2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kwadir Delgado-McIntyre, CB, Southern Connecticut State University

• Name: Kwadir Delgado-McIntyre
• Height: 5’7”
• Weight: 165 lbs
• Position: CB
• College: Southern Connecticut State University
• Twitter: @KwadNotQuad

Tell us about your university/college. Are you involved in any other activities or organizations other than football? What was your major/minor?

Southern Connecticut State University Football is a D2 program that is a part of the NE-10 conference. The school itself is based in New Haven, right on the border of Hamden. Outside of playing football, I work for the University in Card Services as well as Procurement Services. I am graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. I am pursuing my MBA during my final year of eligibility.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

My teammates would say that my work ethic (in and outside of football) and my passion for the game are my best qualities.

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What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I can see myself earning a special teams role as a ‘Knife’ or a safety valve on Kickoff, and a gunner on punt, which will then open doors for me to become a leader on defense as a corner, nickel corner or potentially safety. I am a play-maker in my opinion, as long as I am around the ball, good things will happen.

My skill set is pushed towards being in a zone scheme in which would allow me to play aggressive and with vision. I have had the most success playing low-to-high, and beating blockers with speed. I love making contact and reacting. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Deonte Harris of the New Orleans Saints is the best player that I have played against in college.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

On the offensive side, Jackson Ostrowsky (2019 Freshman QB) impresses me the most, and defensively Richard Souffrant (2019 Sophomore OLB) impresses me the most.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

I was kicked out of my home in Massachusetts around the age of 6 and forced to move with my father in Kentucky, and then Connecticut. Growing up in a single parent home, I became accustomed to things like the electricity, heat, cable (etc.) being off, and not having much family around. I worked my way into college by myself, and could not play my first year, therefore I began working at school. During the second semester of Freshman year, I walked-on during spring ball, worked my way up, and became a captain in the fall of 2019. During that time, I have worked year-round and eventually was fortunate enough to have 2 jobs on campus while playing. I have earned a 3.6 GPA while performing well in football. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

I would play baseball if I could not play football. Baseball was my number one sport growing up.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

I am most proud of being able to provide for myself, while going to college, working and being an athlete all at the same time without any help. It goes to prove how strong I am mentally.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

My most memorable play in college is a play where I sat down low in cover 2 on a receiver, and then went up high to make a play on the corner route. I love this play because during that week of preparation, my coach acknowledged that there was potential for that ball to be thrown. Early on in the week, I left the receiver too early, therefore the under route was thrown. During the game I baited the Quarterback to throw it to the higher receiver and made the play.

What have you been working on this off-season?

This off season I am working on flexibility in my hips, eliminating unnecessary steps, man-on-man coverage and speed. These are things that I realize that I have to trust more in game, so I am repeatedly working on them until I become 100% comfortable.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

My favorite athlete of all time is Kobe Bryant. Although he played a different sport, he is the only person I ever looked up to and wanted to be like. 

My style of play can be compared to Nickell Robey, but I love the style of play from Asante Samuel, Cre’von LeBlanc, and of course Tyrann Mathieu.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?

My favorite artist right now is Rod Wave, and of all time it is J. Cole. Before games, I listen to trap music or anything that’ll make me scream or dance.

Do you have a favorite movie or actor?

My favorite movies of all time are John Q. with Denzel Washington and Hardball with Keanu Reeves.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

In my spare time, I enjoy video editing. I believe that I can pursue a career in that if my focus was off of sports

Why do you play football?

I play football because it is intense, it takes focus, drive, and football teaches you a lot about life. If you are dependable on the field, you may be dependable at your job. If you can work through the adversity on the field, it won’t be as hard when you have a wife and kids. The connections you gain from football also play a huge role in why I play football.

Who or what motivates you the most?

Being able to prove everyone wrong, and myself right is what motivates me the most. I also want a better life for my family because I feel as if nobody should have to live the way I had to grow up, and everyone should have a backbone to rely on, to an extent.