2022 NFL Draft Prospect Davaris Howard, LB, New Mexico Highlands

• Name: Davaris Howard 
• Position: LB/ SP
• College: New Mexico Highlands 
• Height: 6,4
• Weight: 240
• Twitter: Bigbugg27
• Instagram: 27_reasons_

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2022 NFL Draft?

I believe that my speed, strength, coordination, and ability to follow instructions make me a top prospect in my position. Most of all, I give 110% every opportunity I get to play, no matter the practice or game.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

At 4 years old I knew I wanted to play football. The teams in my area though I was too young and small but I wouldn’t let it go so my Mom had to show up and we convinced them to let me join. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

NFL teams need to know that as much as I believe in myself and the impact I can have on the game, I’m a team player on and off the field, and the brotherhood we create is one of the main reasons I love this sport.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

I would love to make donations in cash and equipment to younger football teams in poor communities like the one I’m from.

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Someone once told me “don’t ever let anyone deter you from your goals” and that stuck with me because I constantly get compared to my siblings who play(ed) football as well, and I used to get discouraged when people said I didn’t have what it takes. That advice helped me focus on myself and my journey.

Who was your childhood hero? 

I had 2 childhood heroes: My mother Miss Lorraine Davis and my grandmother Miss Carrie Taff. My mother made sure I was at all practices and games on top of providing for my siblings and I, while my grandmother housed me on days when going back and forth was not possible.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

I believe that none of us are underrated at my school. Those who show up daily and put in the work usually reap the results that they and the coaches desire. We work as a team and make each other better, but everyone has a chance and the coaches do their best to make sure we all get an opportunity to show what we can do. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Disrespect is my biggest pet peeve because I always make sure I approach everyone respectfully, so getting disrespect in return bothers me.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

High School was an especially trying time for me. Our family had been through some tough things namely the death of one of my younger brothers and the incarceration of two of my older brothers a while after. Funds were low from funeral, court, and lawyer expenses, so my parents had to work way more to make ends meet. As a result, I had to take care of my siblings while going to school, playing ball, and applying for colleges and universities. Balancing all that while keeping a calm mindset was not easy, but through it all I learned resilience, mental toughness, and care for my loved ones.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

The athletic department at my school is my favorite, not only because I’m an athlete but also because at our school we’re a family and all sports support each other. I also met my wife at my school, so it will always be a part of our story.

What is your favorite snack food? 

I love oranges, they are my favorite.

What is the best part of football? 

I love football as a whole, but I especially love tackling my opponents. It makes me feel unstoppable like Prime Time 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

I never stop working to be better and I don’t make excuses, plus my positive attitude is one you can’t do without.

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

Von Miller is one I would compare my play to because we both:- Play outside linebacker and DE- Balance and speed off the edge – Are patient players (Blitzers) 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

I would have dinner with Ed Reed, Sean Tayler, and Ray Lewis because watching these three players made me want to pick up a football.