NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Maximilian Roberts, OLB, Boston College

Maximilian Roberts is an exciting OLB who played at Boston College for the 2020 season. He has shown grit while fighting through adversity previously at Maine and Fordham. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.

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 began my college career at Fordham where I received my undergraduate degree in Information Science. I then moved on to Maine and took some Communications courses. I have most recently started a Masters program at Boston College in Leadership and Administration.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
They would say my passion for the game. I’m very serious about football, and I never take a play or drill off. My teammates can feel the energy that I bring.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I see myself as a 3-4 OLB that can rush the passer and drop into coverage. I am explosive and fast and can immediately contribute at the professional level on special teams. I’ll likely begin in a rotational role as a pass rusher and work my way up the depth chart.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
At the FCS level, one of the guys that really impressed me was Isaiah Coulter who was a really fast slot receiver at Rhode Island. Although, at the Power 5, ACC level, Khalil Herbert is very impressive. He has great vision and speed.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
During my freshman and sophomore years at Fordham, I was able to play with Chase Edmonds. He is the best athlete and teammate that I’ve been around. He showed me the type of work ethic it takes to get to the next level

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Unfortunately, I’ve had to undergo 3 knee surgeries. Originally, I had suffered a meniscus injury in 2018 in a game against Charlotte while sacking their QB. I had a fairly simple procedure done and I was back on the field in 2 weeks, not missing a game due to a bye week. I ended up retearing my knee in a game against Central Connecticut State and required season ending surgery. It took a lot of rehab in order for me to get better. There was also a big mental aspect that I had to endure. I had to be patient and focus on getting better and back on the field. After my time at Fordham, I transferred to Maine played the entire 2019 season and put up 4 sacks. After that season, I had to get another surgery done. I needed a scope on my knee in order to clean things up. And honestly, I haven’t had problems since. I was able to transfer to Boston College and do very well leading the team in sacks and TFL yards.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would run track. I participated in track in high school, but it was more to keep myself in shape for football. I ran the 4x100m and 100m, but I would specialize in jumping events.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of this past season and getting to play at a Power 5 school in the ACC. I came in with virtually no camp and was able to contribute. One of the best accolades that I was able to earn was being named one of the finalists for the 2016 Jerry Rice Award for the FCS Freshman Player of the Year.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
My first game at Boston College was one of my favorites. We were playing against Texas State, and I remember having the walk through in full pads wondering how much I was going to play. I had got one and a half sacks in that game, and I had earned the respect from my teammates and coaches. I was able to confirm that I could play at the highest collegiate level. That was a very humbling experience for me, and now, I’m excited to prove myself on the professional level.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
My favorite athlete is Alvin Kamara. He has good size and confidence playing the game. Some of the guys that I model my game after would be Khalil Mack with his strength and Von Miller with his speed and quickness.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite artist is Lil Durk. I like to listen to his “Street Affection” before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
My father is Ghanian and my mother is Nigerian. My comfort food would have to be jollof rice.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite TV show is Family Guy. My favorite movie is “Equalizer”, and my favorite actor is Denzel Washington.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I guess you can say that I’m an IT nerd. I like taking computers apart and putting them back together. One of my talents is that I can juggle. One thing that’s very special about me is that I’m a Rainbow Baby. I was a miracle baby after my mom had several miscarriages.

Who or what motivates you the most?
My little brother motivates me the most. He was born premature and had developmental challenges and cerebral palsy. I give it my all for him and the rest of my family. I hope that one day when I make it big in the league that I can give back to families of children with disabilities.

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