NFL DraftProspect Interviews

NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Sterling Sheffield, LB, University of Maine

Player Profile:

Sterling Sheffield Of Maine is a big time playmaker for the Black Bears. He is a player to keep an eye on come April!
  • Sterling Sheffield 
  • University of Maine 
  • LB 
  • 6’2” 
  • 225lbs. 
  • Mullica Hill, NJ 
  • Twitter: @Sheffsc00kiN 

2018 Accolades & Statistics: 

  • 2018 CAA Football First Team Defense 
  • GP: 14 
  • Total Tackles: 84 
  • TFL: 18.0 
  • Sacks: 9.5 
  • FF: 2 
  • FR: 3 
  • INT: 1 

What are you listening to in the locker room before kickoff? 

I usually listen to R&B. Preferably Frank Ocean, Eryka Badu or any of those R&B artists to get my mind right and not get too hyped.

How would your teammates describe you? 

They would say I’m a fun loving guy, hard-worker and a leader by his actions and not by his words.

While at the Collegiate level, who has been the toughest player you have competed against? 

I’ve competed against a few really good players. Obviously last year Jamil Demby came out from Maine, he’s on the Rams now. I also competed against Kareem Hunt out of Toledo. Even growing up playing against Dakiel Shorts out of West Virginia. When I was a QB, I used to work out with David Sills and Dwayne Haskins.

What team do you choose in Madden? Why? 

I usually go random. Three times around and pick the best out of those teams. I’m more of an NBA 2K guy. I’m a die-hard Sixers fan. We play FIFA a lot too.

You participated in the 2019 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl in January, finishing the game with three tackles and a forced fumble. Tell me about your experience at that event. 

It was a very cool experience being able to meet a lot of legends like Ed Reed, D’Qwell Jackson, Andre Johnson. Having Chuck Pagano as my coach was a great experience being able to learn from them and see how they operate. It was also my first time playing Inside LB. I definitely grew a lot during the week. D’Qwell Jackson stayed after with me to go over film.

At that event, scouts told you that you’re too small right now to play linebacker and not quite fast enough to play safety. Do statements like that motivate you? 

Anything motivates me. I’ve been an underdog my whole life, nothing’s changed. I had two offers coming out of high school going into college. I ended up being an All-American. I use the chip on my shoulder every day. I usually tell people that I may not be the fastest or strongest guy, but I’m able to make plays. That showed at the NFLPA Game and throughout my career.

What do you value most, outside of football, from your Collegiate experience? 

The people that I’ve met. Being able to network outside of football. I’ve met a lot of people who are starting up their own business and being able to help them or watch how they operate is really cool. It’s something that I love to see. All that networking will eventually help in the long run.

Who is your personal hero? 

My mom and my dad.

What are the attributes that you bring to a professional football team? 

Hard worker, I’ve been through a lot. A lot of the things that I’ve witnessed or experienced throughout my life, I’m able to bring out to the team. Being able to wake up, get there early and get a workout is something I learned from Jamil. I don’t bring character issues or any type of headaches. I bring a clean background. I’m associated with a group called MAAV (Male Athletes Against Violence).

If you could sack one NFL QB, past or present, who would it be and why? 

My goal is to eventually sack all of them.

Do you model your style of play after any current/former NFL player? 

Khalil Mack, Luke Kuechly and Patrick Willis. I’ve watched every single rep of Khalil since he came into the NFL. I’ve been watching him since his college days.

What is the best part of your hometown; Mullica Hill, NJ? 

It’s helped me mold me into the man I am today. It’s helped me understand that not everything is given to you. You have to earn it and work hard. You have to fight for what you want.

Why should an NFL team invest in you? 

I’ll give 110% every single day. I haven’t had any major injuries. I won’t bring any type of character issues.

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