2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Zach Leslie, WR, North Carolina A&T

• Name: Zachary Leslie
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height: 6’3.5″
• Weight: 210 lbs
• School: North Carolina A&T State University
• Level: Division I FCS – Big South Conference
• Twitter: z_les19
• Instagram: z.les19

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: Sports Science (graduated in 2020 – taking additional classes now)

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Giving off good energy and being a leader – I’m also somewhat of an “oldhead” nowadays 

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

My role on the team is being a leader and a real “mood-shifter.” I’m trying to bring everyone together like I mentioned before. 

I’m a wide receiver – I believe I can play both outside and inside depending on what the team needs me to do on a specific play 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Sterling Berkhalter – young receiver who is poised for a big season 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

Since I’m a taller receiver, I feel like I have a wider catch radius. I also have a different YAC ability than others at my position. 

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

I tore my Achilles in March of 2021 – it put me down mentally and physically. I had to fight to get back to where I am right now, and I hope I never have to go through it again. 

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

I’m most proud of coming to school and earning a degree, even if it felt forced at times. There’s a lot of people that would love to be in my shoes. 

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

One-handed catch in 2018 at East Carolina – we had a timeout right before the play. Quarterback told me to run a fade, I originally thought the ball was overthrown but ended up getting it in my hands anyways. 

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

Randy Moss is my favorite at the receiver position. I also watch film from Megatron (Calvin Johnson) and Davante Adams. 

I don’t exactly model my game after anyone specific, I just used what god gave me combined with coaching. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Before a game I’m driven internally – all the people that are looking forward to see my play. My little brother is also on the team so I want to play my best for him and be a role model. 

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

In my spare time I just like to chill and get some extra work in. Hanging out with the players is fun too. 

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

I’ve been playing football since kindergarten. I’ve been playing ever since. That was the first sport I saw when I was little. 

My parents and my siblings are my biggest source of motivation. They’ve seen the entire course of my life, or at least most of it, so they know me best and we all feel great when I perform well on the field. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

They are going to get someone who works super hard and gives it their all. Like many, this is a lifelong dream, and not many people get that kind of opportunity. 

Other notes:

In my senior year of high school I had a torn labrum, I missed three games of that final season. I had no offers coming out of high school, went to Palmetto Prep for a season and ended up at A&T (only offer). So far I have really enjoyed the school. Sophomore season was my biggest campaign yet, junior year was similar but a little less exciting. The pandemic hit before senior year, then last year I tore my achilles and couldn’t play. I feel better than ever before now, hoping that this is the time when I can really break out.