2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Andrew Belford, OL, Christopher Newport University

• Name: Andrew Belford
• Position: OC/OG
• College: Christopher Newport University
• Height: 6’ 2”
• Weight: 290
• Twitter: @andrew_belford
• Instagram: @bel4d_73

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

I know that I can contribute to any team with constant effort and a need for excellence.
Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

As a true freshman at Morehead State University, I earned the starting Right guard spot towards the back half of the season. The same day it was announced, I sprained my ankle down blocking on a counter. I was sidelined for the last two games of the season as a result. For the next year, I hit the weights hard and dialed in my nutrition so that, once fall arrived again, I earned the starting spot at left guard as a redshirt freshman.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

I enjoy spending quality time with my family. We are all athletes, so when I can I love to support my siblings in their own athletic endeavors. I also am passionate about gardening/ landscaping. Throughout high school and all throughout college, I have worked a job with a “master gardener” in Chesapeake. Her lawn at her house is more like a nursery than traditional grass. She has taught me many
things about local plant life and the importance of enjoying the outdoors while being good stewards of our surroundings.

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

I could see myself being used where needed. I can play any of the interior positions on the OL, with my most experience at center and left guard. Whether that’s practice squad or starting squad, it doesn’t matter to me.

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

I love all charities. However, as a Christian, it is my belief that the world’s greatest need is spiritual, not physical. I would donate to either my local or home church’s missions fund, aiming to financially support missionaries as they go abroad to share the Gospel of Christ.

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

I believe I handle coaching well. I appreciate the “tough love” that is used by coaches knowing that it is meant to motivate and improve oneself. I believe I respond correctly knowing that the coach is wanting me to become better for the sake of the team and all those that the team affects.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

James Benedetto. He is the epitome of raw work ethic and desire to improve. He has battled through many injuries and has returned this offseason as the fastest guy on our team. It is evident to everyone on the team that he cares and will do whatever it takes to succeed for the sake of the team. Selfless.

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

I would say Quinn Meinerz, Zach Frazier, and Brock Hoffman. All three are currently in the NFL but come from different backgrounds. Quinn Meinerz, for example, comes from a division 3 school like me. I want to ask him what it was like going from a powerhouse D3 program in Wisconsin to playing for the Denver Broncos. I have been watching a lot of film on Zach Frazier. While still taller than me by an inch, we have similar builds and weights, so I’d love to learn technique from him and apply it to myself. I have been following Brock Hoffman for a while. I have noticed how passionate he is about what he does, down to what he posts himself meal prepping, working out, and his overall tenacity. Getting a training session in with him would be surreal.

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

If I were to get benched, it would be that occasionally my communication is not as fast as it needs to be. When in the heat of the moment, its easy to focus on just your job rather than the operation of the unit and the backfield. If pressure comes on a drop back pass, for example, it must be communicated loudly and clearly to the rest of the line and the Quarterback rapidly. This is where I intend to improve.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

Prior to a game, all the preparations for the week are already done. I will make sure to take fish oil and electrolytes prior to getting a full night’s sleep. Once I wake up, I will take more electrolytes and sip on those up until its time for warmups. I will stretch the night prior and the morning of as well. Once we get into pregame, I make sure to actively stretch and go through multiple reps of every set/ block we could possibly do versus air. I will then finish with at least 20 snaps with the Quarterback.

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food has to be either salted pistachios or boom chicka pop popcorn.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I feel I fit the best in a spread offense. This provides the ability for me to be proficient in both run blocking and pass protecting

What is your degree in?

Kinesiology, with the goal to become a physical therapist.

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

I would pay off my student loans.

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

As a redshirt freshman, my former school and I were playing Tarleton State down in Texas. I was working a double team during a power-play. I was left guard and was doubling a 3-tech with the left tackle to the second linebacker in the box from playside
(Will). The Mike blitzed the gap between me and the center but I let him go given that he wasn’t my guy. Due to my inexperience at the time, I had not fully grasped the concept of blocking a gap versus blocking a man. I quickly realized my mistake after a chewing out on the sideline and have never made the same mistake again.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. “Man in the box” Alice in Chains
2. “Enter Sandman” Metallica
3. “Take me Back to Eden” Sleep Token