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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Kwame Livingston, DL, North Greenville University

Kwame Livingston the standout pass rusher from North Greenville University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen
Kwame Livingston the standout pass rusher from North Greenville University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Justin Berendzen
  • Name: Kwame Livingston
  • Position: DL
  • College: North Greenville University
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 305 lbs
  • Twitter: @SimplyKwame

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

I actually grew up playing basketball, my aunt trained me quite often and I loved it. I first started playing football when I was around 12-13 years old at my local recreation league and I absolutely fell in love with it. I put down the ball and picked up the cleats and never looked back. Over the years it has become a passion of mine to be on the field with my brothers. Football has thought me numerous life lessons and in the process has brought me closer to God.

What sets you apart from other defensive linemen?

I believe that my willingness to never give up along with my technicality is what sets me apart. I fully believe that the game isn’t over until there are all zeros on that clock, so I will keep working and keep pushing until the final whistle. I also believe in doing your 1/11th. That means that all 11 guys that are on the field does their part to the best of their ability and I bring my best every play!

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could hang out with any football player it would definitely be Aaron Donald. He is the best defensive lineman to ever play (in my opinion). He’s an absolute workhorse and his knowledge of the game is incredible. So to be around him for a day and just be a sponge to soak up the knowledge and experiences from him, it would be an absolute pleasure to be in his presence.

How do you prepare for games?

Preparing for games through the week is pretty simple. Besides practice, film is key. I watch a lot of film in preparation for game day. Studying the game is one of the most important elements of the game itself. You can be a good player without watching film, but it’s the great ones that separate themselves from the rest by studying the game.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

In every game I bring a positive high energy. I enforce communication on our front lines and help keep our team motivated through any situation.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I have a couple. My first is my senior year in high school. We went undefeated in the regular season for the first time in school history and went 12-1 that year with an exit in the 3rd round of the playoffs. My second has to be here at NGU my freshman year we played at home versus West Alabama on my birthday. I ended the day with a sack and a half a handful of tackles and we completed a come from behind victory over a ranked West Alabama.

What should we know about Kwame Livingston the person?

I’m a huge people person, I am very social and very involved in my community at home. I’m very persistent and motivated to achieve my goals in life. I have a small circle of people that want to achieve great things in life and that in turn motivates me to do big things in my life as well!

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive scheme is a 4-3-4 four down lineman, 3 linebackers in the box, and 4 defensive backs. This is my high school formation and it’s my favorite because it effectively stopped the run and the pass game. It takes a good bit of discipline to get it under the belt but once it’s effectively in your arsenal it’s a tough defense to gameplan against.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I learned this early in my college career and just last year. But the best way to handle challenges is to not let a problem off the field translate to your on field performance and vice versa. Each part of my life is an escape from the other so when I have off the field problems football is my getaway or my safe space. If I have problems on the field whenever I leave the field I enjoy life and the good people around me. I have an amazing support system and they help me in all aspects of my life.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a natural born leader. Someone that takes pride in doing things the right way. I have made mistakes in the past and I will make more along the way but the lessons I take away from those experiences will last me a lifetime and I could teach others. They would get a hard worker someone who won’t quit no matter the situation.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated player I’ve ever played with has to be Desmond Williams. He wasn’t talked about much we played together my freshman year and he was someone I looked up to. He was the perfect example of how to do your job with intensity every single play. In my eyes he was a first class player and I believe he deserves more credit than what was given to him.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to a very successful season. We’ve added a lot of good pieces to our squad and we’re working together like a well oiled machine. I expect big things from this team this year.

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