Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Nate Willis, DB, University of Kentucky

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name? 

Nate Willis 

What is your Height/Weight?

6’0 183lb 

What is your position?

CB/Safety 

Where do you play college football?

Arizona Western Junior College/University of Kentucky 

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

0, I didn’t play football in HS, I played basketball  so that is why I attended Arizona Western to start my college career. 

How did you choose your school?

I chose Kentucky because Coach Stoops had recruited me and had success  as a defensive minded coach 

Where are you from?

Belle Glades, FL/Pahokee, FL 

Who is your role model, and why?

Sean Taylor, his passion for the game and how he changed the safety position, playing safety in junior college especially made me look up to him 

Have any scouts met with you yet, and if so what are they saying?

I have spoken to multiple teams so far, and they like me playing a variety of different positions as a DB and Safety 

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Basketball 

Did you play any other positions in football?

WR/ KR/PR 

At your position, what separates you from others?

My athleticism, and knowledge of the game gives me the ability to play either corner or Safety.  I love to come downfield and make a tackle which many corners struggle with. 

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

Looking for any weakness or tendency/pattern a qb/receiver and o linemen do over and over again. 

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Dorial Green-Beckham 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

Vontae Davis, he is a smooth corner that can make any tackle on the field.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

Being overlooked/underdog my entire life and proving people wrong time and time again.  I was told I would never being able to play college football and ended up playing Division 1 football and in the best conference (SEC) 

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Watching football highlights of some of my favorite players on youtube and of my opponents I am about to face 

What is your biggest strength?

Knowledge for the game and seeing plays develop and knowing where to be and being a great teammate and role model for the younger guys.  I am always trying to help my teammates and make everyone around me better.

What is your biggest weakness?

Losing, I absolutely hate losing and it takes me a few days to get back right.  It just motivates me more both on and off the field.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

I am a great teammate, role model , and give my all every second I am on the field or in the gym.  I have been treated as an underdog my whole life so I appreciate any opportunity I am given and make sure that I give everything I do 110%