2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Coleman Kuntz, TE, South Dakota State University

• Name: Coleman Kuntz
• Position: Tight End / H-Back
• College: South Dakota State University
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 245 lbs
• Twitter: @coleman_kuntz
• Instagram: @coleman2.0

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

I am a hybrid, physical player who imposes his will on defenders, whether it be through run blocking or run after the catch. I am versatile and able to block defensive ends, pull with violence on counters, run past linebackers, beat them one-on-one, and find soft spots in zone coverage. I am a sure target who will get the job done and do whatever is needed for the team to succeed.

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

A time I faced adversity was coming back from a torn ACL and meniscus. I came back bigger, faster, and stronger after an unfortunate injury late in the 2024 season with the Sacramento State Hornets. I responded with a sense of urgency and a chip on my shoulder. I fought against the odds and participated in six games during the 2025 season to preserve my 2026 senior season. I am healthy and hungry. When the odds are against me and the pressure is on, I perform better with a chip on my shoulder.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

Outside of football, I love hanging out with my homeboys, golfing, hiking, and really doing anything outdoors. I’m from California, so I love the beach and the lifestyle that comes with it. Shirt off and enjoying the sunshine is where I’m happiest.

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

I see myself playing both H-back and tight end. I am big enough to open holes for crucial yardage and be on the field when the game matters most. I can also run routes and use my athletic catch radius to make plays in the intermediate and short passing game.

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

I would donate to and support organizations focused on preventing human trafficking. It makes me sick that young women and children are stolen and sold for sex all over the world. I believe traffickers should face the harshest form of the American justice system, and awareness should continue to spread so people can take proper safety measures and precautions to avoid vulnerability

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

I enjoy being coached hard because it makes me better. I prefer to be corrected immediately if I do something wrong so I can eliminate mistakes and continue growing in the right direction as a player

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

I think fellow senior Grahm Goering, who is a wide receiver for us, is underrated. He makes big-time plays and is very consistent whenever his number is called. I expect him to have a great senior season

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

The three people I would choose are Steve Irwin, Anthony Bourdain, and Elvis Presley. It might seem random, but all three lived unique lives and offered different experiences and perspectives that I could learn from and be enlightened by.

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

If I were benched tomorrow, the most likely reason would be getting into a fight with the other team or receiving a personal foul.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

My pregame routine is very mellow up until we bring it together in the locker room and run out of the tunnel. I like to listen to calm music, stay to myself, stretch, and loosen up. Then I go out onto the field to activate my feet and play catch with another teammate, usually Greyton Gannon or Brayden Delahoyde. After that, I go back into the locker room and start envisioning myself making plays while listening to hard rock and rap. After that, I’m ready to go light them up and set the tone on the first play.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack foods are pickles and string cheese.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

Pro-style, play-action, gap schemes, and even West Coast offenses fit my hybrid style of play. As an H-back, I can motion all around the formation to kick out C-gap defenders and wrap around for lead blocking. I can pull, kick, and come across the line to block backside defensive ends. I can find soft spots and read coverages in spread formations or 2×2 sets. I can also be used as an inline tight end to create strong-side power and sell play-action passes.

What is your degree in?

I received a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Criminology.

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

I would be careful with it and save most of it in order to build long-term generational wealth.

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

In a game where we were down, I missed a playside down block and the defensive end blew up my running back. After that, I was angry and played with a greater sense of urgency, but I didn’t let it affect my focus. Once a play happens, it’s in the past and you have to move on. Later in that drive, I beat the nickelback one-on-one with a whip route on 4th-and-2, securing the first down and keeping the drive alive for my team

Name three songs we can expect on your playlist.

1. “Ventura Highway” — America
2. “Leave You Alone” — Jeezy
3. “Rather Be” — Clean Bandit