2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Phoenix Sproles, WR, North Dakota State University

• Name: Phoenix Sproles
• Position: Wide Receiver 
• College: North Dakota State University 
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 190lbs
• Twitter: @PSproles
• Instagram: @phoenix_sproles

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

My ability to make plays and be consistent in getting my assignment done. Weather it’s running a certain route or blocking the safety on a run play. My efficiency catching the ball when it’s thrown my way. Not going down from the first hit. Lastly, my leadership, helping others and pushing others to their full potential.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

3rd grade, 9 years old. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

The team wouldn’t get good football players but also an even better person. I love getting involved in the community and helping those who may not have the opportunities I had. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

Kids/people with disabilities. These people didn’t choose to not be able to speak or walk or whatever it may be. If I have the money or power to help their lives even just a little I’d do it!

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

“No one cares, work harder”.  I’ve been through adversity in my career and it’s not up for people to feel bad for me, it’s on my shoulders now I’m going to respond and get back up!

Who was your childhood hero? 

My cousin, Darren Sproles. As soon as I was old enough to understand who he was and what he did for the game of football, I wanted to be a professional football player from that moment on. 

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

Zach Mathis. Another wide receiver who missed some time due to injury but has the skill set at 6’6’ to move like a 5’8 receiver. Good hands, and speed. Fluent in his cuts and can block.

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

When people don’t put things back how they originally found them!

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

Tore my ACL in high school. Those 9 months were a battle every day but I know appreciate those moments because they made me who I am today and they laid the foundation on how I attack adversity now.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

NDSU is a special place. We work harder, discipline harder, and love each other more than any school in the country. The brotherhood is second to none. We all care about each other and we want to see the guy next to us succeed as much or even more than ourselves. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Double Stuff Oreos and Reese’s 

What is the best part of football? 

Making a play! You always dream of making that big play and when it happens, you feel like you’re on cloud 9.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

You’re getting a fundamentally sound player who will show up day in and day out early to the facilities and ready to work and also bring those around me with me to be a positive influence.

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

Adam Thielen. Good speed, good hands, can block, can make someone miss, and can make the BIG play in the big moment.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Odell Beckham Jr because I wanna learn about his life and some of his style as well. -Julio Jones because I want to learn everything about being the best receiver. -Tom Brady because I want to know how to be a winner at the biggest level and how to consistently stay there!