2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Donniel Ward-Magee, DB, Southeastern Louisiana University

- Name: Donniel Ward-Magee
- Position: DB
- College: Southeastern Louisiana
- Height: 6’0
- Weight: 180 lbs
- Twitter: @_wardmagee5
What sets you apart from other defensive backs?
The one particular thing that I know sets me apart from other defensive backs is my IQ of the game and the more I know the faster I can move.
How do you prepare for games?
The only way to prepare is film work, I study a lot of the opposing team tendencies. Necessarily to see if the QB is a one sided guy, a look off guy, a daring QB, or is he an that just take what you give him. Also another way I prepare I watch every rep of the opposing team receivers to see what type of guys they are.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
Favorite moments of my football life will probably be when I get to come home and train with all the athletes I play against in high school. I just like seeing New Orleans players excel as a whole.
What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?
I think I bring a lot of positive energy but at the same time, still will be that player that will get on my teammates. I really rarely feel tired because I like working out so much so I think that’s the reason. I kind of be hype and energized.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
Ed Reed or Tyrann Mathieu only to pick at those guys brains. Also just to see what they do or did to prepare. Then to see their workout regiment daily and to see what do they put into their body.
What is your favorite coverage and why?
My favorite coverage is cover 3 because I feel it is a defensive call that we get to really touch the offense and also a defensive coverage where you just rally to the ball.
What should we know about Donniel Ward-Magee the the person?
Donniel Ward Magee the person is a sore loser in a good way. I say that because in any competition who really plays to lose. So I will do anything in my power to win the game but in the right way, no cheating.
What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?
Great leaders knowing how to follow as well as they lead, no players having soft feelings being able to take constructive criticism, and every week and every day try to do the best to to go 1-0!
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
Both give challenges and adversity at unexpected times, so on and off the football field the only thing you can do is put your head down and keep pushing.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A hard worker, a great competitor, a natural born leader, and a winner!
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
A high school was across the street from my house and I as a kid I use to watch them practice daily, till one day I called my dad and said I want to play football.
If there was a billboard with 5 of your traits which 5 traits would be up there?
Confident, competitor, hard worker, extremely driven and ambitious.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen