2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Alonzo Edwards Jr, DB, Sam Houston State University

• Name: Alonzo Edwards Jr
• Position: DB
• College: Sam Houston State University
• Height: 5’10”
• Weight: 190 lbs
• X: @a1_edwards7
• Instagram: @nonelike4

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

I have always had love for the sport and it’s something that I’ve always just enjoyed playing in the yard with my friends and so my parents noticed that and put me in football when I was 6 years old.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

My favorite moments from my football life are just the process of everything, the practices, the hard hours of work that people don’t see and just enjoying the process are my favorite memories of my football life.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

As a football player, my goal going forward is to establish myself at the highest level and become a complete, dependable player that a team can trust in any situation. I want to continuously develop my game—physically, mentally, and technically—so I can perform consistently week in and week out.

I’m focused on earning a long-term role in the National Football League contributing to winning football, and helping bring championships to an organization. At the same time, I want to build a reputation known for preparation, discipline, and making big plays when it matters most on a defense and on special teams. 

Beyond that, I want to maximize my career, take care of my family, and leave a legacy not just as a great player, but as someone who impacted the game and the people around me in a positive way.

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

If I could hang out with any football player, I’d choose Patrick Surtain II

He’s a humble dawg at DB—doesn’t do too much talking, just locks up every week. I’d want to spend a day with him to see how he studies receivers, how he breaks down film, and how he stays so disciplined with his technique. His footwork, patience, and confidence at the line are elite, but it’s his mindset that really stands out.

In the National Football League, he’s the type of DB who just handles business quietly and lets his game speak. I’d want to learn how he prepares to take away a team’s top receiver and how he stays consistent no matter who he’s matched up against.

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

The people who inspire me the most are my mom and dad. Seeing how hard they work every single day and how dedicated they are to becoming the best version of themselves motivates me to push myself the same way.

They’ve shown me what discipline, sacrifice, and consistency really look like. No matter what challenges come their way, they stay focused and keep going, and that’s something I carry with me in my own journey. Everything I’m working toward is built on the foundation they laid for me.

That’s why I give everything I have on and off the field—because I want to make them proud and reflect the same work ethic and mindset they’ve shown me my whole life.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

My favorite defensive scheme is honestly being multiple. I’ve been in so many different systems—from JUCO to Texas State to Sam Houston—that I’ve learned how to adapt and play fast in whatever scheme I’m in.

I’m comfortable in man, zone, pattern-match—whatever the defense calls for—because I understand that at the next level, especially in the National Football League you have to be versatile. Offenses are too good to stay in just one look, so being able to adjust, communicate, and execute in multiple schemes is what separates good players from great ones.

That adaptability is what I take pride in. No matter the call, I’m confident I can line up, understand my assignment, and make plays.

What should we know about Alonzo Edwards Jr the person?

What you should know about me as a person is that I’m simple and easygoing. I don’t need a lot I just focus on being the best version of myself every day and bringing positive energy wherever I go.

I’m the type of person who can be a plus in any room I’m in. Whether it’s on a team, around coaches, or in everyday life, I bring good energy, stay focused, and do things the right way.

Outside of football, I enjoy the simple things spending time fishing, relaxing, and playing NBA 2K. That balance helps me stay grounded and keeps me locked in when it’s time to work.

At the end of the day, I’m just someone who loves football, values consistency, and takes pride in who I am on and off the field.

What stands out about your film the most?

What stands out most about my film is my versatility and the way I impact the game in multiple roles. I’ve played nickel, corner, and safety, so you’ll see someone who understands the defense as a whole and can line up anywhere and execute.

On film, you’ll see that I can play both man and zone at a high level. I’m comfortable matching up with receivers, staying disciplined in coverage, and making plays on the ball in the air. I take pride in being physical as well, coming downhill, tackling, and bringing that edge every snap.

Another big part of my film is special teams. I treat it just as seriously as defense, and it shows I play fast, aggressive, and with effort, which makes me a difference-maker there too.

Overall, my film shows a dawg, someone who plays with intensity, versatility, and the mindset to make plays wherever I’m needed.

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

I handle challenges in life and on the field by keeping a simple mindset move on, learn from it, and get better. I don’t dwell on mistakes or setbacks. Whether it’s a bad play or something off the field, I focus on what I can control and how I can improve.

I use challenges as motivation to work harder and get closer to where I want to be. Every obstacle is an opportunity to grow, so I take it, learn from it, and keep pushing forward with the same focus and discipline.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A team is getting a dawg—someone who brings energy, toughness, and consistency every single day. I’m a versatile defensive back who can line up anywhere in the secondary corner, nickel, or safety and execute at a high level.

They’re getting a fast, explosive player who plays with physicality, competes every snap, and can make plays on the ball. I take pride in being dependable and doing my job no matter the role.

On top of that, they’re getting someone who treats special teams just as important as defense. I’m going to dominate there with effort, speed, and toughness, and be a difference-maker in every phase of the game.

At the end of the day, a team is getting a complete player someone who brings value, versatility, and a mindset built for the National Football League.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

What I love most about the game of football is the competitiveness it brings out of me. Every snap is a challenge, and I thrive on competing at the highest level and pushing myself to be better every day.

I also love the teamwork and the brotherhood that comes with it. There’s nothing like being part of a group of guys all working toward the same goal, trusting each other, and building that bond on and off the field.

That combination of competition and brotherhood is what makes the game special to me and why I have so much love for it.

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

The most underrated players I’ve played with are Jaylon Stanford and Caleb Coleman.

Jaylon Stanford is a true dawg who consistently makes plays on the ball. He plays with an edge and confidence that stands out every time he steps on the field. He’s the type of competitor who shows up in big moments and changes the game when it matters most.

Caleb Coleman is another one who doesn’t get enough credit. He’s steady, reliable, and plays with a lot of toughness and discipline. You can always count on him to do his job and bring energy every snap, which is huge for a defense.

Both of them bring that competitive mindset and work ethic that raises the level of everyone around them.