2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Marcus Cushnie, DL, University of Massachusetts

• Name: Marcus Cushnie
• Position: DL
• College: University of Massachusetts
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 255 lbs
• Twitter: @CushnieMarcus
• Instagram: @marcus_cushnie

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

My father played at FAMU back in the day, so he pushed me at a young age to play. I ultimately fell in love with the game

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

The chance to get drafted or make a 53 man roster and have a long career in the NFL.

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

Probably Maxx Crosby. I had a zoom call with him the other day, and just his mindset and attitude were so contagious he had me wanting to play a game right there and then. He’s a dog, for sure.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Honestly, when I look back and see all the stuff football has been able to bless me with, I’m about to finish college with a bachelor’s and master’s degree debt-free, have met some life-long friends along the way but playing career winning a SWAC championship was one of my favorite moments to me and getting to play vs. Miami in doak was crazy as FSU was my dream school.

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

My mother, she’s a single mom. she worked her a** off to provide for me and my siblings growing up and raised great kids as all of us have gone on to graduate from college and accomplish so much.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

4-2-5 I think Georgia vs TCU was the perfect example of why a 3-3-5 just doesn’t work he can’t get pressure to a quarterback consistently running a 3-3-5 unless your olb is really a edge.

What should we know about Marcus Cushnie the person?

I’m a very determined individual I care a lot about family and friends and people in general. I’m always trying to help out I’m very passionate about football I grew up around my grandpa so I like to fish a lot and work on cars.

What stands out about your film the most?

My technique I work a lot of advanced moves that people don’t do that much in college. I also have great hands and get good knockback for being in a lot of 3 down fronts this year.

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

I’d say I’m a very rational person, so I often can think through a lot of situations I’m not fazed by much, and in football, I always fall back to my techniques or training and do what works for me.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A great pass rusher a very selfless person who always puts the team and winning first before himself a good leader and a player who is very knowledgeable of defensive line.

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

The thrill and excitement you get from making a big play in my case a strip sack ain’t nothing on earth better than that!

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

My QB from Alabama A&M Aqeel Glass, pro style Qb wants to sit in the pocket and get the ball down field, natural leader just he played in the SWAC so he doesn’t get the proper recognition.