2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Will Ignont, LB, Western Kentucky University

• Name: Will Ignont
• Position: LB
• College: Western Kentucky University
• Height: 6’2″
• Weight: 225 lbs
• Twitter: @WillIgnont
• Instagram: @Willignont

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

Football was a way for me to get involved with other men, growing up without a father. My uncle taught me how to play and the ins and outs of the game when I was in 3rd grade. I personally don’t think anything or any other sport can teach lessons that you can apply to your everyday life like football can for a young man.

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

I just want to be the best at whatever I’m doing. I want to prove to myself I can play at the next level and continue to gain the respect of my peers and others that love the game as much as I do.

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

Demario Davis. I think he’s one of the best linebackers to ever play the game, and as a person I really admire what he does as far as community service, and supporting and impacting the youth. That’s someone I truly look up to.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

The relationships I’ve built throughout the years, having an opportunity to play and actually start in the SEC, and simply just becoming a true professional as far as how I apply myself and my approach towards the game of football. I truly have fell in love with the process and what it takes to actually reach my fullest potential. I also had 9 tackles, 3 tfls, 2 sacks, and an interception vs ODU in 2021. That was one of the best games of my football career and it’s something I’ll never forget.

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

My mom. Just with everything she’s been through as far as beating cancer, providing for me and my sister by herself. My mom has always been super woman in my eyes and she always made sure I had everything I needed to be successful in life. All the time, energy, and effort that she’s put into me and football career every since 3rd grade is a huge reason as to why I go so hard. She’s my why. Her resiliency and work ethic helped mold me into the person I am today.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I love playing in a 3-4, but I enjoy 4 down defenses more because I like pumping gaps and playing downhill behind the line of scrimmage. In 2021 that’s what I played in with Maurice Crum as our defensive coordinator who is now at Ole Miss and I had the most production of my college career in that system. But with me playing in a 3-4 & 4-3 both at Tennessee, and this past season with Tyson Summers leading our defense, I honestly feel that I am versatile and can play in any defensive scheme.

What should we know about Will Ignont the person?

Will Ignont is a hard worker, with a huge chip on his shoulder. I’m a locker room guy, I like to have fun and have a relationship with my teammates and coaches. I’m a leader, and with that I’m someone who leads by example. I am a true professional and I have matured tremendously from the time I went to Tennessee in 2017 to now. I’m a sponge when it comes to learning and gaining knowledge from others and I genuinely enjoy helping others.

What stands out about your film the most?

My knowledge and IQ of the game. I truly understand the linebacker position, and I’m a physical guy that plays well in space and in the box. I can get everyone lined up and be a signal caller and I can cover TE’s and RB’s. My interior blitzes and pressures stand out on film, and I think my biggest attribute is my versatility. Playing both on and off the ball.

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

Simply by controlling what I can control and staying in the moment. Not thinking too far ahead, not letting emotions get the best of me, but simply just controlling and attacking whats right in front of me at that given time.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A hard worker, somebody thats going to come to work and show up everyday with the mindset of getting better. A true leader. A guy that’s the 1st one in and last to leave. Someone who strives to be the best they can possibly be both on and off the field. I can play all special teams, and I’m willing to contribute to the team in whatever way I’m needed. I’m a true team player and I’m a winner. I simply have a hunger and work ethic that can’t be faked, its just in me and was instilled in me at a young age through different challenges and adversity.

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

The life lessons you can learn from the game, the camaraderie, being apart of something bigger than yourself. And just the relationships and life long friendships you build with not only other players but coaches as well.

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

Deandre Johnson. Played with him at Tennessee, he finished his career at Miami. Just always feel that he’s been overlooked and he’s easily one of the best players I’ve ever played with.