2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: George Linberger, RB, Baldwin Wallace University

• Name: George Linberger
• Position: Running Back & Fullback
• College: Baldwin Wallace University (Berea, Ohio)
• Height: 5’11 (71 in)
• Weight: 227 lbs
• Twitter: glinberger36
• Instagram: glinberger

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

I think my attitude and willingness to do whatever is necessary to help the team win makes a great prospect. Whether it’s blocking, running the ball, catching the ball, or playing special teams, I’ll do anything to make an impact on a team. I think my strength and balance make me a great downhill back and make it tough for only one defender to make a tackle. 

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

Going through COVID in high school impacted my recruiting. While I still got interests and offers, I struggled with the possibility of no football season. Next was tearing my ACL my senior year in high school. While having D1 offers at the beginning of the season, I could either take a chance that those offers would still be there and get surgery, or risk further injury playing on a torn ACL. I decided to play to be with my brothers for my senior season and to hopefully continue to get college interest. I responded by doing extra workouts, extra PT sessions, and I was very intentional with the playbook. It paid off for my teammates and I as we made the state playoffs and had a successful season. I had good stats, my knee wasn’t injured any further, and I was able to commit to a D1 school (YSU), before transferring to Baldwin Wallace.

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

I really enjoy family time, being with friends, going to concerts & sports games. I also doing outdoor activities like hiking, pickleball, and fishing.

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

I see myself being a contributor on offense at the fullback or running back position and being on playing a major role on special teams. I would like to be on every special team and be a positive influence on any team that takes me. I want to compete and make the team better. 

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

Homelessness is something that I would like to donate to. It is something that my family and I are very passionate about, and I think everyone deserves an opportunity to live life while having shelter. 

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

I feel like I am very coachable. I want to perform at the best of my ability, and taking coaching is how you improve. If I have to continue to rep out things until I get it, I will. If a coach is continually correcting me, I know they are doing so because they want the best out of me. I’d much rather get called out than the coach just ignoring me. I am very intentional with my technique and take extra time to get things right. I take accountability and make sure that I am doing things right, and with intention. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Nick Lulow, our starting left guard. He is an upcoming senior and will be a 3-year starter this year. He is a great teammate as he encourages and picks guys up, but he isn’t afraid to call guys out if they aren’t giving their best effort. He is a great player and leader, but an even better person.

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

Tom Brady- Leadership, Dedication, and his will to overcome adversity

Bo Jackson- He had a unique career with both baseball and football. He faced adversity with a hip replacement and came back to play professional baseball. He was hyper competitive and was one of the best athletes ever. I would love to pick his brain and hear his insights.

My Grandfather- I was never able to meet him, as he died when my mother was young. I would like to meet him, hear his voice, and his stories about his life. I think he would give me wisdom that would mean a lot to me. 

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

Injury. It would be circumstances out of my control. Whatever the reason would be, I would do anything in my power to get back on the field.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

First, I wake up and shower right away to wake up my nervous system. I have breakfast with my team and then look over the call sheet while visualizing my responsibilities for each play. We then have a walkthrough, and I then go to the trainer to stretch and heat. I’m a superstitious person, so when putting my equipment on, I put it on my left leg or left arm first. Then, I drink electrolytes right before our team stretch. We stretch as a team, and then I do some footwork drills to warm my ankles up. I stretch some more on my own and then work some pass protection before going back inside. We put our pads on, and then I drink creatine with orange juice. We go out and do our pre-game, then come in and I listen to music until it’s time to head out for the game. I also eat a banana and half of a PB & J 45 minutes before the game.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Oh, that’s a tough one. I love a banana with peanut butter, raspberries and yogurt, or popcorn. If I am being unhealthy occasionally, Doritos are very good too.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I feel like I fit best in a traditional pro-style offense that utilizes a full back and multiple running backs. Power-running schemes would also suit my style well, but I think I can contribute in any scheme, as I work very hard on my pass protection and pass catching. 

What is your degree in? 

I graduated with a degree in Pre-Allied Health, and my minors were Biology & Chemistry. I graduated with a 3.91 GPA and am currently working towards my MBA in Management. 

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

I would take my parents, my sister, and I on a vacation. We love to travel as a family, and it would be amazing to be able to do something for my family that they love. They have taken my sister and I on vacation a multitude of times, and I would want nothing more than to give back. 

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

When in a critical moment, I was thrown a wheel route when covered. I had a defender on me, and a safety above me playing zone. It was a tough catch, but I ended up dropping it when I hit the ground and we had to punt. I was very frustrated at myself and felt like I had made a big mistake. On the sideline before the next drive, I talked myself through the situation, knew there was still a quarter left, and to let it go. I talked to a couple guys which gave me confidence, and I knew that I could make an impact when I got the chance. The next drive, our coordinator called 3 runs in a row. I had gains of 12, 9, & 10. I put our team into field goal position in just 3 plays and made an impact on the game after making a mistake I thought would cost us. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. Hate or Love it by The Game & 50 Cent 
2. War Pigs by Black Sabbath
3. Hustler Musik by Lil Wayne