2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Malachi Buckner, S, North Dakota

• Name: Malachi Buckner
• Position: Safety
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 206 lbs
• School: University of North Dakota (previously Gardner-Webb)
• Level: Division I FCS – Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC)
• Twitter: topdaollarchi
• Instagram: topdollarchi

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?

Major: Sociology

Minor: Business

Graduated this spring – I have another undergrad in communications. 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Just being a leader on the team and being available – making sure everyone is doing their job and being held accountable. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Safety that makes sure guys are aligned in the right spots and able to make plays. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Jalin Moore, RB, Appalachian State. Quick with his cuts and all around great player in the backfield. 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Janathian Turner (at Gardner-Webb) – battled a lot of injuries including a big one to the back. Fights through it every day. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Freshman year of college I suffered a torn meniscus. I was down on myself and didn’t know if I was going to be the same. I also felt lonely not being around a lot of people. Also led to poor academic performance. Things got better once I recovered from the injury. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Basketball – this was the sport I played before football. I stopped playing once I realized football could take me further. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

This past season (senior year). First team honors in the conference – something I had been training for and working hard for a long time, especially the summer before. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Against Hampton this past season – right after halftime we were down in the game, I had an 80-yard interception return and made a couple guys miss tackles down the sideline. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Favorite team: Atlanta Falcons – hometown team 

Derwin James and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson are my two role models, safeties for the Chargers and Saints.

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

I’m a big pregame music guy – it calms me down and also gets me hyped depending on the genre and mood at the time. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I work out when I can. I also play video games and spend time with friends/family.

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

My older brother was playing football before me – I would go to his games and it made me want to follow in his footsteps. I was very young at the time, but even now he still pushes me to always be better. 

Other notes:

Started college career at Gardner-Webb. Played 3 games my freshman year. Got injured and missed the rest of the season. Became a full time starter in sophomore year (2019). Decent season during shortened covid season (4 games). “Breakout” season in 2021, had 5 interceptions (no. 4 in the nation). 

Excited to be at North Dakota – better exposure for the next level. Conference is also more competitive.