2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Malachi Woody, DL, Gannon University

• Name: Malachi Woody
• Position: DL
• College: Gannon University
• Height: 6’0″
• Weight: 305 lbs
• Twitter: @MalachiWoody
• Instagram: @mzw__0

What made you decide you wanted to to a football player?

Honestly, my grandmother she always loved the game. I wanted to put a smile on her face and find a way to make her proud, so I started playing.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

One of my favorite moments I would have to say is playing alongside my best friends in college. Competing with those guys and making memories that will last a lifetime on and off the field.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Honestly, I’m just embracing whatever God puts in my path. I’m happy to be a part of this new phase in my life and I just want to enjoy every second of it.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

I would probably have to say Deacon Jones, I think he really created the standard of the way a defensive lineman should play and impact the game.

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

Easy, my grandmother she passed away a few years ago. She had cancer and fought it to the very end. I actually wanted to quit playing football in high school but she didn’t let me because she saw something in me. She also, worked her tail off to provide everything she could for me. Working 2 jobs and never really having anytime to herself.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Honestly, I don’t have a favorite scheme really I just want to be able to be apart of a team and provide my skill set anyway I can to help win games. As my coach Nardo say “It’s not the scheme it’s the players who believe in what you are trying to achieve in it”.

What should we know about Malachi Woody the person?

I’m a funny guy, I love making people laugh and putting smiles on peoples faces. I enjoy playing 2k and Madden when I have down time.

What stands out about your film the most?

My film I’m very versatile defensive lineman and I can play anything from 0 to 5 and the ability to both get to the quarterback and play the run.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

Three things in life that get me through obstacles on and off the field is God, family, Rod Wave.

What would a team get in a player like you?

Not only will they get a guy that’s willing to show up everyday and be consistent on the field, but they will be getting a guy that will try to consistently bring positive energy and vibes to the guys in the locker room and organization.

What do you love the most about the the of football?

I love the way it’s able to bring people from different backgrounds, lifestyles, and cultures together to create a bond and a new family. While competing and going at each other in practice, camp, off season work outs. Then allows them to put it all together into a 60 minute game.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

The most underrated guy that I’ve player with is Malik Bridgeman. Nose guard that I played with at my time at Gannon. He’s honestly my brother, the way he works and loves the game and his competitive nature in every aspect of life. I love that guy and he deserves to have more recognition honestly for the way he plays the game.