2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mark Benard Jr., CB, Sul Ross State

• Name: Mark Benard Jr
• Position: Cornerback 
• College: Sul Ross State
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 170
• Twitter: MarkBenard5
• Instagram: Hollywood.m2

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2026 NFL Draft?

I’m Gifted in many ways at my position.

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

I’m coachable, disciplined, and I pride myself on being the hardest worker in the room. No matter the role, I’ll put the team first and do whatever it takes to win.

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

I’d donate to youth sports and education programs, because sports gave me structure, discipline, and opportunity. I want kids to have the same chance to grow and succeed.

Who was your role model? 

My parents — they showed me the value of hard work, resilience, and sacrifice. They set the standard for how I carry myself today.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Dallas Cowboys

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

Evian Thomson at Sul Ross State

What is your biggest pet peeve?

When people make excuses instead of finding solutions.

Who is your favorite teacher ever?

Dr. Billy ray he believed in me and pushed me to be better not just as a student, but as a person.

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

Injury, family struggle, academic hurdle, etc.]. That experience taught me patience, perseverance, and how to keep moving forward when life gets tough.

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

I could eat it every day and not get tired of it.

What is your favorite snack food? 

Fruit roll ups

What is your degree in? 

Bachelors of science/ human performance 

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

• Michael Jordan — to learn about his competitive mindset.
• Muhammad Ali — for his courage inside and outside the ring.
• Travis Hunter because of his knowledge on the field.

What is your biggest weakness? 

I can be overly critical of myself. I hold myself to such a high standard that sometimes I don’t celebrate small wins. But it pushes me to always improve.