2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Anthony Sestanovic, LB, McMaster University
- Name: Anthony Sestanovic
- Position: Will Linebacker/ Inside Linebacker
- College: McMaster University
- Height: 6’0″
- Weight: 225 lbs
- Twitter: @anthonysestan5
- Instagram: @anthonysestanovic
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?
What makes me a top LB prospect is my football IQ. Playing in our defensive system at McMaster has really helped me grow into a player who takes preparation seriously. I spend countless hours every week watching film, breaking down formations, personnel, and down-and-distance tendencies. That prep lets me play fast and confidently. I also take pride in being physical. I am a gym rat who has been training since I was a young kid, and I want my opponent to feel me every play and know I’m not going to let up.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
One thing NFL teams should know about me is that I’m a true student of the game. I understand that success comes from more than just showing up to team meetings and practices. Physically, I train in the weight room in-season to maintain my strength and muscle mass, and I take care of my body through stretching, physio, and techniques like hot/cold contrast therapy. I know that my best ability is my availability — and I’ve proven that by playing in every single game since I arrived at McMaster.
Mentally, I prepare just as hard. I take pride in my weekly prep by breaking down film and spending extra time on field after practice and in meetings. It is a priority that me and my teammates are all on the same page come game time. That level of preparation is what separates me.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I’ve always been involved in my school communities — both in high school and now at McMaster. I work at the Joan Buddle Service Desk in our athletics and recreation centre, and I try to impact the school in every way I can.
If I could donate to one cause, it would be to give back to the community that shaped me. I believe Canadian student-athletes don’t get the recognition or support they deserve. I’d donate toward funding for Canadian university athletes — helping provide better food support, training equipment, academic resources, and injury rehab. There’s a big gap in funding between Canadian and U.S. university sports, and I’ve seen that firsthand. I’d love to help close that gap.
Who was your role model?
My role model is my father. He’s always been there for me throughout my athletic journey. Growing up, I played rep-level hockey and soccer, and then added football in high school — it wasn’t easy balancing it all, but he motivated me every step of the way. He’s the one who taught me to approach athletics, school, and business with the mindset that I have to be elite in everything I do.
Who is your favorite NFL team?
My favorite NFL team is the New Orleans Saints. The first Super Bowl I ever watched was in 2010 when they beat the Colts, and I’ve liked them ever since. I also always thought their uniforms were really clean, which definitely helped win me over as a kid.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?
I’d have to say my boy and roommate, Mason Said. He came in as a freshman last season and has shown nothing but drive and determination since day one. The effort he brings to the weight room and the attention to detail on the field has really helped him improve immensely over this offseason. He’s earned a lot of respect in a short time, and I think it’s going to be a big year for him.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve is undisciplined individuals, especially in a sport as demanding as football. This game isn’t easy, and the effort you put in day in and day out has to be consistent. One quote that stuck with me is: “Without consistency, there is no discipline. Without discipline, there is no success.” I truly believe that in football, if you don’t have consistency and discipline, talent alone won’t take you far.
Who is your favorite teacher ever?
My favorite teacher has to be Scott Brady, my defensive coordinator for the past three seasons at McMaster. He’s taught me that football is so much more than just what happens on the field and it’s just as much mental as it is physical. He’s helped me understand that success in this sport comes from putting in the time, learning from your mistakes, and being accountable. One of the biggest lessons he’s taught me is that you can’t just do whatever you want out there, you have to do your job and trust the guys around you.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character — what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
In 10th grade, I suffered a lower back injury that set me back both physically and mentally. It took me away from athletics for over a month, which was tough since I was playing three competitive sports at the time and I felt like I was letting my teammates down. The injury came from overtraining and not properly taking care of my body. I didn’t fully understand the importance of stretching, hydrating, and eating right.
That experience taught me a lot. It’s the reason I take my preparation and recovery so seriously now. I learned that if I want to perform at a high level, I need to treat my body with the same discipline I bring to the field.
If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house, what would it be?
The Keg, easily. I’m a huge steak guy and could honestly eat a steak a day without getting tired of it.
What is your favorite snack food?
I’d probably go with some sort of mixed nuts trail mix, especially the kind with Cajun-flavored seasoning. It’s got good, healthy nutrients and is calorically dense, which makes it perfect for snacking during training camp.
What is your degree in?
My degree is a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Finance. I’ve always seen a strong connection between sports and business—many of the traits athletes develop, like discipline, resilience, and strategic thinking, translate well into the business world. What initially drew me to finance was its competitive nature and the level of dedication it demands, which felt very familiar coming from an athletic background. I’m now entering my fourth year in the program and really enjoying it, especially the flexibility to choose electives that align with my interests.
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, I’d choose Luke Kuechly, Nick Saban, and Bill Belichick. These are some of the greatest minds in football, and I’d love the opportunity to learn from their experiences, philosophies, and leadership styles. Sitting at a dinner table with them would be an incredible learning experience — not just about football, but about preparation, discipline, and what it takes to be great in any field.
What is your biggest weakness?
My biggest weakness is that I’m a perfectionist. I hold myself to a very high standard in everything I do, whether it’s preparing for a game, completing a school assignment, or performing at work. While this mindset helps me stay detail-oriented and thorough, it can sometimes slow me down as I try to make everything exactly how I envision it.
In one of my classes, we discussed the difference between efficiency and effectiveness — how efficiency is about how you do something, while effectiveness is about what you actually achieve. That really stuck with me. I’ve been working on finding a better balance by prioritizing what’s most important and focusing on being both efficient with my time and effective with my actions. My goal is to be a high-impact contributor and a continuous learner.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com