2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Steven Burkhardt, RB, Kutztown University

• Name: Steven Burkhardt
• Position: RB
• College: Kutztown University
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 210 lbs
• X: @stevenburk28
• Instagram: steven.burkhardt

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I have loved football for as long as I can remember. As a kid I always had a football with me. As I grew older, I began to fall in love with the process of competing and getting better. Football has more than a sport for me it, it’s an outlet, a challenge, and a grind.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Honestly my favorite moments from my football life would just be all the relationships I’ve built. Championships are amazing and I’m thankful I’ve experienced that at Kutztown but the relationships I’ve built are the things I’ll remember most. Earning my teammates respect to lead them into battle as a now 2x captain is my favorite stat.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My mother hands down inspires me the most in my life. She goes through far more than she will ever admit but she doesn’t complain and doesn’t quit. She fights through adversity and overcomes every challenge in her path. I wouldn’t want to look up to anyone else.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

I personally the love the combination of physicality and discipline it demands. Football gives me and my teammates the opportunity to prove ourselves as a unit. A big play happens when everyone does their job all 11 of us.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

I would hang out with Tom Brady because he is someone who is truly obsessed with not only the game of football but winning as well. I’d love to pick his brain and just listen to the greatest qb ever talk football and overcoming adversity.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Kutztown?

I love the family vibe Kutztown gives me. The coaches have been honest and straight forward from the jump with me. They’ve always believed in me but I’ve had to and will continue to prove myself because that’s what our culture is based upon, hard work, holding each other accountable, and sacrifice which leads to going 1-0.

What should we know about Steven Burkhardt the person?

You should know that I am someone who is not going to make any excuses. I’m going to put my head down and work, I’ve deal with adversity on and off the field. I’ve never let it become an issue I’ve actually let it motivate me to become a better person and football player instead. I love when the pressure is on and I overcome it, that is what my whole life has been. I want to continue to try to leave each place I go better than I found it.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

I like a couple different schemes. Outside zone is probably my favorite because it gives me the opportunity to be patient and use my vision to make a cut and get vertical. I also enjoy gap scheme because it is where I get to go downhill and be physical.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I have learned that in life and in football you only can control what you can control. Obstacles are going to continue to come my way on and off the field, but I’ve learned to approach them head on and keep moving forward. I don’t make excuses if something does not go my way, I go back and learn from it.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would be getting someone who is a dependable teammate. I’ll run through the tackles, I’ll protect the QB, I’ll catch the ball, run routes, play special teams, whatever the team needs I am there. I lead by example and bring the energy every single day. I love the opportunity to compete.

What stands out about your film the most?

I think what stands out in my film is my versatility. I can run with power, make defenders miss in space, and catch the ball. I can contribute to the game in different ways, I can lead block and protect the qb. I also ran down on kickoff for a majority of the year last year and made tackles. I made blocks on kickoff return later in our playoff run, I genuinely love the game of football and I think my effort stands out most.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I’ve played with is Luke Maxwell. He is our fullback/te/swiss army knife. He contributes on special teams as well. He can run the ball, catch the ball, and truly loves the game of football. We wouldn’t be as successful as we’ve have been without him. I’m grateful we have so many guys like him in our locker room who are passionate about football.