2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cullen McShane, LB, South Dakota State University

• Name: Cullen McShane
• Position: LB
• College: South Dakota State University 
• Height: 6’1 
• Weight: 226
• Twitter: McshaneCullen
• Instagram: cullenmcshane5

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

I play the game nasty like a linebacker should. I have a lot of speed, the ability to bend, and I love physicality. I can play boundary safety, Mike linebacker, and Will linebacker, and dominate my job. 

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

Week 11 vs Illinois State last season I was thrown out for targeting. I helped the guys who were next up on the sideline, that way there was zero drop off at the position.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

I enjoy fishing, hunting, golf, or any activity outside. I also enjoy being on the river.

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

I see myself playing wherever is necessary. I’ve played every special teams role here at SDSU and I’ve also took on this role as our starting linebacker. I see myself making big plays in both spots. 

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

I’d donate to programs that help kids get access to sports and mentorship. Sports taught me a lot of discipline growing up and I want all kids to have the chance to learn those lessons. 

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

I handle it appropriately and with confidence. I love feedback, because if there is a way I can get better I want filled in on it. Growing up my dad gave a lot of constructive criticism which helped me learn to be able to hear the message and not the tone. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Chase Van Tol, he’s a dog linebacker that can lock anything down outside the core or in the slot but also knock the teeth out of any pulling guard in the country.

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

Brian Dawkins, Luke Kuechly, and Brian Cushing. I chose these 3 guys because they are role models and I take pieces of each of there game and apply it to mine. I’d love to pick at Luke Kuechly’s brain and learn from him. I also love the switch Dawkins’ and Cushing’s have. 

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

Ejection from targeting was, and would be the only reason I’d miss any snaps. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine? 

Wake up around 8 am, get some fresh air, walk around the house play some pool, relax eat light meals, and try to store all energy. I don’t listen to music until an hour before the game or else I might get too amped. Right before the game I have a bunch of highlights saved of big hits from Kam Chancellor, Dawkins, Ray Lewis, Luke Kuechly, Jack Lambert, and a bunch of other big hitters. Then I text my parents and it’s go time. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Deer sticks and cheese 

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

• 4 Down Front (4-3) OLB Sam/Will/Mike
• 3 Down Front (3-4) Box Backer Will/Mike 

What is your degree in? 

Sociology with a minor in Criminology with plans of being a detective or DCI/FBI agent. 

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

I’d invest it into land, stocks, and anything  where I could watch it grow. I’d also make it a priority to take my parents out of the working world to repay them for all they have done for me. 

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

This past season we played Drake and I let a T pipe go right up the hash for a Touchdown. After that I tackled him behind the LOS 3.5 times. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist? 

1. Silver Springs – (Fleetwood Mac)
2. Down Under – (Men at Work)
3. 867-5309/Jenny -(Tommy Tutone)