NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Julius Wingate, WR, Stony Brook University

• Name: Julius Wingate aka “Juju”

• Height: 6’4

• Weight: 220

• Position: WR

• College: Stony Brook University

• Twitter: Juju_Wingate

Tell us about your hometown, and what you love most about it?

•  I’m from the 4th ward of Englewood, New Jersey. To keep it simple, in the 4th the houses aren’t as pretty as they are in other parts in the town. A lot of people on this side live from check to check and will get to it by any means necessary. Englewood is the home of some of the most talented athletes not only in the county but also in the entire state of New Jersey. Englewood, much like other places have endless stories of athletes that could’ve been/ should’ve been. What I love about my town is that those same people, along with other influentials will be there to motivate you and tell you to keep on the right path. They recognize talent when they see it.

List these three in order of importance and why: Film Study, Strength and Conditioning and Practice?

•  Strength and Conditioning first, Practice then Film. Without strength and conditioning, you won’t be able to compete at a high level. Your body will shut down which will cause you to not practice. I always say to treat your body how your body wants to be treated. Once you’re in shape you’re able to compete. Competing is easy, it’s fun, you’re doing what you love. Depending on how much you love it then correlates to your film study. If you’re trying to find a way to better your game and your craft, you watch the film to correct yourself the next day at practice.

What do you worry about, and why?

•  I don’t worry about anything, at this point in my life I’m actually anxious… to get an opportunity, to prove my abilities. 

Give me an example of when you failed at something. How did you react and how did you overcome failure?

•  During college, I failed an economics exam that I thought I at least passed. I was astonished and knew I had to take a different approach when taking the retake. I met up with classmates and put in extra time at night to make sure I correct my mistakes and have a better understanding of the subject. I passed the retake with flying colors.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

•  I would assume they would appreciate either my personality/ mindset or my work ethic the most. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?

•  Jimmy Moreland, JMU CB

What would your career be if you couldn’t play football? 

•  I’d begin my path on influencing the world on the importance of sustainability. 

Room, desk, and car – which do you clean first?

•  Room, your room/ living space I believe is a direct depiction on how your life is going. Never leave the house without your bed made. 

If there was a disaster and you could either save three strangers or one family member, which would you choose and why?

•  I would choose that one family member. Family means the world to me and if I consider you my family I would risk my life for you.

If you could be any television or movie character, who would you be and why?

•  I would be the bulldog from Tom and Jerry. Not always on the scene, but when he is he’s always doing the right thing. Never afraid as well.

Tell me about your biggest adversity in life and how you’ve dealt with or overcome it?

•  The most important adversity I’ve probably dealt with to this day I would say was the word “Potential”.  Since highschool, I’ve had the label of potential wrapped around me and it’s been a bittersweet feeling… more on the bitter side. I’ve come to hate the word now. To detach myself from the label I had to first change my mindset. I got back to focusing on myself firstly. I then changed my surroundings and questioned myself how bad do I really want to become an NFL prospect. From then on my hard work, patience and dedication to the game of football got me where I am today.

What is your most embarrassing moment?

•  My most embarrassing moment was coming to Stony Brook and no producing how I know I could’ve earlier in my career. Whether from injury or transfers playing or not showcasing my potential enough, I took it upon myself as an embarrassment, not really focused on how the outside world felt. That also shaped me to have the biggest comeback in life. 

What was the most memorable play of your collegiate career?

•  Either my catch sophomore year against CCSU when I gave a DB a nasty stiff arm just how the other Juju did at USC that same year or my first touchdown catch against Richmond my senior year.

What song best describes your work ethic?

•  Dedication – The Great Nipsey Hussle 

What is the most important trait you can have (Physical or Non-Physical) to help you succeed at the next level? 

•  Being coachable

If you could bring one person back from the dead for one day, who would it be and why?

•  My uncle James. Most importantly for my grandmother my grandfather, my aunt’s uncles, and mothers sake because they lost their son/ brother respectively. Secondly, for me, he was always a fun guy to be around and I always hear great things about him. He passed when I was young, I wish I was able to grow more around him, learn from him and hear more about his life from himself.

If you were to open a dance club, what would you name it? 

•  Juju’s 1-2

Who is the most underrated player in the NFL? 

•  Not sure

Would you rather be liked or respected, and why?

•  Respected easily. I don’t ask anyone to like me just like I don’t have to like anyone unwillingly. I will always respect the next man/ women until they show me otherwise and I expect to be treated the same way. 

What player who had his career derailed by off-field issues do you feel for the most and why?

•  I’m no one to tell another how to raise their child but in my opinion, I feel Adrian Peterson should’ve chosen a different tactic in disciplining his son.

Do you love to win, or hate to lose?

•  Hate to lose. 

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and explain why?

• My mother is the biggest influence on my life. Day in and day out I see how hard she works just to keep a roof over my head. She motivated me since I’ve been living and provided an opportunity to do what I love. I want to be just like her when I grow up.