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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Xavier “Zay” Cullens, LB, University of Memphis

If you are looking for a linebacker that can shoot a gap, pick off a quarterback, and is not afraid of laying wood, then look no further than Xavier "Zay" Cullens at Memphis. The standout linebacker prospect should be a draft pick because of his versatility. I absolutely fell in love with his film.
If you are looking for a linebacker that can shoot a gap, pick off a quarterback, and is not afraid of laying the wood, then look no further than Xavier “Zay” Cullens at Memphis. The standout linebacker prospect should be a draft pick because of his versatility. I absolutely fell in love with his film.
  • Name: Xavier “Zay” Cullens
  • Position: Linebacker
  • College: University of Memphis
  • Height: 5’11 1/2
  • Weight: 228
  • Twitter: @XavierLCullens
  • Instagram: @xaviercullens.8

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

I believe what sets me apart from other prospects is my versatility to play multiple positions and my athleticism. I also pride myself on being a student of the game and think my situational awareness is a strong asset.

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

I was playing baseball and football around the ages of 8 or 9 

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

I want NFL teams to know that I’m extremely coachable and eager to learn. I’ll also show up every day with the attitude to get the job done. Whatever it takes.

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

I would donate to Alzheimer’s or cancer research

What is the best advice you have ever received?

It’s always harder to go up a hill than to go down. You learn the most about yourself when you face and overcome adversity. Also understanding that you can’t control every situation, but you can control how you respond to every situation.

Who was your childhood hero?

Brian Urlacher was my football hero growing up but really any person that I had seen prevail from a situation that wasn’t in their favor. That to me is always really inspiring.

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

It’s hard to pick one, I can name a few.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Chewing with your mouth open

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

Understanding when injuries happen it’s how you prevail through the situation instead of dwelling on it, and not quitting when an injury happens. You push through it one step at a time to get back to full strength.

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

They gave me an opportunity and took me in like family from day one. I’m always grateful for that.

What is your favorite snack food?

Imitation crab meat

What is the best part of football?

I love the relationships I build with my teammates and they know I have their back and they got mine. I also love being one on one with an opponent and knowing I have to outwit them in any way possible to make a play.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence, what would you say? I show more than I tell.

I’m a fast learner, extremely coachable, resilient and gritty.

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

Roquan Smith. Just love the energy and intensity that he plays with.

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

  1. Courtney Yager (sister/deceased) – she was an influential person in my life that I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with. She always wanted the best for me in every situation.
  2. Jeff Traylor (uncle/deceased) – he used to push me hard because he believed in me. He knew that I’d grow up to be something special and would like for him to see where I have made it to today.
  3. Mother – she has made ultimate sacrifices for me to be able to chase my dream and kept me accountable when no one else would. She loved Jeff Traylor (Brother) and Courtney Yager (stepdaughter) with every ounce she had and it’d put one of the biggest smiles on her face for them to see the young man that I have become today.

Damond Talbot

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

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