2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Shakespeare Louis, S, Southeastern Louisiana University

• Name: Shakespeare Louis
• Position: Safety/DB
• College: Southeastern Louisiana University
• Height: 5’11
• Weight: 195
• Twitter: @Shakespeareloui
• Instagram: @Sldadon

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect at my position in the 2026 NFL Draft is my versatility and physicality. I can play multiple defensive back positions at a high level, whether it’s in the box, deep in the post, or locking up receivers in man coverage. I’m an explosive, downhill safety who brings physicality on every play. My range, instincts, and ability to cover ground quickly set me apart, and I take pride in being a complete player who can impact the game in multiple ways.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I carry myself like a true professional on and off the field. I’ve faced and overcome a lot of adversity in my life, which has taught me how to stay focused, disciplined, and resilient in any situation. I play with no fear and take pride in lifting up the people around me. That leadership and energy I bring makes me a valuable asset in any locker room.

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

If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would be to organizations that help develop sports in third world countries. Being from Haiti, I know firsthand how powerful sports can be in giving kids hope, discipline, and opportunity. Supporting those programs would mean giving others a chance to chase their dreams just like I did.

Who was your role model?

My role models are my parents. As immigrants from Haiti, I watched them make countless sacrifices and work incredibly hard to take care of their responsibilities and build a life from the ground up without ever complaining. Their strength, discipline, and resilience have shaped who I am today and continue to inspire me every day.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

My favorite NFL team is the Baltimore Ravens

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Richard McNeely

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Laziness or lack of purpose

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

My favorite teacher ever is Jean Guillaume. He wasn’t just a great teacher, he eventually became a mentor for me. He believed in me, pushed me to be better, and always led by example. His guidance played a big role in helping me grow both in and out of the classroom.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment in my life to overcome was when my older sister got sick. It was a major turning point, not just for me, but for my entire family. It was a difficult and emotional time, but it brought us closer together and gave me a new perspective on life. I learned to truly value and cherish the people I love, and that experience shaped the way I carry myself every day.

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

If I could have any franchise restaurant in my house, it would be Bahama Breeze. Having a Haitian background, I’ve always loved Caribbean food, the flavors, the spices, the culture behind it. Bahama Breeze brings that island vibe I grew up with, and having it at home would be a dream.

What is your favorite snack food?

Mott’s fruit Snacks

What is your degree in?

I initially started my degree in Business Marketing, but after transferring, I switched to General Studies. Right now, I’m working toward earning my Master’s in Business Administration.

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

If I could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, it would be my grandmother back in Haiti, Ed Reed, and Warren Buffett. My grandmother raised me until I was nine years old, and I haven’t been able to visit her since I left Haiti in 2010, so I’d love to reconnect with her. Ed Reed is my favorite safety of all time, I’d want to pick his brain and learn from his experience on the field. And Warren Buffett, being a business-minded person, I’d love to get his insights and advice to help me grow both personally and professionally.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is that I had a season-ending injury last year. While many might see it as simply missing out on a whole football season, for me it became a period of growth. It gave me the chance to elevate my football IQ, study the game more deeply, and come back as a better player and a stronger person. It also made me become more intentional about the little details and appreciate the simple things in life.