I believe my football IQ, technique, physicality, speed, and discipline make me a strong prospect at the defensive back position. I’m a two-time All-Conference defensive back who takes pride in understanding the game, competing at a high level, and being disciplined in my assignments. I’m also versatile and confident in my ability to contribute at different positions in the secondary. I believe my athletic ability, work ethic, and willingness to learn give me the tools to compete at the next level.
Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced was dealing with a shoulder injury and having to work my way back onto the field. I had a decision to make, but I chose to stay committed, keep working, and earn my opportunity back. I eventually returned and started the rest of the season. I’ve also experienced losing my starting spot after a difficult performance, but instead of making excuses, I worked harder, earned it back, and was named Player of the Week. Those experiences taught me to stay mentally tough and never let setbacks define me.
What are your hobbies outside of football?
Outside of football, I enjoy working out, staying in shape, spending time with my daughter and family, playing video games, and listening to music. I also enjoy focusing on recovery and taking care of my body. Family time is especially important to me because it gives me a chance to enjoy life outside of football.
What role do you see yourself playing at the next level? I see myself as a versatile defensive back who can contribute at multiple positions in the secondary. I’m willing to play corner, safety, or wherever the coaching staff believes I can help the team. I can also see myself playing Nickel because I feel my athletic ability, football IQ, and physicality fit well with that role. I understand the importance of special teams and would embrace that responsibility. My goal is to be dependable and make an impact in whatever role I’m given.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
I would donate to organizations that help underprivileged children and families. I believe every child deserves an opportunity to chase their dreams, regardless of their circumstances. As a father, I understand how important it is for children to have support, guidance, and positive role models. I would love to help create opportunities for the next generation.
How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?
I handle coaching by staying open-minded, listening, and understanding that criticism is part of getting better. I don’t take being corrected personally because I know coaches are trying to help me improve. Even if I’m told something multiple times, I make it a point to apply the correction and show improvement. I’m coachable, accountable, and always willing to learn because I know there’s always room to get better.
Who is the most underrated teammate at your school? I would say Raheim Ross. I respect his work ethic, dedication, and drive to constantly become better, not just as a football player but as a man. He’s someone who puts in the work, stays committed to improving, and continues to push himself. I believe the mindset and determination he brings every day deserve more recognition.
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them?
I would choose LeBron James, Jalen Ramsey, and Kobe Bryant. I would choose LeBron because of his longevity, leadership, and ability to maintain success at the highest level. I would choose Jalen Ramsey because I play defensive back, and I’d love to hear about his mindset, preparation, confidence, and approach to competing against the best receivers. Lastly, I would choose Kobe Bryant because of his mentality, discipline, work ethic, and dedication to becoming great. I believe I could learn something valuable from each of them that I could apply to both football and life.
If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?
The most likely reason would be that I wasn’t performing at the level expected of me or wasn’t executing my assignments consistently. I understand that football is a performance-based business, and nobody is guaranteed a starting spot. I would take accountability, ask what I need to improve, and get back to work. I’ve been in that position before, and I know how to respond by putting in the work to earn my spot back.
Walk me through your typical pre-game routine. My pre-game routine starts when I wake up. I like to read my Bible and pray before doing anything else because it helps me stay grounded and mentally prepared. After that, I stretch, visualize myself making plays during the game, and eat a decent-sized breakfast so I have energy without feeling too full. I usually have a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwich. On the way to the locker room, I listen to music through my headphones to get focused and ready to compete.
What is your favorite snack food?
I have a sweet tooth, so I enjoy Swedish Fish and Chips Ahoy cookies. I also like pretty much any flavor of Ruffles chips, usually with a bottle of water. I like having a mix of something sweet and something salty.
What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?
I feel I can fit into multiple defensive schemes because of my versatility and football IQ. I especially like schemes that allow defensive backs to be physical, communicate, and make plays in both man and zone coverage. I believe I can adapt to different defensive systems and learn whatever responsibilities the coaching staff needs me to handle.
What is your degree in? I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Eastern New Mexico University, and I’m currently pursuing my master’s degree in Counseling. Education has always been important to me, and I take pride in continuing to grow academically while pursuing my football career.
What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?
The first thing I would want to do is make a meaningful purchase for my daughter and family. They’ve been a big part of my journey, and I want to make sure they can enjoy the rewards of the hard work and sacrifices that helped me get to that point. Providing a better future for my daughter is one of my biggest motivations.
Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?
I’ve had games where I didn’t perform the way I expected or made mistakes that affected my performance. Instead of letting those moments carry over, I focus on understanding what went wrong, taking accountability, and correcting it. I’ve learned that one mistake doesn’t define you as a player. What matters is how you respond, and I use those experiences as motivation to prepare harder and perform better the next time I’m on the field.
Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist? My playlist usually includes music from Noodah05 and Hunxho. I enjoy listening to their music because it helps me get in the right mindset and stay energized. After that, I usually shuffle through different songs depending on my mood. I’m not limited to just one type of music.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?
