2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: De’Veyon Smith, DE/LB, Arkansas Tech

• Name: De’Veyon Smith
• Position: DE, LB
• College: Arkansas Tech University
• Height: 5’11
• Weight: 235
• Twitter: @deveyonsmith
• Instagram: @swaybaby.dee

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

My hard work ethic and relentlessness while having a high football IQ makes me a top prospect in my position in the 2023 NFL draft.

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

Age 4 is when I found the love for football

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

NFL teams should know I will do whatever it takes to be successful at my position on and off the field. 

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

I would donate to the Missing Persons Foundation! 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I’ve ever received was from my dad when he said everybody’s situation is different, no matter the circumstances, keep God first, stay faithful, and everything will play out in your favor. 

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood hero was Johnny Bravo. I wanted to be buff and pull all the ladies like him. He was that guy. 

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

The most underrated teammate in my locker room is my safety named Tyrus Fort. He is an athlete that can ball. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is seeing somebody throw opportunities out the window just because they aren’t grateful. 

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

The hardest moment in my life was losing my grandma. Of course, she’s in a better place now but I would never get that physical touch again and it still bothers me now. 

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

My school is big on graduating and becoming independent young adults. I feel as if that’s the ultimate goal then you get rewarded later after those long nights of balling and studying. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

My favorites snack is white cheddar Cheez-its

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football is being able to see a whole team grind together and then win together. It really shows hard work pays off. 

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

I will be the hardest working player on your roster. 

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

I would compare myself to Lorenzo Alexander. He is an amazing athlete that’s undersized but can play any defensive position. His best position is LB but he shows expertise at DE. He’s a captain also and that’s what I like about him. He can be a role model on and off the field. 

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

Mike Tomlin because of his leadership he shows in the game. I want to know what it takes to lead a team. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis because they valued the game of football. After every single game, I could say they left it all on the field. I want to know what it takes to walk in the shoes of greatness. What steps to take in something so major.