2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dwayne Milton, RB, St. Francis (IL)
- Name: Dwayne Milton
- Height: 5’8
- Weight: 170
- Position: RB
- College: St. Francis (IL) transfer from Northern Illinois
- Twitter: @DwayneMilton3
Tell us about your university/college. What was your major/minor? How is campus life?
My university is a small school in Joliet, IL. I am a transfer from Northern Illinois University. So, I’ve experienced both big school D1 and small school NAIA. I got my bachelor’s degree from Northern Illinois in Sociology. I’m working on a masters in business administration at St. Francis. Campus life is what you make of it. I can say I had a blast at both schools.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
My teammates would say my best quality is being able to lead and bring the energy. I’m always the one jumping around, screaming, having a good time on the field. I love the game of football, no matter what I’m going through as soon as it’s time to put the pads on nothing else matters.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m a team player, so wherever I’m needed on a team I’ll gladly be that guy. I can play running back or play the slot receiver. I was once told that special teams is what gets you on the bus and that has stuck with me throughout my college career.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
The best player I’ve played against in college was Jawuan Johnson, LB at NIU. He had the speed and agility of a skill player and was the most physical LB I’ve seen.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Brandon Ruffin is one of my teammates who impresses me the most. Not only is he an All-American in football, but also a national champ in track and field. His speed is ridiculous.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
Being a walk-on at NIU and wanting to play college football was the biggest struggle I had to overcome. I had no offers and just wanted to play football. I started off as a grey shirt at NIU. I wasn’t on the roster, I wasn’t practicing, basically wasn’t even apart of the team. But I woke up everyday for 6am lifts because that’s what I had to do in order to be considered to be on the team. Eventually, with consistent work and an opportunity at the spring game I was able to earn a roster spot.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
If I didn’t play football, my other sport I would play is wrestling. I was a wrestler in high school and I found a whole lot of interest in it. My high school team ranked top 5 in the state and we also placed at state as a team.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
Something I am most proud of is being the first in my family to graduate and get a degree from a 4 year university. Not only was I a full-time student, I was a full-time athlete along with being a military member. I had to balance school, sports, and the military up until August of 2019 where my 6 year military contract ended. My biggest achievement would have to be graduating infantry basic training for the military and being part of the 1% of the population that can call themselves infantryman.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career?
One of my most memorable plays of my collegiate career was against Lawrence Technological College. I rushed for an 83 yard touchdown. It’s memorable to me because it’s one of my longest runs of my career. I showed I had the speed to outrun corners and the angles of the safety. I also ended that game with 5 touchdowns.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Favorite professional team is the Bears, and my favorite player is Ezekiel Elliott. I’m not as big as he is, but I like to model my game after him. He’s one of the hardest runners at the running back position. I strive on being a hard runner because of my size, so instead of being hit I take the hits to the defenders.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
My favorite music artist today would have to be Gunna. All his music just gets me pumped before a game.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Toast with jelly is my favorite comfort food. It’s something you can eat with any meal and you can’t go wrong with it
Do you have a favorite movie or actor?
My favorite movie has to be The Temptations. I can quote that movie from start to finish and it’s like 3 hours long. I’m an old soul and love their music.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?
In my spare time, I hangout with my friends, talk football, and talk about life. Sudoku is one of my favorite games. So when I have some down time you can catch me playing sudoku on my phone.
Who or what motivates you the most?
Who motivates me the most is my family. I’m destined to make it out the struggle and help my mom out. I have a little sister and two nephews that look up to me, so I strive on being a great role model for them as well.
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