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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Nathan Talakai, EDGE, Saginaw Valley State University

Nathan Talakai the star EDGE rusher from Saginaw Valley State University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
Nathan Talakai the star EDGE rusher from Saginaw Valley State University recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
  • Name: Nathan Talakai
  • Position: EDGE
  • College: Saginaw Valley State University
  • Height: 6’3
  • Weight: 255
  • Twitter: Talakainumba9
  • Instagram: 91reasonz_

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

I play with a different type of passion. I’m fast on my feet, aggressive every single play, I’m a ball hawk wherever the ball goes. I invest in the film more than anything. I’ve worked hard enough to understand how this game is really played, and how teams scheme on each other depending on what kind of weapons other teams have. 

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

I’ve been playing this game since I was 5 years old. During church services, my cousins and I played tackle football in the parking lot which then made me want to play football for real. 

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

I take the game of football seriously just like everybody else although, When it comes down to connecting with others players, cultures, and ethnicities I know how to make sure a team knows what the mission is. National Champions.

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

I would donate to mental health services. I have been through rough dealings in my past and I know donating to prevent suicide services will be a huge deal!

What is the best advice you have ever received?

“Never fold under the pressure you asked God for” 

Who was your childhood hero? 

My mother. My mother has taught me so much in life despite the environments I was raised in. Because of her, I am able to pursue an education and play the sport I was called to play!

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

Victor Nelson. Defensive Tackle #99. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Just being late to anything is my pet peeve, with myself or anyone in general. 

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

My hardest trial in life? After my sophmore year my teammate passed away after our first playoff game which took a really big toll on me. I had lost sight of what I was meant to be doing like passing classes, going to workouts, etc. I will forever mourn for him but at the same time I know he wants me to go as far as I can with school and football so now here I am, wearing his number for my last years of college football. 

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

Saginaw Valley is a small school! And yes people always wonder why a California kid would transfer to Saginaw Valley? This school gave me the isolation to figure out more about myself. As a studnet, athlete, and man. This place is filled with special mentors that not alot of people know which is an advantage for student-athletes. We get to have the best of the best to ourselves to become better men and women. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Skittles!

What is the best part of football?

Saturday mornings! Gameday! Is the best feeling! Wake up at 6 am blasting my brother’s music to get mentally prepared for the game I fell in love with when I was 5 years old. Nothing like it!

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

I would never sell myself to anything or anyone. I gave myself to Christ. Whatever God has planned for me I trust him, I am just playing my role!

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

My brother Loto, my older brother Feao, and my blood brother Matt Talakai. They understood what kind of person I was when I was young, they thought how I think, it was weird how I adapted to my teammate Loto, our energy, and vibe when he was alive was very different from anyone else. 

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