2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Malik Feaster, DB, Jacksonville State University

• Name: Malik Feaster
• Position: DB
• College: Jacksonville State University
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 185 lbs
• Twitter: @Malik_Feaster
• Instagram: @malikfeaster

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

Football has always been part of my life. I played rec football when I was younger. I went away from it in middle school and high school because I thought I was too small to play. I really did not grow at all until high school really, but I always loved the game. I ended up giving it another shot my senior year in high school and ended up at Jacksonville State.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My most favorite moment would be when we upset Florida State at their house in fall 2021. My next favorite would be when I recovered a fumble recovery for a 100yd touchdown setting a new FCS and school record. Finally, but not least would be when I got the game winning interception against SFA in crunch time.

What sets you apart from other defensive backs?

I would say my physicality sets me apart from most defensive back’s. I have really good weight room numbers and I’m strong. This attribute allows me to disrupt routes and I’m not easy to throw by. I’m also always thinking about situational football when I’m out on the field. I think about wide splits and cut splits to gather an idea of what kind of route the receiver may give me. So just knowing the game also sets me apart.

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

I bring excitement to the field. I love being the player with the juice. I love making plays and I love when my teammates do as well. We all feed off each other’s energy. Even when things aren’t going well in the game me, and my teammates know that we are going to pick things up. Remaining positive through adversity is what sets teams apart.

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

I would hang out with Tre’von Diggs. I love how he plays the game and is always in positions to make plays. I want to know what he thinks in zone coverage. How he manipulates the quarterback with alignment. How he does everything.

How do you prepare for games?

Preparation for a game starts that Sunday after you watch and correct film from the game before. I prepare by watching the receivers releases. Does the receiver dance at the line? Is he a one stick and go guy? Is he fast and speed releases most of the time? Some receivers have a thing where they adjust their gloves if the ball is coming their way so I watch for that too. I also like to study the quarterback to see if he is a pre-snap guy or post-snap. If he likes to make a decision where the ball is going to go based off alignment.

What should we know about Malik Feaster the person?

You should know that I’m a hard worker and have a great character. I’m a guy that smiles a lot, and takes pride in being a good person. Not only to myself and friends, but everyone who comes into contact with me.

What is your favorite coverage and why?

My favorite coverage is man. I love being competitive and playing one versus one. There is nothing better than lining up against someone and your coach goes man because he knows that we are simply better. I love playing off man as well. It confuses the quarterback and half the time they don’t know what I’m doing.

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

Playing football really relates to a lot of things in life. Football taught me how to overcome challenges and to keep going. In life there are always going to be ups and downs. One thing about football is when you get knocked down you must get back up. That goes into life too. I also have a dedicated support system from my family and friends so that helps with some of life’s challenges as well.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would not only get a hard worker day in and day out, but a good person who will always put the team before himself. No matter what the position is. No matter what the role on the team is. I will go out and execute at my best ability.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I look forward to competing and also making more of an impact on special teams this year. Playing cornerback is important, but special teams are just as important if not more. I also have been perfecting my craft as far as footwork and ball skills. I left some plays out on the field over the years that still bothers me today. I’m looking forward to cashing out on every opportunity that presents itself.

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

I believe that Jamari Hester was the most underrated guy I played with. He was a big, athletic tall receiver who could play on the outside as well as in the slot and continually make plays. He didn’t have blazing speed but was not slow and had great hands. I loved 1 on 1’s with him in practice because his height and athleticism always made me better.