2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Ian McCullough, DT, Northeastern State University

• Name: Ian McCullough 
• Position: Defensive tackle/ Nose tackle 
• College: Northeastern State University 
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 280
• Twitter: @IanMcCullough93
• Instagram: @ian_mccullough93

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2022 NFL Draft?

I believe what makes me a top prospect at my position is that I have a well-rounded game to my style of play. I feel like I can plug up gaps as well as make big-time plays. I have a great run-stopping presence on the field that makes it hard for O-linemen to block me. 

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I was 6 years old when I took an Interest in football and fell in love with the game.  

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

My motor never stops as a player I keep going and going till the final whistle. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

Liver cancer research because so many people pass away from liver cancer with no cure and if we are able to have more research and treatments for it we can start to save lives. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I ever received was to just be myself and let things come naturally with hard work. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero was my grandma. She always provided for us and always made sure we never had to struggle with anything. She is my idol and someone I aspire to be like one day. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

I have to say Damion Dover this kid works harder than anyone I have ever met. He never makes excuses and comes ready every day. I think this kid will be something special in the future. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is when people slack off and not give it they’re all. I always remind people that we are only given 24 hours a day and what we do with that will determine if we are great or not. 

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

The hardest moment I had to overcome was having my shoulder surgery. It leads me into a dark place of depression that I never knew I could feel. I had everything going for me and had made so many leaps and strides in my game for it to be all taken away. But I had a friend who lifted me up and helped me better myself to get back to an elite status of playing football. I overcame so much and realized what it meant to truly live life to the fullest and give it everything you have because nothing is promised and things can be taken away from us in a heartbeat. This made me overcome so much with a positive mindset and made me feel like I can make anything happen with hard work and dedication. 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

Northeastern State University is special to me because when covid hit and all my other offers went out the door they showed me love and gave me a chance that I need to prove to the world that I can be great and excel at anything put my mind too. Northeastern State University is more than just a school it is a giant family that supports one another. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorite snack food is probably mangos and strawberry’s. 

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football is you get to step away from reality and block all the noise out from life and enjoy the game with your brothers. Football is a game of family and commitment to one another. It’s a special game because you have to trust and believe in one another to do their jobs as a whole unit. 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

My work ethic and leadership skills stand out from everyone, which makes it hard for people to stop me. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

I like to compare my self to Poona Ford. I have a similar game to him and have a motor that does not stop. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

I’d have dinner with Elon Musk, my grandma and my mom. The reason I would have dinner with all 3 of these people is because they are successful and have great advice and can teach me things in life that will make me better for the next 40-50 years of my life