Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Markis Sumpter, WR, Western New Mexico University

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Markis Sumpter, WR, Western New Mexico University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

One school looked at me after my senior year of high school, I chose to attend Western New Mexico University because they were the only school who gave me the opportunity to play at the college level. They seen something in me that all the other colleges didn’t.

What were your goals for your senior year?

My goals were to be the hardest working guy on every play and win a championship. To become a better leader and teammate.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

My toughness,my speed and my passion I have to get better every single day is what separates me from other wide receivers.

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film? 

I like to watch a secondary player’s footwork and their alignment on all the different coverages they run to see what or if they give away when they are playing man or playing zone. Like to see how aggressive they are in the run game, also like to see if they give anything away with their eyes or any other body movements.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

Toughest player I faced was Abdul Kennah from New Mexico Highlands

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

If I could compare my game to anybody in the league it would be Johnny Knox.

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

Biggest obstacle that I had to overcome was losing my scholarship and financial aid my junior year of college because of grades. I overcame it by maturing and having to figure what was truly important to me. After doing all that I ended my junior year with a 3.1 and earned all of my aid and scholarship back.

What system fits your style of play the best?

The system that fits my style of play most is the West Coast offense.

What is your biggest strength?

My biggest strength is my speed and quickness.

What is your biggest weakness?

My biggest weakness is my size. (Weight)

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

I would tell you that you will never find a guy with as much passion and as much love for the game of football like I do. Never had a lot and this was all I ever wanted to do since I was a baby. I will compete on every down and do all I can to make myself a better player and ultimately make the organization and team better. I don’t mind working hard. Had to do it my entirely life.

Growing up, who was your role model?

God is my role model. Without him nothing is possible. If I modeled myself like him, I could achieve anything.

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

Favorite team was the New Orleans Saints. Favorite player Joe horn. He represented toughness and passion and he played the game the right way.

What was the most tragic event in your life?

Most tragic event in my life was when my uncle passed away. The hardest thing I have had to go through so far. Overcame it through prayer and family because lord knows I was a wreck when it happened and ultimately that changed my life completely. Made me realize life is too short and we don’t have much time to achieve our goals and pursue our dreams.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

First paycheck I will buy my dad a car.

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

Jimmy Valvano , Richard Pryor, and Tupac.