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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Antonio Fletcher, DB, Southern Illinois University

Antonio Fletcher the versatile defensive back from Southern Illinois University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen.
Antonio Fletcher the versatile defensive back from Southern Illinois University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen.
  • Name: Antonio Fletcher
  • Position: DB
  • College: Southern Illinois University
  • Height: 5’11”
  • Weight: 200 lbs.
  • Twitter: @GeneralFletchh
  • Instagram: @007fletcher

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

Im a dog, a leader of a pack, I bring a energy that makes my team know I’ll get my job done and still have room to make up for others or my mistakes, not the big talker or rah rah guy.

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

If I could hang out with any football player past or present it probably would be DJ Swearinger I chose him because we have had conversations before through DM and we have similarities in our play.

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

My effort, being able to make plays purely because I wanted it more, making interceptions, pass breakups, even tackles that other defensive backs may not try to make or risk.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Playing against UGA in front of my whole family because it was in Georgia, interception against Appalachian state because I lost a close friend hours before that game and that play went on sports center top 10.

How do you prepare for games?

Throughout the whole week leading up to a game I watch film with the safeties and the coach, the safeties and I, and by myself. I watch a lot of film. I make sure I’m mentally ready to go into a game by listening to my late cousins music, he gets me in a different mode than I am in practice.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

My favorite coverage would be cover 6 because you can play with the quarterback, it’s a blend of cover 4 and cover 2, it protects the pass and it allows the safeties to get involved in the run.

What should we know about Antonio Fletcher the person?

I’m a quiet guy, I don’t talk a lot off the field but on the field I’m a general. I’m a giver, when I see someone in need or an opportunity where I could be a impact or a good memory I make sure I leave that print on someone. I’m someone who has been through a lot of adversity and want to one day write a book about how I got through some of the things that I’ve been through.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to showing off my ability again after being held back a little last season, looking forward to being a big part of the reason while Southern Illinois does amazing things this upcoming season, make relationships that will last a lifetime and earn respect of the guys in this conference and the coaches and GM’s at the next level.

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

I Pray.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Someone that brings value to the team on and off of the football field, someone that lives football, making the team better will always be my biggest mission because I want to be better.

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

Terry Hampton, Terry was a defensive lineman that came into college with me at Arkansas State but he transferred shortly after me to Arkansas. I say Terry because he’s a very, very, very strong dude like watching him move dudes in a game and in practice was always crazy to me. I know he’ll do the same in the SEC. He’s my kind of guy.

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

First I was a baseball player, I was doing good but I wanted to be in a more physical sport, I saw guys that went to my school do it like Kevin Byard, Arden Key, DeAngelo Malone so I stayed at it and the love for it just grew it turned into therapy honestly.

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