NFL DraftProspect Interviews

2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Destin Mack, CB, The Citadel

Destin Mack is a shutdown corner at the Citadel. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
Destin Mack is a shutdown corner at the Citadel. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams.
  • Name: Destin Mack
  • Height: 6’0”
  • Weight: 195 lbs.
  • Position: CB
  • College: The Citadel
  • Twitter: destin_mack
  • Instagram: d4.greatness

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?
The Citadel is a military school and not a place to ease through. My first year was the hardest, but I was able to adjust. I am a Sports Management and Exercise Science major. I’ve been a participant and leader within the FCA, going on mission trips and being involved in campus outreach. My internship was with Charleston Battery who is a minor league soccer team. I was the facility assistant manager, managing the field and equipment for games.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?
I am very competitive and hardworking.

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?
I have improved as an outspoken leader on our defense recently. My role has been to make sure everyone is on the same page, that we communicate with one another and help younger players along so everyone knows their assignments. We typically play a 4-2-5 defense, and I’m mainly playing press as the boundary corner although I often move around, following the #1 receiver. One of my strengths is my ability to handle WRs on the line, controlling them and redirecting them off their routes. I also take special teams very seriously. I’m a well-known asset on special teams because it allows me to use my skill set of a fast reliable tackler who gets the work done.

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
I’ve played against some of the best players in college football. Najee Harris and Jaylen Waddle of Alabama are just different, next-level athletes. Najee is hard to take down and Jaylen is just dangerous on the field. I’ve also played against Trevor Lawrence. He is very accurate and able to throw into tight coverage.

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?
Raleigh Webb and Willie Eubanks were players that set the standard, being the most athletic and hardworking guys that I’ve ever played with. Raleigh was very smart, and I learned a lot from him going head-to-head against him in practice. Willie is an all-around great player who’s very positive. Any NFL team would be lucky to have him.

Chris Beverly and Marquise Blount are two guys that I’ve seen develop over the years. They are great teammates that have a passion and love for the game.

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.
One thing that I have learned as a player is to be short-minded. During my freshman year, I got hurt in practice and had to sit out for a few weeks with a grade 2 ankle sprain. I worked very hard to get to that point, I was ready to play, and all that got messed up in practice. I could have allowed that to get me down and depressed, but I decided to keep myself focused. Being short-minded is a lot like being a defensive back. If you get beat, you can’t get mad and beat yourself up. You have to pick yourself up and keep moving forward with a “Next Play” mentality. I knew I was going to get my chance to make plays and prove that I belonged.

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?
Baseball. It was my first love, playing at a very early age. I loved being on the field and hitting the ball. I played centerfield in high school, and we won 2 state championships in the state of Georgia.

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I’m very proud of graduating from such a prestigious institution like the Citadel. I don’t want to let my parents down when it comes to my academics. I want to make them proud. One of my biggest achievements was being named an all-conference player last season.

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.
Playing against Wofford in the 2021 season, we were down 2 TDs coming out of the half. We were getting killed by their top receiver, so my defensive coordinator told me to follow him for the rest of the game. On Wofford’s opening drive in the 2nd half, I got an interception which really turned around the game, giving us the momentum. On their following possession, their QB threw a bubble screen pass behind the line of scrimmage and missed his target. The ball was still live, so I picked it up for the fumble recovery. We eventually went to overtime, beating them 45-44.

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?
Lebron James is my favorite athlete. I love the way he plays the game, keeps his body healthy and helps people in the community. Dee Delaney is a player whose career I’ve followed since his days at the Citadel. He has a no-quit motor and leaves it all on the field.

Who is your favorite music artist? What gets you pumped before a game?
Lil Baby is my favorite artist. His song “Freestyle” is something I like to play before games.

What is your favorite comfort food?
Chipotle

Do you have a favorite movie, TV show or actor?
My favorite actor is Denzel Washington. The Fast and Furious Franchise movies are some of my favorites.

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?
I’m a laid-back kind of guy. Most of the time I’m playing video games in my free time. I also like to step out here and there to go shopping. One of my secret talents is that I learned how to juggle.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?
My physicality fits the game of football. I’ve always liked hitting people on the field. I enjoy competing against the best and I have a never-quit motor.

My dad passed away when I was in middle school. He was the one who taught me how to play football. He got me into the game, and I want to prove that I can get to the next level. Family is a huge motivator for me. I get up every day, work hard and know that many blessings will come my way if I believe. 

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