everyone, even the fans, are doubting him and his ability to lead us next season. From what I have seem from him on and off the field, he has the ability to perform at the highest level and be one of the greatest Canadian QB next year.

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

1. Carey Price : Growing up as a Montreal Canadien fan, he was and still is one of my idols. I always loved how he played and the fact that he always came back better after facing adversity. 

2. My father’s father : He died when I was two years old and I would like to be able to get to know him and learn more about what my father was when he was young.

3. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif : As a Canadian lineman, he showed me that playing football at the highest level and getting a diploma to be able to do your dream job after your career is possible. I think that he is the perfect example of hard work and determination that everyone should look up to and I would like to know more about his path.

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

If I was benched it would probably be because I got a penalty for talking too much on the field. I love to trash talk when I play and get into my opponent’s head. I believe that being a little bit cocky when you play can give you an edge, you just got to be able to stay locked in while doing it.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

I’m always the first player in the locker room. As soon as I arrive, I put on the lower parts of my equipment, get taped and go on the field. I walkthrough the entire script for the day, while listening to music. When I’m done, I go sit in the same exact seat in the stands, for about 20 minutes, controlling my breath, listening to music and getting my mind right. After that, I go back to the locker room, where we reunite as an O-Line group for a pregame speech. Then we have some meetings and speeches with the coaches and after all that, it’s finally game time!

What is your favorite snack food? 

I love a cold, crispy green apple. I feel like it’s the perfect snack. Healthy and refreshing!

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I love a run heavy team. Playing Canadian football with only 3 downs, it’s mostly pass plays. It’s one of the things I miss from playing in the states. I am a physical player so I adapt really well to that kind of offense.

What is your degree in? 

I just finished a law bachelor and I am beginning a master to become a notary.

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

I’m not a really big spender. It would probably be an amazing steak dinner for all the people I love that helped me get to the NFL.

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

There was a game last year where I oversetted my DE and he got the sack. I learned from my mistake and locked him up for the rest of the game. I have a next play mentality. Yes, I messed up, but it’s not going to happen again.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. Love sosa

2. I hate being sober

3. Mozart symphony n.40 in G minor