2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Stone Snyder, LB, VMI

• Name: Stone Snyder
• Height: 6’3”
• Weight: 239 lbs.
• Position: LB
• College: Virginia Military Institute
• Twitter: Stone_snyder
• Instagram: stonesnyder7

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?
VMI is very different from other schools as we also have to deal with military obligations, and wear uniforms. Every cadet at VMI lives on post in the barracks. We have extremely busy schedules and always have something to do. I’m an Economics and Business major, and it’s definitely not easy, but I really enjoy it.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
That I’m a genuine leader that has everyone’s best interest in mind. I think having a great relationship with each of your teammates makes the team closer which I try to do. I want all of my teammates to succeed and reach their potential.

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 leader and someone that my teammates can look up to and come to for guidance. I think middle linebacker is the perfect position for my skill set because of my size, physicality, instincts, and ability to run sideline to sideline. I believe that a good Mike linebacker sets the tone of a good defense, and their ability to lead can take teams to a new level.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Montrell Washington from Samford who just got drafted this year. The SoCon is also stacked with running backs like Quay Holmes, and Ailym Ford who are also studs.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Aljareek Malry. The statement “the way you do anything is the way you do everything” is extremely true for Al. Whether it’s school or football, he works his ass off and makes everyone around him better. He’s going to have a huge year and will be on everyone’s radar if he isn’t already.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
At VMI, every freshman has to go through the rat line for 6 months, they shave your head, take away your phone, and give you orders. It’s a very difficult time for everyone, and makes being a college athlete that much harder. Being able to deal with military obligations, school, ratline, and football all at the same time was hard but made me mentally stronger and I’m thankful for it.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball, Basketball, or Lacrosse. I played baseball all growing up but stopped when I got to high school, I definitely wish I would’ve kept playing. I also played basketball all growing up and also stopped once I got to high school. I still love to play in my free time.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Being a Division 1 athlete and receiving a great education. Both are things that not many people get to do and I’m extremely blessed to be doing both.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
In the 2021 spring season we were playing the Citadel, our rivals, in the last regular season game of the season and if we won, we were Southern Conference champs and heading to the playoffs for the first time in school history. On the last drive I got a sack that sealed the game, definitely a special moment I won’t forget.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
I grew up a diehard Ravens fan and still am. Ray Lewis was my biggest inspiration growing up and is the reason I wear number 5 now. I started out playing linebacker when I was younger wearing 52, when I began to play running back as well, I dropped the 2 and kept the 5. I love watching film of Ray Lewis and Luke Keuchly. I admire their mindsets, physicality, and football IQ. Early prediction: Ravens win the Super Bowl this year.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Pop Smoke, Lil Baby, D Savage, 21 Savage, Drake. On gameday, I start off by listening to chill music then as it gets closer to kickoff I amp it up and get in the zone

What is your favorite comfort food?
I would say steak and a baked potato for sure.

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?

My favorite movie is probably The Other Guy. Will Ferrell is my favorite actor. Stranger Things, Breaking Bad, and Dexter are the best shows I’ve watched.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing basketball, hiking, cooking, video games, and watching TV. A secret talent of mine is that I’m really good with mental math.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
Football was my first love, and it has continued to grow since I began playing. I love every aspect of it from the grind, the competitiveness, and camaraderie. I’ve met my best friends through football. I think the greatest part of football is the togetherness of the team, when you have a group of guys who are pushing themselves and each other towards a common goal, nothing can beat that. My family and teammates motivate me the most, they’re constant support pushes me to go harder.