2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Lorenzo Lingard Jr., RB, University of Akron

• Name: Lorenzo Lingard Jr.
• Position: Running Back
• College: University Of Akron
• Height: 6″0
• Weight: 204.3lbs
• Twitter: @lingard_lorenzo
• Instagram: _lorenzo.lingard 

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

Football is a way of life for me, and I compete to be the best period. I utilize my speed and strength to dominate and attack on the field in the run game and catching the ball out of the back field. I run with a chip on my shoulder to make explosive plays every play.  Catching the football and coming up with first down conversions is very important to me every play. I know it’s a game of inches, and every inch matters, and I believe I play with that mindset, and you can see it on film. I believe my work ethic and mindset is unmatched when it comes to the game of football because I use any setback in the game or life to push me forward even harder.  I love to watch film and be prepared as possible for practice and the game to have an advantage. I am a leader by example and by vocalizing to my teammates no matter the situation. 

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

I’ve been playing football since the age of six. Pop Warner Football. I had a cousin who played football at a high level. I grew up idolizing him and watching him play and workout. I took on that role and that Is why I work so hard at the game and preparation. 

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

I live for the game of Football. I am always working on myself to improve as an athlete, my footwork, strength, vision, and as a person. I love to compete and win. I hate to lose. I am willing to do what the coaches ask of me to the best of my ability 110%, and I will earn their trust as soon as I’m in the building. I am going to set the tone in rookie minicamp with leadership with my play and special teams. I am a person who is accountable and available for any role, and I know I will earn the trust of my coaches and teammates with my work ethic and big plays. I will show that I can contribute whether I’m taking mental reps or coming in the game on a key conversion. I strive to prove this, and I hope I get the opportunity to prove it.

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

The kidney foundation. My Dad is a hemodialysis patient of 21 years strong.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Taking accountability for my choices as a man and sticking to my word and to finish what I start no matter what life throws at me. 

Who was your childhood hero?

My Dad because of what he has overcome and the work ethic he has shown me despite his physical condition. This pushes me to be my absolute best and highest effort every day because I see him fight through pain every day with hemodialysis treatment.

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

Blake Hester, He plays RB and returner for Akron. He is ranked top in the country for returning. He is a hard worker. He makes explosive plays. He is an undersized guy, but he puts his best foot forward every day and is a top player for Akron Zips. 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Being lazy  

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Jackie Gogel, 3rd grade Teacher, she is a great teacher and helped me realize my potential even though I was really young. She believed that I will be an NFL football Player.

What was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

An injury I faced during my freshman year at the U.  Not being able to run or do activities was an adversity I had not faced yet it hurt me on the inside so much I did activities that I did not have to participate in such as 30, 110 runs when I was only 65% healthy. I attacked it to come back better than I was before. It was a big setback back. Then I realized from it that you can overcome any hurdle with the right mindset, focus, and persistence, no matter how big or small. I am persistent in attacking hardships now. And I appreciate what I learned then because I know I can get through any challenge, physically or mentally. 

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

The group of young teammates that I was able to influence from day one at Akron means a lot to me. Winning the wagon wheel which is part of our rivalry game against Kent State, bringing it back home was a special moment for me, I made lots of explosive plays that game and seen my teammates fight hard for the win. It’s not just any wheel it is an old fashion wooden wheel which was believed to fall off of Mr. Butchels wagon during a bad storm in Akron Ohio heading to Kent . The winner of the game gets to paint the wheel teams colors. 

If you could have any franchise restaurant in your house what would it be?

Raising Canes!! Chicken Fingers, Fries, and Sweet Tea it’s better than Zaxby’s.

What is your favorite snack food?

Fruit snacks! Mac n cheese and baked beans I’ve eaten this since a small kid.

What is your degree in?

Education science I graduated in December 2022 from the University of Florida. 

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

I am determined to accomplish any goal I set my mind to no matter what it takes, I believe I am the best player no matter what and I will do what is necessary and pay attention to what my coaches want of the offense and execute it. 

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

Isiah Pacheco He is very hard runner. I really respect his game and study it. I believe in my film and the way I practice and play, I see similar traits in my running game. The way he attacks tight zone and outside zone. 

What is your favorite game to play at the carnival/theme park?

Dunking the trash talk clown / target hitting. 

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

1. Adrian Peterson – I would ask him what his routine was during his eight 1000-yard seasons/ diet/ workouts/mindset. What runs he believes works the best to be the best. 2. Bill Belichick- I would ask him what made his offense so unstoppable and then I would ask him what his top 5 plays is to run against a top defense. 3. Tom Brady – I would ask him what his methods is to watching film and what does a true football team looks like during the work week, all of the little things no one sees.