2022 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: William Waddell, OL, Western Illinois University

• Name: William Waddell
• Position: OL
• College: Western Illinois
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 298
• Twitter: @lakejackkid

Coming out of high school, what teams showed the most interest?

Coming out of high school my top five schools were Tennessee State, Mississippi State, Florida
International, and Grambling State. I took officials to Grambling, Tennessee State, and FIU.

How was the recruiting process? Was it difficult?

My recruiting process started my sophomore year of high school with Grambling being my first
offer. Yes, the recruiting process was very different, it was kind of a mental test to see how much you love the game. Recruiting coaches can call you one day then the next nothing it will definitely mess with your mind.

What was the biggest factor in the recruting process?

The biggest factors to me in my process were to make sure I would be on a full ride and it was a place where I can succeed and win championships.

What was the most interesting part of the recruiting process?

The most interesting part of my process was just seeing who was going to contact me. It’s kind of like the waiting game of Christmas. You know you’re going to get a present, and you know what you want exactly but don’t know if you’re actually going to get it.

Did you have any bad sales pitches from schools?

The worst recruiting sales pitch I have heard probably came most recently when I just entered the transfer portal. A coach told me that my national championship at my old school (Grambling State) didn’t really mean anything and to come to win a real one.

Where did you commit first?

Well before I signed to Grambling I was committed to going to Florida International University but due to my ACT scores I was unable to get into the institution, so I decided to sign to Grambling State University it had so much tradition and it just felt like home.

What advice would you give to new recruits?

To any current recruits, I would say find time to turn your phone off and take a breath, it can be a long and tiring process you have to find time for yourself so you don’t over-stress the whole process. As well you will know when you have found the right school just trust in yourself and your support system.

What was your least favorite part of the recruing process?

My least favorite part of the recruiting process was just the unknowns, you can find yourself playing different scenarios out but just not knowing for sure. I personally believe the recruiting process now is a lot more open and easier for student-athletes to gain exposure, when I was coming out of high school social media was just beginning to put a spotlight on athletes.

Who was the best recruiting coach?

The best recruiting coach to me was coach Mickey Joseph who is at LSU now, he kept it real, and was always here if I had any questions or problems. I believe to be a great recruiter it takes true integrity, always be honest with the student-athlete you are trying to recruit. Nobody wants to be lied to.

If you had to go through the recruiting process again, what would you change?

If I could go through it again would I? Well, I did I transferred from Grambling to Western Illinois
University. Yes, I would definitely have made sure my grades were on point.