2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: James du Manoir, OL, University of Ottawa

- Name: James du Manoir
- Position: OL
- College: University of Ottawa
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 315 lbs
- Twitter: James_DuManoir
- Instagram: james_dumanoir
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Athleticism, aggression, and will to win. I am extremely athletic for my position. Over the years of playing university football I’ve shown the aggressiveness that comes with my game, which is second to none, and lastly winning is the only option that I will settle for.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
I was interested in the sport of football from a young age watching lots with my dad, although I did not begin playing football until the start of my junior year of high school.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
Excellence. When I put my mind to something, I must achieve it. I strive to be the best version of myself on and off the field
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
Jumpstart, this program was formed to help provide all kids with equal access to sport.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Focus on the process, not the results.
Who was your childhood hero?
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
Amlicar Polk – RB
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who chew with their mouth open
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
Growing up football was everything in my household, my father and I were huge fans. Losing my dad to cancer shortly after graduating high school was probably the hardest moment of my life. Really showed me how a football team is a large family.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
Panda game. Each year the biggest Canadian university/college-level football game is played in the nation’s capital with the Gee-Gees taking on the Carleton Ravens. Absolutely electric to play in front of this crowd of 24,000 crazy fans.
What is your favorite snack food?
Beef Jerky
What is the best part of football?
Winning championship
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
My work ethic, ability to overcome adversity, and adapt to different environments make me an asset to have.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
Jason Kelce
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Tom Brady, Taylor Lewan. Some of the greats of the game. To sit down and have dinner with these three men would be life-changing. Insight on the game, how to stay healthy, challenges they faced or continue to face throughout their careers.

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