2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Darren Wilson Jr, WR, Iowa State University

- Name: Darren Wilson Jr
- Position: WR
- College: Iowa State University
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 212 lbs
- Twitter: @darren7wilson
- Instagram: @dwjxvii
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I grew up in a family that loves football there was never a weekend football wasn’t on the television and it would always bring my family together. My father played football at Alabama A&M and was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Alabama A&M in 2010. I would say my father influenced me the most to play and I have fell in love with the sport ever since I started playing at the age of 5.
What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?
I am looking to achieve as much as I possibly can, the sky is the limit!
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
I would want to hang out with Stefon Diggs because I admire the creativity in his route running and I like the way he plays the game. I would just want to get some pointers from him so that I could continue to improve my game.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
Every moment of my football life has been my favorite, it has been a blessing through the ups and downs and has made me the player I am today.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
Every individual in my family is one of a kind, they all inspire me in different ways. I honestly can’t say one inspires me more than the other.
What is your favorite offensive scheme and why?
Spread offense, it allows an offense to spread the defense out horizontally and allows WRs like myself to find those openings in the defense. A spread offense also creates opportunities for WRs to “take the top off” and make plays deep downfield, there is no better feeling than making those big plays.
What should we know about Darren Wilson the person?
I am a motivated and hard working individual who is not afraid to take on any challenge that is thrown my way. I would also describe myself as a creative individual as I often find the most efficient ways to accomplish tasks. Some other things to know about me is that I have a passion for music, food, golf, fishing and helping others.
What stands out about your film the most?
How physical and versatile of a player I am. Not only do I bring speed and the ability to get open and make plays down the field, I am an all around football player who is very effective in blocking for the run game and can also make big plays on special teams, particularly as a punt gunner.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
Handle the challenge, don’t let the challenge handle me. Keep a good attitude, control what I can control and just keep working until whatever the challenge is at hand is conquered.
What would a team get in a player like you?
Someone who is unselfish and is willing to do whatever job that is asked of me and to execute that job at an elite level.
What do you love the most about the game of football?
What I love most about the game of football is the constant test of preparation. Performance on the football field is directly correlated to the work that is put in and sacrifices that are made by you and your teammates before you step out on the field for game day. When you fall in love with the process, the process will eventually love you back!
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
The most underrated player I have played with would have to be Anthony Johnson Jr. Anthony is an extremely athletic defensive player who is versatile, as he has had the ability to play corner and safety throughout college. What makes him special is his physicality and his relentless drive to perfect his craft.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen