2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cam Cunningham, DL, UAB

• Name: Cam Cunningham
• Position: Interior Defensive Line
• College: UAB
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 325
• Twitter: @clvtchcammo
• Instagram: _cam.cunningham

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

I believe what separates me is my experience, football IQ, and physicality. I can diagnose offensive schemes pre-snap and play fast once the ball is snapped. I take pride in controlling the line of scrimmage, being dominant at the point of attack, and making sure my gap is secured no matter what. I can stop the run, affect the quarterback in the pass game, and pursue the ball sideline to sideline. I bring a complete skill set to the interior defensive line.

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

Coming out of high school, I was under recruited and had to start my career at the Division II level. Instead of letting that discourage me, I used it as motivation. I worked every day to improve my game, earned opportunities at higher levels, and eventually made my way to Division I football. That experience taught me how to stay focused, trust the process, and keep working regardless of the circumstances.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

I enjoy reading, journaling, watching movies, and spending quality time with loved ones.

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

I see myself coming in ready to learn, compete, and earn everything that comes my way. At the same time, I have a lot of confidence in the player I am and the value I can bring to a team. I believe I can make an immediate impact through my physicality, effort, and ability to control the line of scrimmage. My goal is to be a dependable player that coaches trust, teammates respect, and someone who helps the defense win football games.

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

I would choose foster care because every child deserves a chance to grow up in a safe and supportive environment. A strong support system can change the direction of a young person’s life, and I would like to help provide opportunities and resources for kids who may not have them.

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

I welcome coaching because I know it helps me improve. I focus on what is being said rather than how it is being said, take the correction, and apply it. I’ve always believed that coachable players continue to grow.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Blanche Gold

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

My grandmother, my mother, and my brother. My grandmother passed away when my brother and I were very young, so we never really got the chance to know her. I would love the opportunity to sit down and have a meal with her and hear her stories firsthand. Being able to share that moment with my mom and brother would mean a lot to me because it would give us a chance to experience something together that we never got the opportunity to have growing up.

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

Probably being too physical in practice. I’ve always played with a high motor and an aggressive mindset, so if I got benched, it would probably be for thudding a running back a little harder than I was supposed to.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

I start with prayer, then I talk with my father and brother. After that, I listen to calm music, lock in mentally, and focus on the job that needs to get done.

What is your favorite snack food?

Popcorn

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I believe I fit best in a multiple-front defense that values a dominant nose tackle. My strength is controlling the middle of the defense, stopping the run, taking on double teams, and creating opportunities for the players around me. That’s where I’ve had the most success throughout my career. At the same time, I feel like I have the athleticism and versatility to line up at 3-technique and be disruptive in the backfield when needed. I take pride in being a physical, dependable player who can impact the game in multiple ways and help a defense win.

What is your degree in?

I am pursuing a Master of Human and Health Services with a concentration in Health Administration.

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

An affordable home for me and my family

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

During a game against South Dakota State while I was at Youngstown State, I got reached on a run play and gave up leverage. I was frustrated because I knew I was better than that. Instead of dwelling on it, I focused on the next series, came off the ball with better technique, and made an impact play in the backfield. That moment reinforced the importance of having a short memory and responding the right way.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

• Incredible God, Incredible Praise- Youthful Praise
• Street- G Herbo
• Places you’ll go- Major Nine