The Guardian of the Gridiron
The sport of football demands every ounce of greatness to be successful. Each position requires a unique skill set of capabilities that can separate the greatest athletes from mediocrity. Offensive tackle requires a unique combination of size, strength, and intelligence to protect their Quarterback against elite edge rushers. Protecting a Quarterback’s blind side, especially against some of the greatest athletes on the field is a very daunting task, however down in Fayetteville, North Carolina Mike Todd Jr. has faced the challenge head-on and thrived in the face of adversity.
“This is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time,” – Mike Todd Jr.
Standing at 6’6 295 pounds, Todd embodies intimidation within the trenches. The four-time All-conference left tackle possesses all the tools necessary to thrive at the professional level. Todd’s rare blend of agility and power makes him a true nightmare to line up against. His consistency in pass protection aligns him to stick to his opponents while simultaneously exploding his defenders off the ball during the run game. One look at his film tells the story that he is dreaming of writing. Elite footwork, accurate hand placement, and explosiveness in space make him a weapon in a zone blocking and getting out of space.
Mike Todd Jr. simply plays with an unmatched motor as he punishes his defenders and imposes his will until the echo of the whistle. His dominating play style has led him to be a three-time team captain which is a spitting image of his unwavering leadership and unmatchable work ethic. As Todd has his sights set on the 2025 NFL Draft, there is no doubt that this is simply the beginning of a special story. Mike Todd Jr. recently sat down for an interview to discuss his trials, tribulations, development, and what fuels his motivation to make it to the next level.
Elite Competition
When asked about the most well-rounded defender he’s faced, Todd immediately pointed to Joshua Pryor from Bowie State University. Todd faced off against Josh Pryor who was named the 2022 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association defensive player of the year and broke records for Bowie State with 32 career sacks and 77 tackles for loss as a true freshman. “He was a force,” Todd admits, “but I think I handled him pretty well.” Going against such an elite talent as a true freshman undoubtedly propelled Todd to the elite lineman that he is today.
Skill Development
Mike Todd Jr. had plenty of coaches who poured into him and helped him develop. Coaching has an enormous influence on a player’s success, Todd immediately went on to name Coach Richardson as his most influential mentor during his journey so far.
The Fayetteville State head coach took the driver’s seat and led the Bronchos to become a powerhouse ever since 2015. “He was a good man, and a great coach” Todd boasted. ” He always pushed us mentally and physically, letting us know nothing would be handed to us. He allowed me to be a team captain for three years, and every year was different.” The stats speak for themselves when it comes to the powerful leadership coach Richardson helped carve into the entire program. The 2018 CIAA coach of the year has led the Bronchos to six total appearances in the conference championship game with them hoisting the trophy up in 2022.
The HBCU Experience & Glory
Having the opportunity to play for an HBCU comes with a rich football culture. When it comes to Todd, the work put in when nobody sees is just as valuable as the victories. “The days I put in when nobody was watching- that’s what it’s all about,” he states. “Winning a championship in 2022 was a moment no one can take away from me.”
Run Game Mauler or Pass Protection Technician?
When asked his preference between dominating in pass protection or the run game, Todd confidently answered: “I can do both well, but dominating in the run game breaks a defender down. I’d rather run the clock personally.”
Strengths And Areas for Growth
Todd prides himself on his physicality and technique but is always looking for ways to improve between the white lines. “I’m working on being more versatile in other positions like a guard, “he says, showing his willingness to adapt and increase his draft stock and knowledge at the next level”.
The Unsung Heroes of Football
Being an offensive lineman means that you sacrifice your glory for others to get theirs. When asked about his perspective, Todd instead took an optimistic approach. “Being physical-knowing the game starts in the trenches- if you’re great at what you do, the shine will come,” he declares.
Film Breakdown and Study
Film within football is viewed as the answer to a test. Using it to take advantage of your opponents and know the smallest indicators is what will elevate players’ game to a new horizon. Mike Todd Jr. not only uses film for his opponent but also for himself as well. ” I watch my steps and hand placement to see where I can improve,” he explains. “I also study defenders to analyze their moves. Just studying the game makes a huge difference.”
Elite Pass Rushers
Elite pass rushers push the pace and can switch the momentum of a football game in seconds. Whether facing off against an elite speed rusher or a heavy bull rusher, Todd has a strategic plan for both threats. “Against heavy bull rushers, I try to get my hands on them early to shut it down. Against speed guys, I vertically set out to create space.” This approach has set Todd Jr. up for success as his fundamentals have led him to greatness.
Victory and Accomplishments
Todd has seen his success as well as team victories as well, when asked about his opinion on both, he went on to give his teammates the credit for everything. “Things don’t always go your way but keep working- it will all work out. I wouldn’t have been All-Conference four times without my teammates. They helped me in so many ways, and I thank them for believing in me.”
Determination
When asked what drives him to be so successful and work as hard as he does, he highlights three things, faith, family, and hard work. “This is something I’ve been dreaming about for a long time,” Todd declared. Outside of personal dreams and goals, he has a determining factor that takes him to the next level. “Always my guy Queise Coleman, Big 32- he didn’t get to live out the dream we talked about, so I’ll always remember him when I’m playing.”
What’s On the Horizon?
With the 2025 NFL Draft slowly creeping up, Todd is elevating his game in hopes of taking his talents to the professional level. His mentality, size, and technique propel him into the limelight when it comes to success at the next level. Whether giving the Quarterback time to deliver strikes down the field or moving people against their will in the run game, he has all the tools that all 32 NFL teams need to push their programs forward. Mike Todd Jr’s path from Fayetteville State to the NFL has proven to the next generation of athletes that every ounce of hard work that you put in will be reciprocated. Soon, the entire football world will take notice of who Mike Todd Jr. is.
Written By: Kaleb J. Chester
Instagram: @FalconsBlitzsm
X: @Falconsblitzsm
[…] a Brotherhood: Kameron King opted into Fayetteville State not solely because of football, but also for the unity, culture, and […]