Shamdu Nalls
Offensive Lineman
Virginia Union
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Shamdu Nalls: Currently, I am 6’4, 315 and I ran a 5.1 forty over the summer.
Alex Khvatov: Where will you be training for the NFL Draft?
Shamdu Nalls: I am training at Retro Fitness in Baltimore, Maryland.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall experience at the FCS Bowl all-star game in Daytona Beach, FL.
Shamdu Nalls: It went well. I played well. It was great to play against higher level of competition. It was at a much faster pace. I learned a lot from the coaches. The guys who were down there took it seriously. All of the players were pursuing the chance to play at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: You got an invitation to play at the 2019 Tropical Bowl all-star game. How do you feel about that opportunity?
Shamdu Nalls: I am honored. I feel I got to display what I was capable of at the FCS Bowl. I got recognized. Now I will play against D-I level guys. I am blessed for every opportunity where I get to showcase my talent. I feel like the underdog.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Shamdu Nalls: I went to St. Francis academy my senior year. It was a private school. I played well. I talked to different teams like Penn State and Villanova called about me.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Virginia Union University?
Shamdu Nalls: My mom didn’t really know how the whole process went. My grades weren’t as good as they should be. My family members never went to college. I wanted to play football and get a full ride. Virginia Union was the only school that offered.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Shamdu Nalls: I display my athleticism, speed and aggressiveness at the point of attack. I like to run block. I am blocking guys all the way to the whistle. I bring the attitude and the demeanor.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Shamdu Nalls: Hand placement and consistency on every single play. I need to be close to perfection. I also need to work on my stance. There is always room to improve.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career to us.
Shamdu Nalls: I was a four-year starter. I started at RG my freshman year. I played LT for three consecutive years after that. I was an All-Conference player three years in a row. I was an All-American and All-Region. We accomplished a lot as a team. The school produced all-conference players. I never won the ring, but we made it to the playoffs. I was on the watch list for Black CFB Player of the Year Award this year.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Shamdu Nalls: The biggest accomplishment was being named team captain. I was recognized by the coaches. They trusted me. I was a leader. They trusted me to make calls and leading the OL. I was the voice on the team. It meant a lot to me.
Alex Khvatov: What have you learned the most from your coaching staff?
Shamdu Nalls: Consistently work and always get better. Don’t get complacent. Better yourself every day as a man. Be accountable in everything you do.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Shamdu Nalls: I am from New York. I am a big Giants fan.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Shamdu Nalls: I love to watch Trent Williams. He is an animal. He turns on that switch. He is aggressive and dominant force on every play. He is so strong at the point of attack. He is aggressive and vicious.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for an OL?
Shamdu Nalls: You have to work as a unit. All five O-linemen need to be on the same page all the time. I have to help the other guy, and he has to help me. We all have to know the plays and communicate out there.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Shamdu Nalls: Looking at where the DL eyes are. A lot of the times, the DL gives away the gap where he is going. His stance also gives it away. I am looking at the hands and the eyes.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next
season?
Shamdu Nalls: Safety #5 Sterling Hammond has a really high IQ. He is always in the right place at the right time. He makes key plays. S Quantaye Battle knows where the ball is at. He is aggressive and fast. He is not afraid to hit. RB #9 Tabyus Taylor was a sophomore. He gained over 2,000 all-purpose yards and scored over 20+TD’s.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Shamdu Nalls: I would have to say that it is my own teammate. Miles Pace who transferred here from UCF. He had great bend. Going against him in practice made me better prepared on Saturday.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Shamdu Nalls: I love to go out there with my brothers and play. You don’t have a worry in the world. You have fun. You play as a unit. I love to go and suit up.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your biggest role model and why?
Shamdu Nalls: Martin Luther King Jr. He was a guy who was driven to change the world. He wanted people to gain knowledge and show no violence. He never gave up on a dream. He never stopped.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Shamdu Nalls: Spend time with family. I also love music.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Shamdu Nalls: I got a degree in finance and banking. I want to go back to school. I want to open up a financial firm and advise athletes.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Shamdu Nalls: Work ethic, determination, intelligent, easy going and selfless.
Alex Khvatov: Who will win Super Bowl LIII in February?
Shamdu Nalls: Patriots. They always pull through. Tom Brady is always clutch in these situations.
