2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dame Tanelus, WR, Iowa Wesleyan University
- Name: Dame Tanelus
- Position: WR
- College: Iowa Wesleyan University
- Height: 6’1
- Weight: 180lbs
- Twitter: @dtanelus88
- Instagram: @dame_6x
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?
I bring versatility to every football game, I’m not only going to beat someone over the top but I take my route running very seriously. My mentality is eat or be eaten and I refuse to be on somebody’s menu.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I’ve been around football for as long as I can remember. I grew up watching family members play football, I was blessed to have a cousin go to the league (Chandler Williams/WR) and watch him play at other levels as well.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
When I get drafted I’m not only signing to be a player but to be a student of the game. I pride myself on not letting my ego or pride get the best of me. I know that there is always something you can learn from every situation whether you’ve been through it or not. I think that’s what makes me coachable.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
Any diabetes campaign, my father passed away when I was younger due to complications from it that caused a heart attack. I was hurt and angry for a long time, and to be able to fund something that could possibly save another person from experiencing that kind of pain and anger, I’d jump on that opportunity.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
“Control what you can control.” This has always stuck with me because of my strong belief in God. Everyone has a battle or battles that they go through and to get through that thing you must take control over the things you can and the things you can’t you have to let it be.
Who was your childhood hero?
My dad. He put a football in my hands and was the greatest person ever. I have fought and given blood sweat and tears to get to where I am, and I know he would be proud.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
My entire team is underrated, everyone in our locker is a ball player and can make a difference anywhere on any level. They all excel in very different ways.
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com