2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nolan Kern, OL, University of Sioux Falls
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Nolan Kern
- University of Sioux Falls
- OL
- 6’2”
- 313lbs.
- Hometown: Eau Claire, WI
- Twitter: @bigkern74
2018 Accolades & Statistics:
- 2018 NSIC South Division All-Conference Second Team Offense.
- GP: 11.
- 117.5 knockdowns.
- 85% Overall Season Grade-Out.
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
Since I began playing sports, my motivation has always been to be the best and to win. A lot of people are concerned with accolades and attention, whereas it has always been my goal to make sure the people I went against, and the people watching knew I dominated my opponents.
What defines success for you?
Success to me is being able appreciate what you have, and to be able to take care of the people you love, while chasing your goals. I believe success is also constantly growing in your trade and in your personal life. It doesn’t have to be huge jumps in growth, but consistent steady growth over time leads to success.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
A lot of my teammates have described me as a guy who leads by example. I’m not the guy who is always screaming at my teammates, I feel the best way to lead is by doing your job and setting an example for the younger guys. A lot of guys say I’m a little crazy on game days because I’m always ready to just get out there and battle with the defense.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
Always treat people with respect, never get to high or low about a situation, and to always keep moving forward.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
The toughest opponent would have to be Zach Dodge from Minnesota State, that was a great battle, and toughest teammate was Marco Naughton my freshman year.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
Zack Martin.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
I’m not a huge video game guy, but when I play with friends I usually go with the Bills because I have a lot of family out in Buffalo, and they go to every game.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
Like I said before, I try not to let myself get too high or too low about situations in life. One example would be my redshirt freshman year I didn’t take the bus because we had four seniors and a future NFL tackle starting ahead of me. A lot of guys who were in the same situation either transferred or quit, but I decided to just keep working hard and trust the process and was able to earn a starting spot the next year.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
Currently, I really enjoy watching the film on Quenton Nelson, he’s a beast, and I love his ability to run his feet and finish people. I’d say Larry Allen is the main former player I model my game after, I love watching the film of him pulling, and I try to dominate the run game like he did.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
I would tell my High-School Freshman self to not focus so much on recruiting, and rather to focus on getting better as a football player. The recruiting process can be really frustrating especially for guys in the state of Wisconsin where the only scholarship school is the University of Wisconsin, and it’s easy to get caught up in the recruiting process, rather than just focusing on perfecting your craft.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
Bagel Boy.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
“The Power of Will and Persistence.”
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
Black Eyed Peas.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
General George S. Patton. He was an amazing general whose military career started with fighting against Pancho Villa in Mexico and ended by leading the 3rd army across France and Germany at record rates. I liked how outspoken he was, and how much respect his soldiers had for him, and I feel like he would have some incredible stories.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
I want to be remembered as a man who always stood up for what he believed and helped those he loved no matter what. I want to be remembered as a leader, and a person who never gave up. I also want to be a great husband and father throughout the next forty years.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
I’m a hard worker, who will give my all and will continuously grow and improve.
