2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Zion Puckett, DB, Auburn University

• Name: Zion Puckett
• Position: DB
• College: Auburn University
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 215 lbs
• X (Twitter): @zionpuckett
• Instagram: @zionpuckett

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

What made me want to be a football player was when I figured out that football could help me with my emotions and I could let my expressions and actions speak for itself on how I felt out on the field at a young age making me fall in love. It’s the game where it became therapy for me. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moment was seeing my mother’s face when I signed my letter of intent and knowing that I can get a degree and play the game I love for free with a scholarship. 

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

The biggest achievement I’m looking forward to doing is building a bond with people that I can call my brother and do life with because this game of football is still teaching me life lessons that I’m looking forward to. 

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

If I could hang out with any football player I would choose any current player that’s in the league and soak game up from them on what their process was like going through the pre-draft phase. 

Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?

My grandmother inspires me the most because I saw how she took her job very seriously and treated everyone very well with respect. She always keeps a positive mind even when stuff is not in her favor so I try to implement this in my everyday life. 

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Nickel package where you’re playing cover 5 bracket coverage where you can take away the passing threat on the doubles either on the outside or slot.

What should we know about Zion Puckett the person?

Zion Puckett is someone who is a simple guy that is very family driven, cares about others around him, second passion is dealing with cars and just always thankful for every opportunity I get.

What stands out about your film the most?

What stands out on film about me the most is the over communication/ hand signals that I’m doing on reading my keys and ahead of the play before it happens. Another thing that stands out the most is understanding leverage when it’s tackling, coverage etc. 

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

The way I go through life and football are the same concept and thought process because when challenges come I understand that they are temporary so long as I keep my mind positive I understand I can get on top when it’s all said and done. 

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get someone who comes to work each and everyday trying to get better 1% cause that’s what it takes. Someone who does the little things while getting the job done and understanding my role even if it’s big or the smallest role but you’ll get everything that I have to contribute.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The thing I love the most about football is every situation you can relate to when it comes to life lessons as well as challenges you can learn from.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

Donovan Kaufman because you can use him in all areas in the backend whether it’s blitzing, covering and zone drops, he is a plug and play type of guy whenever he is in the game.