NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Quandon Christian, LB, Clemson

QuandanDraft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Quandon Christian, LB, Clemson 

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

In the end, it came down to three teams. Clemson, N.C. State, and South Carolina.

Where did you choose and why?

I chose Clemson University for several reasons. Clemson felt like home to me. There was not another environment that felt like a family and had a determination to win than Clemson. I also wanted to win a National Championship and I felt Clemson had the best opportunity.

What were your goals for your senior year?

My main goal was to win a national championship. I also wanted to be a perfect player in my coaches’ eyes. When I say a perfect player I mean: never have any off the field issues, always be prepared, always give everything I have, be a leader and a great teammate, and to do anything they ask me to do. To summarize the rest of my goals for my senior year was to maximize my results by preparing as much as I could to play to the best of my ability.

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

Yes, they told me I had a great season and a pretty good pro day. They see me as an late round (5-7) or free agent. They said with my range and athleticism I could play any of the three linebacker positions.  

At your position, what separates you from the others?

There are a ton of great athletes at my position. Two things that separate me from others at my position are my determination and obedience. I am determined to do whatever it takes to contribute to a NFL roster. I will also always be obedient. I never had any issues in college. I was always prepared when I stepped on the field. Anytime the coaches asked me to do something I always did it, without hesitation. With my athleticism I could play multiple position on the field like SS, MIKE, WILL,SAM, FS, OR 3-4 OLB. 

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

Formation, tendencies, alignments, strengths, and weaknesses.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

Todd Gurley and Cam Newton. Both were tremendous athletes with great football skills. 

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

I compare myself to Alec Ogletree and Patrick Willis. They are both very explosive players and they have the range to play the pass and cover TE,RB,AND WRS. 

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

I think the biggest obstacles to overcome was coming from a smaller high school program in Lake View, SC. I love and am proud to be from Lake View, but I knew that I had to work harder and perform at an even higher level to get noticed at the collegiate level. I overcame this by working harder both on the field and in the classroom so that when the opportunity came I would be able to accept it. Faith was definitely a driving factor on many days and through God and hard work I was able to overcome this obstacle. 

What system fits your style of play the best?

 I think I could play in any system in the NFL because of my 6′ 3″ frame, speed, and athleticism.  

What is your biggest strength?

 Smart, fast, confident, athletic, hardworker

What is your biggest weakness?

My pursuit of perfection can sometimes be a weakness because I will try to perfect every aspect of my game, but through great coaching I have been able to let go of minor things and focus on the things that make a difference and I have been able to make my weakness into a strength. 

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

I would tell a GM that I am going to give him everything I have when I step on the field and off of the field by carrying myself in a professional manner. I understand that the NFL is a business and I am business man. I will play wherever I am needed and commit myself to any position, any side of the ball, and special teams if that is what I am asked to do.  At the end of the day, I am an investment for you but one that will pay off because I have the heart, body and mind of a football player. 

Growing up, who was your role model?

 Bob Sanders and Peyton Manning 

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

 I don’t really have a favorite team but my favorite player is Peyton Manning. He is always so composed and confident and that’s who I will strive try to model my game after when I make it to the next level 

What was the most tragic event that ever happened in your life and how did you overcome it?

When I was 15 years old I got in a horrible car accident in which I lost my brother and best friend. That year was so hard for me and my life has never been the same. I just learned to deal with the loss and I knew God had a plan.

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

Martin Luther King Jr

Steve Jobs

Bill Gates 

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

Nothing big, I would help my family with some things. But, for the most part I would keep it in the bank account. I’ve heard of two many horror stories about players going broke.

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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