2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kaden Roy, DE, Pittsburg State

• Name: Kaden Roy
• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 242 lbs
• Position: DE
• College: Pittsburg State University
• Instagram: @kadenroy10

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
I currently attend Pittsburg State University which is located in the southeast corner of Kansas. My experience here has been awesome. I am majoring in Human Communications and have a minor in Business Management. I’ve been involved with the Marketing Program here for a year, and I’m currently the Vice President of the Marketing Group having the responsibility of organizing meetings and such.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say my best quality would be my leadership. I’m going into my 6th year of college, and this is my second year as the team captain. I’m also President of the Leadership Council.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
Other than my leadership role, I would say that I’m an energy guy that my teammates feed off of. We recently changed the coaching staff here. I had started at the MLB position for 2 years, but now I will be a stand up outside linebacker in a 3-4. Early on in my career, I played in all special teams units. As of now, I’m playing the shield on punts, and I also play on both FG team units. I actually got a 2 point conversion last year catching a touchdown pass out of that position.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
While at South Dakota State, I went against Dallas Goedert every day in practice. He currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.

During my time here at Pittsburg State, the best player that I’ve had to face has been Zach Davidson who’s a tight end and punter at Central Missouri. I actually played with him in high school and have really seen him develop over the years. He didn’t play too much tight end coming out because he was a big time punter, but now he’s come into his own. We always list him as one of our key players to point out every time we play them.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Zech Thomas is a great offensive lineman that we have here at Pittsburg State. He’s a typical old school, ground and pound kind of athlete. He’s a tough dude that I go up against every day in practice, and he makes me a better player.

Morgan Selemaea is a great athlete that we have playing on our defense. He plays a hybrid LB/S role and consistently makes plays all over the field. He’s very fast and a really tough dude. The best story that I can tell is when he was injured and still practicing. While wearing a brace, he would do bear crawls and still win in the drill.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Transferring from South Dakota State was a challenge for me. It was where I wanted to go after high school despite it being far from home. Things didn’t work out there. At 18 years old, I wasn’t mature enough yet. I had reached a low point and really was trying to figure out what to do with my life. One day, I had decided that I was going to sign up for the military. As I went out and picked up the paperwork in Joplin, Missouri, I got a call from the head coach at the time from Pittsburg State who wanted to see if I was willing to transfer. I really haven’t looked back since.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Basketball. I fell in love with the sport at a young age. It was my favorite sport for a long time. I had a few looks from some small schools but wasn’t offered anything. I had played guard in high school. I handled the ball really well and played more of a defensive position as a rebounder. I made 2-time All-Conference and First Team All-Tournament in Southwest Missouri.

NFL Draft Diamonds 2021 Small School Rankings

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I think I’m most proud of where I’m at right now. Going from a low point in my career before my transfer to now being a well respected team leader really humbles me. I’ll also be graduating soon, and I’m very proud of that.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Last year in 2019, we played a tight game against our rival Fort Hays State. They have a very big physical offensive line. We had just scored and went up by 3 points when they got the ball back. On a 4th and short play, they handed off the ball on an inside zone and I made the stop. I tackled the RB, and the game was over. I threw my helmet and was all jacked up because we had won.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite team is the Packers. I always enjoyed watching Clay Matthews when he was on the team. Although, my favorite athlete is JJ Watt. I’m a big believer in what he stands for. He has an unmatched work ethic and a great motor. He covers a lot of ground as a relentless pass rusher.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
I’m a heavy metal guy. I listen to guys like Metallica and Motley Crue before games. I’ll also listen to some old school rap from guys like Biggie.

What is your favorite comfort food?
You can’t go wrong with macaroni & cheese. There’s a local hot spot called Chatters and their steak tips are to die for.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie right now is Lone Survivor. I also enjoy watching TV shows like Vikings and Peaky Blinders on Netflix.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I’m a country guy. I grew up with a fishing and hunting lifestyle. I’m a laid back guy who’s big into movies and enjoys a lot of old school comedies.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My biggest motivator would be not being the best. Not winning scares me to death. I don’t like to lose and that always motivates me. I want to be the best and succeed at whatever I do.