Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: De’Ante “Pop” Saunders, CB, Tennessee State University

Every year, NFL DraftDiamonds brings our readers the best in depth interviews on the internet. We specialize in giving players an opportunity to showcase their talents on our website. We conducted interviews last year with over 300 plus players. We want you to enjoy our interviews, because when these young men are in the league, we will not be surprised, and neither should you. 

What is your name?

De’Ante Saunders

Where do you play college football?

Tennessee State University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

I’d say quit a few , including sec teams.

How did you choose your school?

I really choose them off of the success they were having during my recruiting.

Where are you from?

Deland , Florida

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is Janoris Jenkins because he over came adversity that motivated me to keep striving!

Did you play any other sports growing up?

I played basketball with an AAU team called Nike team Florida.

Did you play any other positions in football?

High school I played QB, RB, WR, and corner.

At your position, what separates you from others?

In my opinion I’m different because I have different instincts an can react quicker then most.

When you are breaking down film, what do you look for?

I look for Quarterback tendencies, does he read through routes or store down receivers. I also look at what plays an opponent favors to run in different situations of the game.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

The toughest person I’ve faced was probably Alshon Jeffery my freshman year at Florida.

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be and why?

I feel my game is more like Charles Woodson , he plays all positions like I do an he goes out an make plays.

What was the biggest obstacle in your life you had to overcome, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was leaving Florida , the only thing I could do keep my mind positive an pray an work hard an show people I’m trying to succeed!

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Nah not really I just like the thrill I get before the game.

What is your biggest strength?

Some people so my coverage an instincts but who I to judge…

What is your biggest weakness?

I would say my biggest weakness is staying patient when the ball is going away from me. I have to stay locked in because you never know where the ball might go.

If I were a GM and gave you a second to sell yourself, what would you say?

If you want hard work, dedication, as well as a player that’s going to lay it on the line for his team. Then I’m the one.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

My favorite player was the one an only Dion Sanders. But my favorite team was the packers. I liked Brett Farve back in his prime.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would you choose?

My Mother , my Aunt and my closet friend Mike Gilislee