2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Deonta McMahon, RB, McNeese State

• Name: Deonta McMahon
• Position: Running Back
• School: McNeese State
• Height: 5’9
• Weight: 185

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Major: General Studies with a focus on Behavioral Science 

We recently had a day with the kids in our stadium 

Crawfish boil for the community 

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Funny enough I actually cut hair on the side, they really love it and I look at it as a bonding activity 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

I see myself in a leadership role even if I’m not the most vocal. I can catch the ball and get out of the perimeter. We run the air raid but still run the ball a lot. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

Cameron Ward, QB, UIW 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Mason Karras, he can catch and move super quickly 

What makes you different from others at your position? 

Probably my versatility – being able to both catch and run 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

Last year in the Spring it was a rough time – Lake Charles got hit with severe weather anywhere from hurricanes to freezes. We all had to come together as a community to rebuild, and I know all of our guys felt that. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Definitely track – I went to state twice in high school. Long jump, triple jump, 100m, etc. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

My four year old daughter is my pride and joy. My biggest achievement is getting to this level in college. I was one of the guys going down the JUCO route. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

When I was at Butte College I had a four-touchdown performance and went over 200 yards. 2 or 3 of those were explosive ones that went for 60, 60, and 80 yards. 

Against UIW I had a 40-yard run and it felt so refreshing bursting through that hole. At the beginning of the season last year I was in a bit of a slump and needed something refreshing. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

I mirror my game after Alvin Kamara being a two-way player. 

Tavon Austin and OBJ always had some swagger. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Watching highlights of my favorite players makes me want to better my game 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

Cutting hair, play some video games, or just watch film 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

My uncle is the one who taught me how to play football. We would dial up plays in the dirt all the time. This sport constantly brings me joy and knowing that it’s the most watched sport here in America. 

What do you want NFL teams to know about you? 

I’m coachable, hard working, and hold everyone accountable to a standard. 

Other notes: 

I didn’t have too many offers coming out of high schools except for a few Division II’s. I went across the country to play at Butte CC in California. I had a huge chip on my shoulder and I knew I was going to tear it up at the JUCO level. Sure enough, we went 9-1 my first year there and it was an incredible feeling. My next year Coastal Carolina, Houston, and BYU were all talking to me. My first official offer was from New Mexico, but unfortunately the coaching staff was fired and that fell through. My second year in JUCO I suffered an injury and was able to bounce back, but then COVID hit and I went back home. I was again talking to Northern Colorado and Missouri State. McNeese came in a bit later but I knew that’s where I wanted to be. My first season there was in the Spring, and although it wasn’t the greatest, I really improved in the fall. Under coach Goff I think we will bring the winning tradition back to McNeese.