2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Antonio Epps, DB, Duquesne University

• Name: Antonio Epps
• Position: DB
• College: Duquesne University
• Height: 5’ 10”
• Weight: 198 lbs
• X (Twitter): @aepps05
• Instagram: @antonio_epps

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

Watching football growing up and many of uncles, and cousins played it, so it seemed like it was very fitting for me to take on playing football as well.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Some of my favorite moments of football come from high school and college. I would say high school would be getting my first career start at corner and getting an interception that same game in a fade ball. College would probably be playing against WVU in 2023 becasue that was the first time I played meaningful snaps against a P4 team.

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

My dad and mom for sure. They’re the backbone of everything I do. They both have sacrificed a lot for me to be able to get to college. They still sacrifice a lot to this day for me and my siblings. I can’t thank them enough.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to competing for another NEC title and winning a playoff game with my team. This is my last year so nothing would make me more happy than to leave here with that.

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

I would choose Ed Reed. His knowledge and passion for the game is second to none. I would love to just sit down and learn the ins and outs of what he has to say.

What are your favorite things about playing football for Duquesne?

My favorite thing would probably be the relationships I have built with different people throughout the years. College can be wild sometimes where you lose and gain teammates every year. So building those bonds with people I would have never met if it wasn’t for Duquesne mean a lot to me.

What should we know about Antonio Epps the person?

Something you should know is that I am a God-fearing man who wants to be the best at every aspect I can be.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why ?

I think my favorite scheme would be our 4-2-5 scheme. It’s basically our nickel package and when that package comes out we have a lot of fun within it.

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

As a man who’s trying to grow in his faith I try my best to give my challenges to Jesus. On the field and off he keeps me at peace at whatever I am doing. Anytime something starts to get rough I like to try to think how would Jesus respond.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team would get a player in me who is going to come in ready to learn and take notes of everything. And then apply that on the field with the ability. Someone who can play high or in the box.

What stands out about your film the most?

I think what stands out the most is that there is a something of everything. There is running the alley, make a sound tackle, pbus, an interception, and always running to the ball.

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

The most underrated player I have played with would probably be Ezekiel Daure. We were teammates for three years. He was practically my mentor. He was someone who always knew where he and his teammates should be in any given call while having to manage multiple positions.