2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Lamar Wilkes, DB, Anna Maria College

• Name: Lamar Wilkes 
• Position: Defensive Back/Cornerback
• College: Anna Maria College
• Height: 5’10
• Weight: 180 
• Twitter: lamarwilkes1
• Instagram: Marwilkes5

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

What makes me a top prospect at my position is that I’m a leader I always find ways to make myself better I have the ability to make people around me better, I have a high football IQ which I can read the concept of routes before it happens, I can cover all around the field I’m very coachable, team player, I’m disciplined, I love to watch film. Give me an opportunity and you’ll see.

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

Football was always in my family so everyone knew I was going to play, but to give an age I would say about 5 years old.

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

That they’re getting a dog on and off the field in all aspects of life, I bring the light to the room I have a goofy personality but when it time for business I flip my switch. I’m very family oriented. I’m very energetic. 

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

To the Homeless, ever since I was young, I never like to see people out on the streets with nowhere to go or can’t eat for some nights, I always that person to give so that’s what I would do.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Stop worrying what everyone else got going on and start worrying about what I want in life. Stop letting people tell me what I can and can’t do.

Who was your childhood hero?

Definitely my uncle Tracey and my aunt Sandy they put a roof over my head when they didn’t have to, and he never worked a real job, so I appreciate them for that. 

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

I would say Josh Roman that boy really be doing his thing hold down his own. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I believe being ignored. 

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

My freshman year was one of my hardest moments, I wasn’t getting as many reps, I bruised my knee in practice, when I recovered from that my head coach sat me down and had an 30 mins conversation about how I need to Lock in after that conversation I caught 2 interceptions in my jv game earner a spot of varsity and been starting ever since that 

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

Anna Maria is a small school in Paxton Massachusetts with only about 1500 student athletes there, they gave me the opportunity to continue to play the sport that I love and continue to pursue my education at the school. I’ve meet long term friendships on and off the field. Anna Maria has the best support you’ll ever need at an school everyone knows you so it’s like everyone there family. 

What is your favorite snack food? 

Chester hot fries, Philly cheese steak 

What is the best part of football?

Just everything about it, putting that jersey on knowing you play for someone the process of getting ready for games, waking up in the Am for those away games, the friendships, the connections. Lesson you’ll learn that’ll you’ll take from football to carry on with you in life.

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

Hi my name is Lamar Wilkes I’m on of the hardest worker you’ll know if you give me an opportunity you won’t regret it.

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

Most definitely Jalen Ramsey we just confident in our play style, and Avontae Maddox. So funny how I wore #29 and #5 in college. 

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

I would definitely have a conversation with God just to tell him thank you and that I appreciate him for everything.  Ms. Robin, I have to have a dinner with her that conversation would be everything to me, that conversation would last at least a week. And also, I would want a dinner with my real mom just to tell her everything going to be cool I got her forever.