2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Edouard Paradis, OG, Houston Christian University

• Name: Edouard Paradis
• Position: OG
• College: Houston Christian University
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 313
• Twitter: @EdouardParadis
• Instagram: @eddy_p74

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

• It’s the way I play football. I’m very physical, powerful and nasty. I’m a mauler and I like to run block and to pass block. What makes me different than others, is how I finish my blocks. 

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

• I started watching football around the age of 15-16 years old. I knew I wanted to play football, when I watched the movie The Blind Side about the story of Michael Oher. 

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

•  I have the best work ethic. I’m a very disciplined athlete and I know what to put first in order to be successful and I am very committed to the things that I start. 

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

• I would later like to help foundations that help children or adults suffering from mental illness. My brother faces many challenges at this level, and I know that families need help as much as the individuals who face all these challenges every day.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

• To be patient. You don’t have to rush the things in life, just trust the process and you will get the result that you want.

Who was your childhood hero? 

• Michael Oher. He’s the reason why I started playing football and playing my football in the USA. 

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

• Brennan Young. When I came to HCU 3 years ago, he was the guy that I wanted to look at to be successful. He was the best captain that we had the past three years, and he gave everything he had to this program. His leadership inspired me to do the same for my football journey.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

• Negative vibes.

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

• I’m from Levis, Canada. Throughout my education journey I faced a lot of challenges. I was not the best student, and it was hard for me to succeed. Five years ago, I left home to achieve my dream of playing football in the USA. I went to New Mexico Military Institute (Juco) for 2 years. I didn’t know a single word in English at that time and I had to figure it out quickly in order to get my degree. Now, when I look back to my journey in the USA, I have an Associate degree in Arts, a Bachelor in Kinesiology and Sports Management with academic mention and I’m doing my MBA currently at HCU. I’m very proud of myself and the struggles that I overcame through those 5 years.

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

• HCU is a very unique school. It’s a small private Christian school, but you can find the best Strength & Conditioning coach in the country: Trevor Kana. The best sports medical staff in the country: Kellie Lowe and Richie Valdes. Being away from home mostly 10-11 months per year, they took care of me during rough time like covid and welcomed me into their life like I was a member of their family. They truly made a difference during my college years. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

• Doritos

What is the best part of football? 

• Being physical, violent and bullying people without getting in trouble.

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

• Do not go where the path leads. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

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

• Richie Incognito

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

• Barack Obama: He is one the smartest human being and he is very charismatic. I think I would have a great time talking and learning from him.
• Michael Oher: Just meet with my icon and talk about football and his stories.

Hayley Wickenheiser: She is an outstanding hockey player that led Canada to four Olympic gold medals and was recently introduced to the Hockey Hall of Fame. On top of that, she became a doctor, and she is now the assistant general manager of the Toronto Maple Leaf. She is truly inspiring