2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Max Polischuk, DB, University of Regina

• Name: Max Polischuk
• Position: DB
• College: University of Regina
• Height: 6’0
• Weight: 190lbs
• Twitter: MaxPolischukATH
• Instagram: maxpolischuk25

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

What makes me a top prospect is my experience. There is no other player with the mix of Canadian and American Football experience that I have. I am a true student of the game and I love learning new systems and techniques. I’ve played football all across North America, winning a Florida State championship in Highschool, a D1 FCS National Championship in College and most recently winning a Canada West Championship in USports. I’m a winner, everywhere I’ve ever played I’ve won.

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

In 2024 I started my season hot, securing 3 interceptions in our first 4 games. However in game 4 I broke my Scapula (Shoulder Blade) and was supposed to be out for the season. Instead of feeling sorry for myself or checking out I battled I wanted to beat the odds and play again that year. Every practice I stood behind my position taking mental reps. I was the first one in after games breaking down tape helping my teammates prepare for each week. After battling for 8 weeks I was cleared to play in the Mitchell Bowl vs Laval. I didn’t return as a starter, but battling back and playing again that year is one of my proudest accomplishments.

What are your hobbies outside of football?

Outside of FootballI’m a homebody, I like spending time with family and my girlfriend. I run a private coaching/ training business and help young Football players to reach the next level. I also volunteer coach and rebuilt the offensive system for the Saskatchewan Selects Football organization. Additionally I enjoy rock climbing, reading about current events/ business news and taking my dogs for walks. Overall though Football runs my life, if I’m not playing or training myself, I’m probably coaching and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

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

I see myself as a contributor and a leader. I could see myself playing several positions, and I’ve always filled the role the team needs me to fill. I’m open and adaptable and learn very quickly. Going into my draft year, this is the first time in my life I’ve gone into a season playing the same position I did the previous year. Wherever I go, whatever position I play, I know I will do it at an elite level and will find success.

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

I would love to donate to Alzheimer’s research. My Nana struggled with Alzheimers and Dementia for the last years of her life and it was an extremely difficult disease to navigate both for her and for the rest of my family.

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

I love it. I want to be the best, and I can’t do that on my own. I’ve been blessed with great coaching throughout my career that pushed me beyond my comfort zone, and beyond where I would have pushed myself. The great coaches I’ve had and the benefits I’ve had from their expertise is what drives me to coach. I’m okay with making mistakes and being corrected, but it’s always my goal to grow as a player and learn from each mistake I make. When I do make mistakes I learn, grow and make new mistakes the next time.

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

There are so many great guys who deserve credit, but I think Christian Katende, a RB for the Rams, is going to have a massive year. We have so much talent in our RB room, but Christian has been looking the best I have ever seen him in workouts this summer and I’m excited to see what he does this fall.

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

I would choose 2 people, my Papa and Nana who passed away in the last couple years. They were a driving reason for why I came back to Canada and were instrumental in my upbringing. I have come to terms with their passing, and the finite time we have on earth is what gives life value, but I just have so many questions I’d love to ask them and I’d love one more chance to see them and visit.

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

If I got benched tomorrow, it would probably be because the team/ organization found someone better than me, but I know that I have always gotten better when competition gets tight and the chips are down, and I wouldn’t be benched for long. I always find a way.

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

Gameday I try my best to stay off my phone and do some reading. I usually will go out early and sit outside on the field and read if it’s nice out. After doing 20-30mins of reading I head back inside, throw my cleats on, and grab my gloves before heading back out for my own warmup (usually 60mins before early outs) I do a full body mobility routine and then I do some light breaks, hip flips and back pedals. I head back inside with 20-30mins before early outs an get the pads on. At that point it’s pregame warm up where I warm up the shoulder pads and get physicality going. By the time we run out on the field and go through the National Anthem I’m totally focused and where I need to be mentally and physically.

What is your favorite snack food?

I love pretzels. I like a nice salty snack.

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I’m an adaptable player, I play where I’m needed and I do the job my coach needs done, I think I can fit well into any scheme or situation.

What is your degree in?

I’m pursuing a degree in Secondary Education Social Studies. My plan is to coach when I’m done playing football and if I need to teach to make that happen then I will be a great high school history teacher/ football coach

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

The first thing I plan to buy is really just to upgrade my food quality, improving my nutrition with the best foods I can buy. But for a larger purchase my girlfriend and I are saving up to buy a house together.

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

In the Mitchell Bowl against the University of Laval in 2024 I played my first game in 8 weeks post injury. I was excited to be playing again, and I just wanted to prove to everyone that I battled back and deserved to be back out on that field. My very first rep in 8 weeks was on Punt Return; this may have been one of the worst plays of my life. I tried to jam my man at the line, and ended up slipping. I got up and chased after him ready to make a block, however at the point of attack I got him from the side and was called for a block in the back penalty. At that moment I questioned whether I was ready to be back. But I knew that my team needed me and that I needed to step up. As I ran off the field I made a promise to myself that I would step up and make the play when it needed to be made. On my very next rep in that game on a Punt Return I made a crucial block that sprung our returner for one of our longest returns that season.

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

1. The Largest – BigXthaPlug
2. Can’t tell me Nothing – Kanye West
3. Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked – Cage The Elephant