2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Antonio Derry, C, Merrimack College

• Name: Antonio Derry
• Position: Center (All 5 OL)
• College: Merrimack College
• Height: 6’4
• Weight: 290
• Twitter: @antonioderry1
• Instagram: @antonioderry1

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2024 NFL Draft? 

My intelligence definitely makes me a top prospect in my position for the 2024 NFL Draft. I’ve played for 3 offensive line coaches in college (Stan Clayton, Jake Reed, Dan Curran), who all played in the NFL during different periods of time and each one has taught me many tools I’ve added to my game. Another thing that separates me is my competitiveness. I refuse to lose at anything I do. Whether I’m blocking Aaron Donald or playing a game of Kahoot, I will do whatever it takes. If the bar is set, I will do anything to reach it, to any extent. Lastly, I will go to war against anyone & fear no man or challenge in front of me. I’m extremely confident in myself and my abilities because of all the hard work and pain I’ve put in. 

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

I’ve been interested in football my entire life. I started playing in 4th grade & I’ve been in love with the game ever since.

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

I come from a background growing up in Baltimore city & it taught me how to fight adversity. I will never complain about a given set of circumstances, I will figure it out & do whatever it takes to win or overcome. I don’t think any person can stop me from reaching my goals. Every football team I’ve joined in my life, has improved with me joining. Not only do I compete & try to win in everything I do, I challenge others around me to do the same. This creates a competitive culture & makes everyone around me better. Also, during COVID, I didn’t allow a pandemic to become an excuse for me to stop working. instead, I began to train even harder and watched more film than i ever have so that I could become the best version of myself for the next time I had a chance to put my cleats on. After putting tireless hours into studying film and working on the field during lockdown, I was able to become 1st team all conference for the 3 straight seasons and I can attribute that to my love for the game and working tirelessly when nobody is watching. 

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

I would donate to helping inner city kids be able to join football teams when they don’t have the funds. These youth programs in cities, like my home town Baltimore, have saved many kids for many decades. I currently work with kids in the cities in Massachusetts teaching them football and other sports. Sports teach kids character at a young age & keeps them away from possible dangers as well and creates good men for society. 

What is the best advice you have ever received? 

Everyday is an opportunity to get better or worse. There is no such thing as staying the same. Every day, every set, every rep, is an opportunity to get better & if you don’t capitalize on the opportunity and give max effort, you’re wasting your opportunity.

Who was your childhood hero? 

My childhood heroes were both of my parents. Regardless of our situation, they always made it happen. They always found a way to take care of my brother, my sister, & me and put everything to the side to take care of us. 

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

There are many great players on my team that I feel are underrated. Nick Reimer (OL) & Gavin McCusker (QB) are definitely two of them. They both work very hard and compete at everything they do. These guys don’t complain, they make it happen. 

What is your biggest pet peeve? 

My biggest pet peeve is hearing people complain about things going on. Complaining doesn’t fix anything so, why sit around complaining. Be grateful for what you have & make it happen.

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

The hardest moment of my life was watching all my high school teammates sign to big schools & not going major division 1. I believed my talents were enough & this really humbled me. It was an eye opener & it gave me my work ethic to this day & I realize it takes a lot of work to be the best. Work I continue to put in now, to this day. 

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

Merrimack is special to me because my great grandfather was in the Normandy invasion & the school was founded for WWII veterans who came home. Also, it is very religious and I appreciate that. 

What is your favorite snack food?

Herrs Ketchup Chips 

What is the best part of football? 

The best part of football for me is seeing the results pay off. Not only winning but, being able to impose my will over someone because of the work I’ve put in. 

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

I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

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

Zach Martin because he also can play all 5 positions & be dominant at each. Also, I play like Ryan Jensen because we both are extremely violent on the field. 

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

I would definitely have dinner with Kobe Bryant because he was the ultimate competitor & I’ve always looked up to him and his mentality. Also, I would choose Muhammad Ali because he stood up for what he believed in & didn’t change what he believed in for anyone & was a champion. Last but certainly not least, I would choose Jesus Christ because he sacrificed for our sins & is the ultimate role model for life, as I strive to be more like him everyday.