2021 Draft Prospect Interview: Cole Schroedermeier, S, Minnesota State-Mankato
- Name: Cole Schroedermeier
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 190 lbs
- Position: S
- College: Minnesota State University Mankato
- Twitter: @coleschroed_7
Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?
MSU Mankato is a great place to go to college. It has enough students where it doesn’t feel small, but you still get a lot of the benefits you would at a smaller school when it comes to class sizes and things like that. The city of Mankato is also a great community with lots of different things to do. I’m a business management major there.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I would have to say my leadership skills and hard-working qualities. I think it’s important to lead by example.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I think I bring a variety of different skills to the table that allow me to step into multiple roles. I have the range as well as IQ to play different zone coverages and deep middle as a free safety. Along with this, I’m physical enough to fit the run and set the edge as a true strong safety. Because of this versatility, I can effectively play a variety of roles in any scheme.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Jayru Campbell. He was a great player on the ground and through the air. Zimari Manning was also very impressive. These two were very explosive players that I put a lot of focus on.
https://twitter.com/coleschroed_7/status/1214662570579247110?s=21
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Brayden Thomas. His ability to play the run and rush the passer makes life a lot easier for me as a DB. He’s extremely athletic for his size and does all the little things right.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
In my red-shirt season, I struggled with not being out on the field every Saturday for a whole season. Football has always been a great way for me to deal with different stresses of life so not being able to compete was tough. Along with this, we had an 8-3 season which is considered far from acceptable in our program. Thankfully, my teammates and I used all of this as motivation and we’ve had a great three year run since then.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would most likely play hockey. I played this until my sophomore year of high school. The fast pace and physicality make it a lot of fun.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Our team achievements in my career at Mankato are what I’m most proud of. In my three years of on-field competition, we’ve lost three games total and have been one of the toughest defenses in the nation. Along with this, we competed for a national championship.
https://twitter.com/coleschroed_7/status/1096559764706942976?s=21
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Picking off Roland Rivers in the national semifinal game at Slippery Rock. This was their first drive of the game and I think it set the tone for our dominant performance that day. We gained a lot of momentum after we capitalized on the turnover.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I don’t have a favorite professional team, but my favorite players are Jamal Adams and Tyran Mathieu. These are both great players that I try to model my game after in different aspects. I like Tyran’s game specifically because of how versatile he is.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I would have to say my favorite artist is Avicii. His upbeat music gets me going and loosens me up before a game.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Definitely donuts. Krispy Kreme specifically. Glazed with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.
Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
My favorite movie is easily The Dark Knight. Ledger kills the role of the Joker. Some of the Joker’s quotes in that movie are unreal.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
I like to do anything outside that involves being active. One of my favorite hobbies is riding my four-wheeler. If I can’t be outside, I enjoy binge watching Netflix.
Who or what motivates you the most?
My family is what motivates me the most. They’ve always been there for me no matter what. Also, my hatred toward losing is a great motivator.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.