2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mbaimba Tunkara, LB, Northwood University

• Name: Mbaimba Tunkara
• Position: LB
• College: Northwood University
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 225 lbs
• X (Twitter): @realmbaimba5
• Instagram: @m.tunkara27

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

Growing up I just fell in love with football from watching it on tv and my older cousins played it and I loved watching them and I convinced my Mom to play. 

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My first touchdown ever when I was a kid at Ohio State’s practice field, in high school we beat our rivals on a last minute field goal block and this past season we won our last two games on interceptions that happened late.

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

In life my mother for sure. She’s an immigrant and just seeing her dedication of focus inspired me so much in life.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

Seeing the growth of our program over the last four years and hopefully have our best season ever and I’m looking to lead our team and hopefully win a G-MAC conference championship.

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

Ray Lewis and Sean Taylor, because they were my two favorite football players growing up and I would love to learn from those football greats. 

What are your favorite things about playing football for Northwood?

All the bonds and relationships that I’ve made over the years and playing with my teammates and being with them in the locker room and I love the coaching staff at Northwood as well and that’s what makes Northwood special.

What should we know about Mbaimba Tunkara the person?

I would consider myself a fun energetic guy. I always have energy and I always connect with everyone no matter who and I feel like I’m a fun guy to be around.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I’ve played in a 4-2-5 and a 3-4, but I love the way our DC sets us up in the 3-4. I honestly like both of them though and could play in both of them.

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

I just take my problems head on, one step at a time and take it day by day and try to come to a good conclusion at the end.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A leader, a hard worker, someone who loves his craft, pushing himself the hardest, who is willing to take coaching, who loves football and is a great teammate.

What stands out about your film the most?

My ability to get the ball away from the offense, can attack the quarterback, make interceptions, force fumbles and make hard hitting tackles and I always am trying to be where the ball is.

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

Stephen Douglas, he’s a safety on my team. He runs a 4.37 40  and he has a great work ethic and he is the most underrated player I’ve played with.