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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Gannon Grider, OL, Benedictine University (IL)

Gannon Grider the star offensive lineman from Benedictine University (IL) recently sat down with Justin Berendzen of Draft Diamonds.
Gannon Grider the star offensive lineman from Benedictine University (IL) recently sat down with Justin Berendzen of Draft Diamonds.
  • Name: Gannon Grider
  • Position: OL
  • College: Benedictine University (Illinois)
  • Height: 6’6″
  • Weight: 308 lbs
  • Twitter: @gannongrider12
  • Instagram: @gannon.grider

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Growing up there was not a second when football was not in my life. Watching my Dad who coached for 33 years and coached both my brothers made me fall in love with the game. Growing up I always wanted to be like them and that’s when I knew I wanted to play football.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments from football would have to be the past two years. I’ve been grateful enough to be able to play the last two years next to one of my roommates, line up across from one of them and block for the other. Just being able to play on the same field as them has been a blessing, they are a huge part of my life.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

I’m looking to achieve my goal of playing at the next level. The end goal would be to make it to the NFL and become a household name, but wherever I end up I just want to be able to continue to play the sport I love.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

One person I would love to hang out with for the day would be Jason Kelce. There’s so much to learn from a guy who has been in the NFL for over 10 years. I love the way he plays and how he leaves everything on the field. So to be able to sit down with him and learn about how he became the man he is would be amazing.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

The family member that inspires me the most would be my mom. She is the reason I am the man I am today. She has supported me endlessly through whatever I have chosen to do over the years. She’s the reason I never quit when the going gets tough. She was a stay at home mom for many years and then went back to school to get her degree while raising 4 kids, and is now getting another degree. She shows me every day that if you set your mind to something nobody can stop you.

What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?

My favorite style of offense would have to be spread. I love being in pass pro and having 1 on 1s. Knowing that it’s me versus the opponent lined up across from me brings a certain type of energy that I love.

What should we know about Gannon Grider the person?

I would say that some of the main things to know about me are that I’m a huge family person. I value the people in my life a lot and appreciate everything they have done for me. I love to give to others and help where I can. I’m a very driven and hard working person.

What stands out about your film the most?

I think the thing that stands out about my film the most would be my athleticism. As a tackle, we do not pull very much but when I do, I get after it and come with a full head of steam. I love getting into the open field and blocking for my teammates.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I think the best way to handle challenges thrown at you is to take them head on. You can not run from your problems, they will just follow you and grow bigger. There will always be challenges that seem too big to handle but you just gotta slow down and take it step by step.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get an athletic offensive linemen who is strong in the passing game and can move very well. I’m a very coachable player who takes what is taught and uses it on the field. I’m a leader on and off the field. At the end of the day, I just want to win, whatever my role is on the team that can get the win I will take pride in it.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The thing I love most about football is the life lessons it teaches you and the relationships you make along the way. I’ve made so many relationships here at Benedictine that will stay with me through the rest of my life and I am grateful for that. Football has also taught me how to handle adversity. There will always be ups and downs, but as long as you keep your head high and keep working things will get better.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated teammate I played with would have to be Tyler Jarnagin. He was my QB at Benedictine University for 4 years. He can throw the ball, run the ball and do whatever it takes to win the game. He is one of the best QB’s in D3 in my opinion.

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