2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Wayne Ruby, WR, Mount Union
- Name: Wayne Ruby
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 187 lbs.
- Position: WR
- College: University of Mount Union
- Twitter: Quick6Wayne
- Instagram: Quick6Wayne
Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?
My overall experience at Mount Union has been great. I like being out on campus and building relationships. I have been majoring in Sports Business with a minor in Coaching. I’ve also been involved with an organization called Brothers Building Bonds which is a minority group on campus.
What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I’m an outstanding worker and team leader. I was named a team captain this season. I am very accountable and hold myself to a high standard.
What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I’m a very agile player who’s a deep threat on the field. Yet, I’m also frequently used as the target in the screen game. I’m able to dominate at every level. We run a very pass-heavy spread offense that I am very comfortable with.
Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Heidelberg has a very feisty DB in Tramon Wiley. He wasn’t afraid to play man-to-man and get physical.
Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
I learned a lot from some of the players ahead of me. Guys like Justin Hill, Jared Ruth and Derrick Harvey. Mason McMillen is a dog on our defense. He’s one of the hardest workers. He’s the first one in and the last one out. He’s everywhere on the field and always near the ball. He’s a very impactful player on our team.
Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
In high school, I had injured my ankle and missed a lot of my senior year. I was able to come back towards the end of the season, yet I feel like that might have messed up some of my recruiting. I only had one scholarship offer at the time.
During my freshman season in college, I tore my PCL and was done for the season. It’s a different kind of grind coming back from an injury. Yet, I was able to work hard, come back and earn my starting spot. I was humbled, and realized that it’s a blessing to play this sport. I was able to not only earn my starting spot, but truly excel and be one of the top receivers in the league.
If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
I would probably run track. In high school, I raced against some of the top competitors in the country.
What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m most proud of becoming an All-American. I never thought that I could achieve it, but I was able to get there with a lot of hard work. I also won the Ed Sherman Award in 2021 which is given to the best receiver in our conference. I had 105 receptions with 1473 yards and 13 TD in 2021.
Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
The best game that I had was against John Carroll in the 2021 Spring Season. I had 16 receptions, 4 TD and 182 yards. I was one reception away from breaking the Mount Union team record. I also caught a one-handed TD in that game.
Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Lamar Jackson is one of my favorite players to watch. He’s very exciting. Calvin Ridley and Justin Jefferson are 2 WRs that I like to model after. Ridley has sudden, quick movements and gets out of his breaks really well. Jefferson uses a lot of finesse and always finds a way to get open.
Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Some of my favorite artists include Kodak, Major Nine, FCG Heem and NoCap. One of the songs I like to listen to before a game is “Shinin” by FCG Heem.
What is your favorite comfort food?
I like Chick-Fil-A. My girlfriend makes fried shrimp and fries that I really like.
Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
Some of my favorite movies include ATL, Friday and Little Giants. Among my favorite TV shows are All-American and Outer Banks.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I like hanging out with my friends and family. I like going bowling. I’m also pretty good at ping pong.
Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
I have a passion for the game. I dreamed about making it as a kid. Football has created a lot of opportunities for me to grow as a person and meet many people. This game has also been an outlet that allows me to go out on the field and relieve stress.
My family and my grandmother really motivate me. I am a person in the family that has the opportunity to change our lives for the better, and I’m going to try my best to make it happen.
Assistant Director of Scouting for the Hula Bowl and long-time writer for NFL Draft Diamonds.