2025 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: DeEmetrius Masuka, DB, McMaster University

• Name: DeEmetrius Masuka
• Position: Defensive Back
• College: McMaster University 
• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 200lb
• Instagram: d.masuka

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2025 NFL Draft?

For a defensive back, I have a unique combination of physicality and movement ability. My strength allows me to be a force in the run/screen game while my speed and fluidity puts me a step ahead of receivers in the pass game. This was on display as I led my team in tackles in 2022 while locking down wr1’s from the boundary corner position. This gives me the ability to fit a multitude of schemes and positions at the next level.

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

I take the academic aspect of my life seriously as well; I have completed my degree in 4 years with a near 4.0 GPA. This carries onto the field in terms of game planning, in-game adjustments, and overall football IQ.

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

Any foundation that gives underprivileged youth the opportunity to participate in sports. Athletics have been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember and any kid that has a desire to play should have that chance. Sports teaches kids a multitude of skills that helps them succeed in the other aspects of their life; financial hardships should never be the reason some boys and girls don’t have that experience.

Who was your role model?

My dad has taught me the most about hard work and sacrifice throughout my life. He’s done everything he can to put me and my sister in a position to succeed and pursue our passions, which I will forever be thankful for.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Philadelphia Eagles

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Michael Horvat, punters are people too

What is your biggest pet peeve?

People who complain about problems before taking care of the things they can control first. The people that I love to compete with are the ones that provide solutions to issues rather than excuses or gripes.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Those who have taught me the most about life and football have been the coaches I’ve had throughout high school and into university including Rob Underhill, Cartier Shields, and Scott Brady

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

Having to sit out the entire 2023 season due to a major injury and use it as a time to grow as a player and a person definitely tested me. The past year of rehab has taught me a lot about resilience and has made me a stronger player as a result. After going through the worst, I now have the confidence to tackle anything else that comes my way in football and life.

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

Chick-fil-A 

What is your favorite snack food?

Sunflower Seeds

What is your degree in?

Kinesiology 

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

• Kobe – Gain a sense of his mentality and outlook on life
• Brian Dawkins – Learn how he approaches the physical aspect of football 
• Nelson Mandela – Understand his ability to lead people towards a common goal

What is your biggest weakness?

I tend to self-reflect a lot on my abilities and where I’m at as a player. This leads to continuous improvement in a lot of areas, but also self-doubt at times. As a defensive back, self-doubt is quite destructive, which is why I have paid more attention to when more or less critique is needed in training.