2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Dontae Lunan, LB, Coastal Carolina
- Name: Dontae Lunan
- Position: LB
- College: Coastal Carolina
- Height: 6’0
- Weight: 218 lbs.
- Twitter: @upnowdon
- Instagram: @dontaelunann
Who is the NFL player you compare yourself the most to? Why is that?
Currently I’d say a Christian Izien–type player. I feel like I would thrive as a modern overhang defender in a 4-2-5. I play in the box, cover like a safety, and bring physicality even though I’m not the biggest guy on paper. I pride myself on instincts, effort, and doing whatever my team needs to stay on the field on third down.
What aspects of playing in the NFL do you find to be intriguing?
It’s always been a lifelong dream, but I also see it as an opportunity to maximize the gifts God gave me. I’m a competitor at heart and I believe I’ve got that edge in me when I commit to something, I attack it relentlessly. I don’t get rattled, I don’t back down, and I trust my work to carry me through. The NFL demands discipline, preparation, and humility, and I’m drawn to environments where faith, work ethic, and consistency matter every day.
In what ways have you improved since last season?
I’ve improved a lot by playing in more space at the FBS level, which has forced me to sharpen my instincts, coverage ability, and overall football IQ. The game has slowed down for me, and I feel more comfortable making plays in open areas. Off the field, I’ve made it a point to invest in my teammates… learning who they are, building real relationships, and spending time together outside of football. That chemistry has helped me grow as a leader and translate better communication and trust onto the field.
What is your favorite memory so far as a college football player?
Honestly, my favorite memory is the Marshall game. I had a TFL, forced a fumble, and got an interception, I was around the ball all day. I will say… I got a little too excited on the return and put it on the ground which humbles you real quick. But overall, it was one of those games where everything slowed down, I trusted my preparation, and I was just playing free and having fun.
What is the most important thing you would like NFL scouts, coaches and general managers to know about you?
The most important thing I want scouts, coaches, and GMs to know is that you won’t regret taking a chance on me. I’m built different mentally. My parents are from Jamaica, I’m the youngest of five, and I grew up having to earn everything, been an underdog my whole life. That shaped my mindset. I’m a sponge by nature; I love learning, I love coaching, and I take pride in improving every single day. I know I’m a dog, I trust my preparation, and I have zero doubt in my abilities. When I commit to something, I attack it relentlessly, and I believe whatever I touch gets better because of the work I put in.