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2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Payton Schott, WR, St. Olaf

Payton Schott the standout wide receiver from St. Olaf recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
Payton Schott the standout wide receiver from St. Olaf recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds owner Damond Talbot.
  • Name: Payton Schott
  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • College: St. Olaf College
  • Height: 6’ 2”
  • Weight: 195 lbs.
  • Instagram: @payton_schott

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

I think my ability to make the most of my athleticism on the field is what separates me from other prospects. I’ve always been one of the most athletic guys on the field, but my knowledge of the game and position held me back coming out of high school. Since coming to college I’ve made huge improvements in my game which has given me the confidence to pursue this goal from a division 3 college. I’m a smart player that is very coachable and will do what it takes to win.

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

I’ve been interested in football my whole life. I grew up watching high school and college football games all weekend, but I think I really fell in love with the sport in 3rd grade when I started playing tackle football at the Boys and Girls Club.

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

I think one thing NFL teams should know about me is my upside. I’ve always seen myself as a really athletic guy, but didn’t have the size or confidence to match that coming out of high school. Since coming to college I’ve put on about 15 clean pounds and started in all 30 games the past 3 years which has given me the confidence I need. I believe the improvements I’ve made in my game the past few years is unmatched and I still have a lot to go.

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

If I could donate to any cause in the world it would be any nonprofit that works to feed the hungry. I’ve volunteered at Feed My Starving Children a few times now and think it’s amazing how far a few dollars and a couple hours of work can go.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

The best advice I have ever received has been to only focus on the things I can control and live in the moment. It helps me not stress about things in the past and make the most of every opportunity. Specifically in football, the advice helps me to put bad plays behind me and focus on giving my full effort every rep.

Who was your childhood hero?

I’ve had a lot, but David Freese was probably my biggest. Growing up I played a lot of baseball and loved the St. Louis Cardinals so it was hard not to love him after the 2011 World Series.

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

One of our other receivers, Evan Hammonds. He’s only about 5’ 5”, 150 pounds, but runs great routes and is a nightmare for DB’s. I think his work ethic and ability to make the most of what he is given is very impressive.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Getting stuck behind people. I can’t stand when people are walking or driving slowly and won’t move out of the way.

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

Losing family members is always tough and a hard thing to overcome. I lost my Grandpa at the end of my sophomore year during playoffs for baseball and that was especially tough. Other than losing family, I’ve been fortunate to not have too many big challenges in my life and am thankful for the support I have when those challenges do come up.

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

Something that is special about St. Olaf is our financial aid department. Through various scholarships and grants they make it possible for students of all financial backgrounds to come. For me, coming from a lower income family it wouldn’t have been possible for me to attend such a prestigious school.

What is your favorite snack food?

I love beef jerky. There’s a meat market down the road from my hometown we used to go to and I think they’re hard to beat.

What is the best part of football?

The best part of football for me is the competition. I love the energy competition brings and the confidence needed to perform when it comes time. There’s no better feeling than seeing your work pay off and beating the guy across from you.

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

If you’re looking for a guy that’s going to show up everyday ready to work and take coaching to make himself and the team better, I’m your guy.

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

Adam Thielen. I would say we are pretty comparable in our body types and athletic abilities. On the field I think he’s a guy that isn’t going to blow by DB’s, but relies on his football IQ and route running to get separation. I try to incorporate some of the things he does into my game whether that’s switching up my tempo on routes, looking for indicators that might give away the coverage, or looking for ways to open up a read when I’m not getting the ball. He’s also very consistent in his catches and rarely loses a 50/50 ball which I believe is a strong part of my game with my ability to high point the football.

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

The first person I would sit down with is Michael Jordan. I think his mental approach to the game and ability to win in any scenario is pretty special so I would like to pick his brain on that. The second person I would sit down with is Paul Walker. Growing up I was a big fan of Fast and Furious and think he would be a pretty cool dude to spend time with. Lastly, I’d like to sit down with Christian McCaffrey. He’s always been one of my favorite players in the NFL and I think we’d have a lot in common.

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