Every year, the NFL draft features a handful of talented prospects from smaller college football programs who make a big impact at the next level. South Dakota defensive lineman Kameron Cline has the talent to be one of those players in the 2020 class.
Cline recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his impressive college career, why he’s not concerned about the “small-school” label, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in this year’s draft.
JM: You had a great career at South Dakota. How do you look back on your time there?
KC: I had so many learning experiences throughout my time at South Dakota. I grew a lot in my time there. I’m so thankful to everybody at South Dakota that had a positive impact on my life. I’ll never forget the time that I spent there.
JM: Is your skill set currently more advanced as a run defender or as a pass rusher?
KC: As of right now, I’m more advanced in the run game. Becoming a better pass rusher is something that I’m currently working on. I wanna master the art of rushing the passer. I definitely feel like I currently make a bigger impact in the run game though.
JM: What are you looking to add to your game as a pass rusher?
KC: I’m working on putting together a more consistent arsenal of go-to moves. As of right now, my skills as a pass rusher are centered around getting off the ball as quickly as possible. It’s all about snap anticipation for me. It’s about executing my moves after that.
JM: What scheme did you primarily play in at South Dakota? What did your coaches ask of you?
KC: It’s tough for me to answer that question because we went through multiple defensive coordinators in my time there. We didn’t really have that consistency. I played for three different defensive coordinators and in four different schemes. We played some 4-3 and 3-4. I was comfortable with everything we ran. I’m a quick learner and I can adapt with ease.
JM: Is there a scheme that you’d be excited to play in at the next level?
KC: I enjoyed playing in the 4-3. I played three-technique in the 4-3. I felt good in that. If it was up to me, I’m comfortable at defensive end or defensive tackle. I’m happy to play wherever. I prefer a 4-3 defense though.
JM: Do you expect to be moved around all over the defensive line at the next level?
KC: It’s not up to me. I know that I have the skills to make it work. I played just about every position on our D-line at South Dakota. I’ve bulked up over the last few months. I’m currently at 6-4, 295 pounds. That’s a big difference for me. I played last season closer to 270. I’m versatile enough to move all over the line.
JM: Were you able to get in any private visits or workouts before the COVID-19 outbreak shut everything down?
KC: The virus came at the worst time. We had some things set up that we were excited about. It’s all good, there’s more important things in life. I had top-30 visits scheduled with the Minnesota Vikings and Indianapolis Colts that we had to cancel.
JM: Have all of your pre-draft meetings moved online or over the phone? Who have you spoken with?
KC: I’ve already spoken with the Colts. The Vikings meeting that was scheduled to be a top-30 visit will occur over the phone now as well. I’ve also spoken to the Packers, Jets and Texans.
JM: What’s your favorite part about playing on the defensive line?
KC: My favorite part about playing on the defensive line is that it allows me to use my strength to overpower and dominate my opponent. I love playing in the trenches. I’m always looking to do my job and execute at a high level.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize your opponent down in the trenches?
KC: Sitting them down on the ground is always the best way to demoralize them (laughs). It’s about overpowering and dominating them. It sends a message that I’m quicker and stronger than you are. That’s the best way.
JM: How do you respond to the “small-school” label?
KC: I’ve gotten the small school stuff before. It’s a label that I’ve heard before. I would just tell them to put the tape on. I’ve played against many top level guys throughout my time at South Dakota. I showed up in those big games. I played well against top competition. I showed up versus the best offensive linemen I went up against. I’ve always been confident that I could hang with the best.
JM: Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Kameron Cline?
KC: A team should use one of their draft picks on me because I’m a reliable player to have both on and off the field. I’m going to continue to commit my entire life to this game. I’m a big, athletic guy that moves well for my size.
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