2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: DeAndre Lamont, DB, Illinois State University

• Name: DeAndre Lamont
• Position: DB
• College: Illinois State University
• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 190 lbs
• Twitter: @saucedre33
• Instagram: @dlamont_

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Watching the Texas vs USC Rose Bowl game is what made me want to play football. I also grew up going to my cousin football games on Friday’s and you know Texas high school football is big so being around that atmosphere played a big role.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

On the field I want to win a Super Bowl and I also want to be one the greatest defensive backs to play the game. I also want to inspire the next generation of athletes from my hometown to go after there goals in life because whatever it is it’s possible.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would say PrimeTime but he’s big on social media so I get a lot of information from there so I would have to say Charles Woodson. He didn’t just play one position in the backend, he played all of them. I want pick his brain because I want to be versatile and play multiple positions. So I wanna know how he did it at an elite level in the NFL.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Top 3 is going undefeated and allowing a single point back in peewee football. Next would have to be scoring 6 touchdowns in a single game. The last one would have to be my first collegiate interception versus Hawaii in 2019.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My mother, she’s the definition of go getter. Seeing her work countless hours to provide for my younger brother and I always gave me that extra motivation to give it my all when I take the field.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I like playing in a 4-2-5. The way football is played now you need a many DBs as you can have out there to defend the pass but also knowing you can manage the run game too.

What should we know about DeAndre Lamont the person?

He’s a real cool guy, always smiling, hardworking, leading by example, and wants to be great at what he does on and off the field.

What stands out about your film the most?

I line up every where on the field. I am always around the ball making a play or at least trying to. I also showcase my ability to tackle in the the open field.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

On the field I just find a way to figure it out myself or talk to a coach. Off the field depending on what it is I usually get advice from family and friends.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would be getting a guy that is serious about his craft, loves to play special teams, and can play anywhere in the secondary if needed.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The excitement you get when plays are made on offense and defense is just a different feeling.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Cedric Battle, he could line up at running or you could put him in the slot. He was also a dangerous returner. He reminded me of myself when I played offense. I’m still shocked he hasn’t gotten a chance at the NFL.