2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Demetrius Battle, RB, University of West Alabama

• Name: Demetrius Battle
• Position: Runningback
• College: The University of West Alabama 
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 238
• Twitter: @its8ball_
• Instagram: @dbattle8

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft?

What makes me a top prospect is my size and ability to move at this size, the attitude I play with, and the leadership character that I have. 

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

I was first interested when I was 8 years old. 8 is a big number for me. The reason that my nickname is 8Ball is because I was born 8pounds, 8ounces,  I was born at 8 o’clockin the morning and I was born in the 8th month of the year. 

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

One thing that NFL teams should know about me is that I’m a player that’s going to uphold the standard of the team, dominate what needs to be done, create a fun environment, and give what it takes to get a dub. 

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

If I could donate to one cause in the world it would be to fatherless kids. There is a big difference between those kids who grow up with a father and those who don’t. I always wanted to start a foundation where those kids could come and be around father-like figures to learn, grow, and have fun. 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

 I’ve received great advice from many people but one of my top ones is, “Never give up. Face your battles. Some you may fail and some you will succeed. But never give up. Always endure.”

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero is my mom. 

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

Most underrated teammate at my school is Dearrius Nelson (Nunu). Once he figure college football out mentally, he’s breaking records. Physically and athletically, he’s already there. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve is when I’m continually blamed for something that I said that i didn’t do. 

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

The hardest moment in my life to overcome was poverty and growing without a father. 

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

My school is special to me because it helped me grow mentally, educationally, and personally. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack is Peach rings or grapes. 

What is the best part of football?

The best parts of football are the wins and the connections that you create. 

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

If I could sell myself in one sentence, I would look the scout in the eyes and say, “I’M HIM”. 

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

If I could compare my play to one player it would be Derrick Henry. 

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

If I could have dinner with three people it would be Jesus, 2pac, and MLK. I chose these people because we would have many conversations on many levels.