Name: Isaiah Ward
School: McKendree University
Position: DL
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 270
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
The goals I set out was to get back to being a dominant football player. My freshman year I earned All-Conference honors, but my sophomore year and junior year I didn’t elevate my game as I would have liked, so for my last year I wanted to get back to my old ways being a dominant football player.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
I took advantage of the extra year because within the first week of the Covid season in the spring I ended up breaking my wrist so I was able to give my body the rest it needed. I say this because for me there is no off-season because I am always working on my craft and in the weight room. The extra year helped clear my mind and visualize what I wanted to achieve.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
My coaches and teammates would say that I am a gritty and hardworking type of player. They would also say I am a leader, but a silent leader because I lead through my actions and my non-verbal communications.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
When studying film I like to focus on my get off, my pad level, and the placement of my hands. When pass rushing I like to focus on the movement of my hands. I like to watch if my hands are constantly moving.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
What separates me from other pro prospects is that before I was a defensive lineman I used to play running back, so I have really good ankle mobility and bending edges. When you cut on the film you very rarely find me on the ground.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
For the off-season I am doing it old school because I am in my last semester of school, so I am in working out in an old fashioned gym, but my weight lifting coach here at Mckendree did give me a packet of workouts to do to help me get ready for any professional opportunity that comes my way.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
The strengths and abilities I bring on the field is that I have the first man and last one to leave mentality. I am always ready to work and get some work in. I am steadily pushing my teammates to get better because I am always putting the collective of the team unit over the priority of the individual. Off the field I always tell my teammates and coaches they can always come and talk to me about anything that they have going on. Also I am always willing to help out in any way. I have been taught to help others since I was a kid and so if I have the means to help I always will.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
My final pitch is that I have chosen the route of playing overseas and I would like to say I am 1 of 1 and I know that statement has been regurgitated a plethora of times, but for me it is something I take wholeheartedly.