2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: David Gist III, RB, Tennessee Tech

• Name: David Gist III
• Position: RB
• College: Tennessee Tech
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 191
• Twitter: DayDayGist
• Instagram: daydaygist

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

I am an all-purpose back, a pass-protector, and a back that runs with unmatched willpower while making it difficult for defenders to bring me down alone. 

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

I was introduced to football at a very young age from growing up and watching my older brother play. I became heavily invested in football when I was 5 years old and always knew this is what I wanted to do.

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

I’m going to give my all in anything and everything I do, no matter the situation. I’ll make an impact no matter what is asked of me to help the team win on any given Sunday.  

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

The Cancer Research Institute. I know many friends who have lost people very close to them because of cancer while experiencing losses myself. For one, my mom lost her best friend to cancer who was like a second mom to me at a young age and I know there has to be a cure out there. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

The best advice I’ve had comes from my coach Gerald Howse, who unfortunately passed away suddenly after a short period of time of becoming my coach. He would always tell me that you can’t let my circumstances stop me from reaching my goals.  

Who was your childhood hero? 

My late Uncle Bill helped take care of me at a very young age and would always tell me “If you knew how much I loved you, it’d scare you.” He never got to see me play after high school and all he wanted was to see me go and be great. I’m making him proud in everything I do.

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

Jayvian Allen, I believe he has the talent to play both sides of the ball at the collegiate level which he has proven with his film and I believe he will go on to do amazing things in this sport. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

Hating on other people, I wanna see anyone and everyone go work for everything they have prayed for, regardless of what it may be. I want to see everyone eat, even if we aren’t at the same table.

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

I went through most of my career without having to deal with any significant injuries and didn’t miss a game up until the spring season of 2020 due to Covid. I tore my labrum and was put out for the remainder of the season and I used that time to come back better in every way to make up for the time missed.

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

I went to Tennessee Tech, so playing in my hometown was a blessing for me to be able to play in front of my friends and family making them proud while they can bear witness.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Rice Krispie treats, hands down.

What is the best part of football? 

To me, it is the diversity amongst different teams and developing a bond that only teammates can form through training, practices, and all pursuing a common goal of a Super Bowl. It’s beautiful that you have different guys from all walks of life to form a brotherhood.

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

I will do everything asked of me at the highest level possible with a smile on my face, bringing a unique personality to help elevate the team in any way possible.

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

It’s hard for me to compare my play style to anyone, however, if I had to compare the way I play to someone it would be Alvin Kamara.

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

Jesus Christ, Muhammad Ali, and J. Cole. Muhammad Ali and J Cole, both reached the heights of arguably being the GOAT in their respective sports and believe they have a unique perspective on what it takes to get to the top by any means while not letting outside influences dictate their success or decisions. For Jesus Christ, that is my Lord and Savior, I know he can give me knowledge unmatched by anything I’ve ever learned through life’s trials or simply reading the Bible.