2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: DeMarkus Cunningham, LB, Alabama State College

• Title: DeMarkus Cunningham
• Place: Center Linebacker 
• School: Alabama State College 
• Top: 6’0
• Weight: 215
• Twitter: DeMarkusCunnin1
• Instagram: 1.demarkus

What makes you a high prospect at your place within the 2025 NFL Draft? 

What makes me a high prospect at my place for the 2025 draft is my distinctive versatility as a linebacker. I’ve the power to contribute each in area and within the field, making me a powerful and dependable run defender. I’m not the kind of linebacker who must be substituted out on third downs for a speed-oriented participant. I’ve the athleticism and soccer IQ to cowl all the area, starting from sideline to sideline with ease. My versatility permits me to be an asset in any defensive scheme, adapting to numerous roles as wanted. Moreover, I’m extremely coachable, all the time wanting to be taught and enhance. My work ethic is unmatched; I follow what I preach on daily basis, dedicating myself to mastering my craft each on and off the sector. This mixture of bodily means, psychological acuity, and willpower units me aside as a standout prospect for the upcoming draft.

What’s one factor that NFL groups ought to find out about you?

I would like the NFL to know that I’m not solely a sensible and devoted participant on the sector but additionally a respectful and grounded particular person off the sector. Hailing from Bessemer, Alabama, I’ve been pursuing my dream of enjoying soccer since I used to be 5 years outdated. All through my journey, I’ve confronted adversity and setbacks, however I’ve all the time managed to rebuild and push ahead, by no means letting any problem outline my path. Regardless of what number of occasions I get knocked down, I all the time discover the energy to rise once more. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to chase my desires, particularly understanding that I’ve overcome obstacles the place others may need given up. My religion has performed a major position on this journey, and I consider God has blessed me with the power to pursue my targets, regardless of the numerous obstacles which have tried to face in my manner. After I step onto the soccer area, I give my all and there aren’t any shortcuts in my method. Every part I’ve achieved has been earned via onerous work and willpower. I pleasure myself on my coronary heart, my effort, and my unwavering love for the sport. I’m dedicated to profiting from each alternative, and I’ll proceed to work relentlessly to attain my desires.

In case you might donate to at least one trigger on the earth, what would it not be? 

If there have been one trigger I might dedicate my sources to, it will be supporting the development of extra homeless shelters and nonprofit organizations that help people experiencing homelessness in getting again on their ft. I consider that everybody in life faces trials and tribulations, and nobody needs to be outlined by their struggles. It’s necessary to point out compassion and lend a serving to hand relatively than additional marginalize or convey individuals down throughout their most troublesome moments. By investing in shelters and assist providers, we will supply not solely a protected place to remain but additionally the instruments and sources mandatory for people to regain stability and rebuild their lives. I’m keen about creating alternatives for many who could also be struggling, as I do know that with the best assist, everybody has the potential to beat adversity and enhance their circumstances. Serving to these in want is a strong strategy to make a optimistic influence on the group, and I’m dedicated to being a part of that change.

Who was your position mannequin? 

Rising up, my position mannequin was Ray Lewis. Watching him play the sport was nothing in need of inspiring. His depth, ardour, and dedication to the game have been evident each time he stepped onto the sector. Ray Lewis set the usual for what it means to be a linebacker, not simply by way of physicality and efficiency, but additionally in his management and skill to encourage his teammates. He exemplified the true essence of the place and dominance within the run sport, protection versatility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Past his expertise on the sector, Lewis was an incredible chief, holding his teammates accountable and setting a tone of self-discipline, focus, and dedication. His means to encourage and lead by instance has had an enduring influence on how I method each the sport of soccer and my very own private development. Ray Lewis confirmed me that greatness isn’t just about expertise, however about effort, mentality, and the desire to push via adversity. His legacy continues to drive me to emulate those self same qualities in my very own sport and in life. 

Who’s your favourite NFL crew?

My favourite NFL crew is the Atlanta Falcons.

What’s your greatest pet peeve? 

My greatest pet peeve is when somebody makes an attempt to belittle me or undermine my worth. I consider in treating others with respect and count on the identical in return, because it’s necessary to acknowledge and respect every particular person’s price.

Who’s essentially the most underrated teammate at your faculty? 

Probably the most underrated participant on my crew is Keane Lewis, a gifted security who constantly demonstrates distinctive ability and consciousness on the sector. Keane has an intuition for the ball, and it usually appears to search out him in key moments. What stands out most about him is his means to all the time make the best play, whether or not it’s via his positioning, decision-making, or reactions. His reliability and good play steadily result in optimistic outcomes, and although his contributions could typically go unnoticed, they’re essential to the success of our protection.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the toughest second in your life to beat? 

Probably the most troublesome challenges I’ve needed to overcome was the lack of one among my closest associates simply earlier than fall camp. In that second, I used to be overwhelmed with grief and struggled to search out the motivation to interact with others or take part in something, as I used to be consumed by a way of loss. The emotional weight made it onerous to focus, and I wasn’t in the best way of thinking to joke round and even socialize. Nevertheless, deep down, one thing inside me informed me I wanted to be sturdy. I spotted that I had a accountability to my teammates, my coaches, and myself to push via that troublesome time and provides my finest effort throughout fall camp. It was a troublesome resolution, however I selected to honor my buddy’s reminiscence by persevering with to work onerous and stay dedicated to the crew. Ultimately, it taught me a precious lesson about resilience, willpower, and the significance of persevering even when confronted with private adversity.

In case you might have any franchise restaurant in your home what would it not be?

If I might have any franchise restaurant in my residence, it will be Foosackly’s. I’ve a deep appreciation for his or her meals, and I consider their menu provides a novel and satisfying eating expertise that I might take pleasure in every day.

What’s your favourite snack meals? 

My favourite snack meals are the basic yellow bag of M&Ms and Bitter Cream & Cheddar Ruffles. Each supply an ideal steadiness of flavors that I take pleasure in.

What’s your diploma in? 

I shall be graduating on December 6 with a level in Bodily Schooling.

In case you might have dinner with three individuals useless or alive, who would it not be and why? 

If I might have dinner with three individuals, it will be my grandfather, grandmother, and a detailed childhood buddy. I might cherish the chance to reconnect with them, hear their voices as soon as extra, and find out about their experiences. It could even be an opportunity for me to precise my continued willpower to finish the targets I’ve set for myself. Though their bodily presence is deeply missed, I nonetheless really feel their affect and assist all through my journey, and I would like them to know that their influence on my life continues to encourage me.

What’s your greatest weak spot?

My greatest weak spot is permitting the opinions and influences of outsiders to have an effect on me at occasions, relatively than totally blocking out the noise and staying targeted on my true function in life. I acknowledge that staying aligned with my targets and values is important, and I’m actively engaged on strengthening my means to keep up focus and keep grounded regardless of exterior distractions.