2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Julevarrus Milstead, DL, Waldorf University

• Name: Julevarrus Milstead 
• Position: Defensive End/Defensive Tackle 
• College: SAGU & Waldorf University 
• Height: 6’3
• Weight: 258
• Twitter: @julevarrus
• Instagram: @kingmilstead

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

The hunger that I have to want to succeed is higher than anybody else you will interview! It’s nothing I won’t do to be able to set myself up to make a splash in either NFL, XFL, CFL, overseas, and arena football!

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I played since I was around 5-6 years old but the true passion for it didn’t really kick in until high school. Learning what it really takes to make it and be successful really drove me and it’s carried me to this point. 

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

Do NOT let the fact that I played NAIA level football distract you from the fact I can really play the game. I am eager and even possessed to show my true abilities and will not let you down if given the opportunity.

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be? 

Seeing as I’m a type 1 diabetic, anything revolving around that will always get support from me. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

“Don’t nobody give a f**k about your story until you make it!” It’s very harsh but it taught me that if I don’t expect sympathy from anybody and just work hard and succeed I’ll be able to conquer anything. Then, later I can tell my story. Which is why I don’t tell people about my diabetes that much.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My dad. I witnessed that man get up and walk around a 2 story house with stage 4 cancer and a level of pain I don’t think anybody can ever understand, he did it to make sure I ate, he was the best human I ever met, that’s where I gained my strength from!

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school? 

2 answers. For SAGU, Paul Odidi. For Waldorf, Deqwun McCobb

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Smacking when chewing your food

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome? 

My diagnosis as a diabetic almost took my life when I was 19, now I’m 24. I guess you can say I fought back! 

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

My teammates, I don’t think they understand that without them and the energy they provided along with football I may not be here today because who knows if I even go to college. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Frozen mangoes! 

What is the best part of football? 

Sacking a quarter back! 

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say? 

Just because you don’t see any glitter don’t think it’s nothing golden over here.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be? 

Seeing as we went to the same JUCO and learned from the same coach, I guess the safest bet is somebody like Demarcus Lawrence. 

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why? 

Muhammad Ali, My Dad, and Kobe Bryant. My dad and Muhammad Ali are my idols so I’d love to get their inputs on how to go about certain things, and Kobe is because it’s not going to ever be a athlete with that mindset ever again, so just getting the chance to pick his brain would be great. And I just wish the 3 of them were still with us!