2022 NFL Prospect Interview: Lorenzo McCaskill, LB, Louisiana-Lafayette
- Name: Lorenzo McCaskill
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 230
- Position: LB
- College: University of Louisiana at Lafayette
- Twitter: bhadda
- Instagram: mccaskill_2
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?
Out of high school, I attended Holmes Community College in Mississippi. After that, I came to Louisiana where I’ve been majoring in Business Management. With football, classes and other jobs and businesses that I’ve maintained, I haven’t really had time to participate in much else.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I am a leader that holds guys accountable. I’m a loyal teammate who shows up every day and gives 100% in all that I do.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I am the leader of our team as the Mike LB and leading tackler on our defense. I’m a fast and physical LB that can play in any scheme. We run several different schemes throughout the course of the season. Coach Toney is very good at mixing it up. We can run 3 different schemes in one game. I’m also used as the tackle guy on kickoffs.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
UAB’s Spencer Brown was a tough RB. He was big, physical and a hard runner.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
The QB room is the hardest working room on our team. Levi Lewis is the leader of our team. He works hard and is very dedicated to his craft. He has impressed me the most.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Out of high school, I had made some mistakes which had cost me a lot. I had over 20 scholarship offers on the table that went away. That led me to go the JUCO route to Holmes. That was a tough environment. I saw guys lose their opportunity or even quit, yet I stayed the course and kept grinding.
As my time at Holmes was ending, I had committed to Ole Miss, but there was a lot happening at their program that I didn’t like. Coaches had gotten fired and their school went on probation. I wanted to find a school that I felt comfortable going to. Louisiana really wanted me. Coach Napier and his staff kept blowing up my phone telling me they had a spot for me in their program.
One day, I packed up and made the 20-hour drive from Detroit all by myself not telling anyone. I had my family wondering where I was. I did get in touch with them, and I was encouraged to continue my dream and attend school. I arrived in Lafayette on the weekend and had to enroll in classes that Monday.
I’ve struggled and seen a lot of people make mistakes making a few of my own along the way. Yet, taking the step of faith to remove myself from the environment that I was in and pursue my dream has been one of the best decisions of my life so far.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I was a big-time wrestler in high school making All-State. I would be a wrestler, a boxer or get into MMA. I had to stop wrestling in high school because I kept having to cut weight. That really didn’t help football, and I wanted to focus on football because that’s where I thought I had the most potential.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of being far away from home and being able to make it on my own. I’ll be the first in my family to have a college degree. And I’m just proud that I’ve stayed motivated, excelled at football and remained out of trouble.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
We started the 2020 season hot with a very exciting win over Iowa State. The next game we probably came in a bit too relaxed and were behind Georgia State in the 4th quarter. I remember sacking the QB on a 3rd down allowing our offense to have another chance to score. We tied the game up going into overtime and eventually won the game.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Some of my favorite athletes include Kobe Bryant and Lebron James. Kobe always had the right mindset for a game, and I’ve always respected Lebron for the person that he’s been off the court. Ray Lewis was a great leader on the football field that I look up to and model myself after. I also admire guys in today’s game like Devin White and Levonte David.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Tupac and Biggie will always be my top favorites. Them, Meek Mill, Lil Baby and Lil Durk are who I listen to on my game day playlist.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Tuna and crackers
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite movie is Paid in Full. Paul Walker is one of my favorite actors. Martin is a TV show that I really like.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
In my spare time, I like riding motorcycles and 4-wheelers. I also have a business where I help breed dogs. I also enjoy taking care of fish and adding them to my collection.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
My family motivates me the most. I’ve seen them struggle ever since I was young. My mom makes me work hard and keeps me going.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.