2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kenny Olson, LB, Cal Poly

• Name: Kenny Olson
• Position: Linebacker
• College: Cal Poly
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 225
• Twitter: @KennyOlson16
• Instagram: @kennyolson_

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

I think my football IQ, combined with my power and explosiveness sets me apart as a prospect for the 2027 NFL Draft. Growing up in a football coaching family, I understood the X’s and O’s of the game from an early age. This allows me to diagnose plays faster, which leads to me getting to the ball quicker than other linebackers. I also have extreme versatility at the position as I have played all 3 linebacker spots in our defense: Mike, Will, & Sam. 

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

During my sophomore season I fractured my elbow in practice during Week 11. I returned the next season and became a top 10 tackler in the nation and a First-team all-conference player. 

What are your hobbies outside of football? 

I love to deep sea fish down in St Pete, Florida and I also enjoy golfing.

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

I would take on a big role on special teams as a core 4 teams guy. During my college playing years, I played special teams all 4 years and was a pivotal player on all core four units. I also see myself as an everydown backer who can be a run stopper on early downs and a good pass coverage backer on 3rd down. 

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

I would donate to St. Jude due to my family’s history with cancer. 

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

I believe I am a very coachable player and I think my teammates and coaches would say the same. Being the son of a long-time NFL coach, I believe that trait was instilled in me at a very early age. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? 

Mikey D’Amato, the guy who plays alongside me at the linebacker position. We are both looking to have even bigger years this upcoming season. 

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

Jon Gruden, John Madden, and Monte Kiffin. These guys are three huge coaching legends from whom I would love to learn and hear stories. 

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

Probably due to an injury or something. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

I usually do a rollout/shakeout routine in the locker room before pregame warmups. After pregame warmups, I sit in my locker with my music bumping while going through the game prep in my playbook until we run out for the game. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Protein balls.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in? 

I believe I fit best in a 4-2-5 scheme. That is mostly what we have run here at Cal Poly since I arrived, and I feel very confident as an in-the-box linebacker playing Mike or Will. 

What is your degree in? 

Business Administration

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

My own house to live in and a fishing boat for me and my dad to go fishing in. 

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

I got beat in man coverage on a wheel route by a running back for a big gain. A few plays later I got a TFL on a third down that same drive and forced a long field goal which they missed. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. U Not Like Me – 50 Cent
2. Rebel’s Kick It – NBA Youngboy
3. Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma – Luke Combs