NFL Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Leondre Washington, WR, Northwest Missouri State University

NFL Draft Diamonds website has been providing our readers Prospect Interviews over the past 3 years and this year we mixed things up a bit. Our questions are designed to give our readers a little more insight on the draft eligible player. We hope to bring you more than 350 interviews of NFL Draft Prospects this season. You will be able to track them all on the front page of our website in the banner to the right.  Now let’s meet our next prospect!!!!

What is your name?

Leondre “Dre” Washington

What is your Height/Weight?

6’3″/195lb

What is your position?

Wide Receiver, Kickoff Returner, Punt Returner

Where do you play college football?

Northwest Missouri State University

Football is about giving back, what is the coolest thing you have done off the field?

Volunteering at the veterans hospital and helping them out with anything that they need even if it’s just to talk.

What was the hardest college class you ever had to take?

Abnormal Child & Adolescent Psychology 

Where are you from?

St. Louis, MO

Who is your role model, and why?

My high school counselor/football coach Jeff Cross because he was the first male figure to become positively emotional about me. He let me into his home so I could finish out and graduate at my high school.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

High School – Ran 200m, 400m, 4×4 in track

Did you play any other positions in football?

High school I played everywhere I was needed – QB, RB, FB, DB, and S

At your position, what separates you from others?

I’ll say it’s my effort because I will never give up on a play. You can see on film that I play from whistle to whistle regardless if I’m blocking or running the ball. I want to make a impact.

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

I would watch 14 – 16h of film a week. I watch every play in normal then slow motion to pick up tendencies and write down strengths and weaknesses (LOS, backpedal, feet, hips out of break, hands, eye discipline, and physicality). I always look if the CB a hustler or not.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Markus Golden (Affton High School) & Mike Jordan (Missouri Western)

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

Keenan Allen because even though he has that big frame he’s still quick/elusive.

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

At my JC, Diablo Valley, I wasn’t prepared for the responsibilities of life moving out there by myself. I adapted to sleeping on different couches and guest rooms, working two jobs, and the minor setback of a practice squad player because of out of state fees. I was knocked down but being able to stand back up on my feet and get back in the game to receive a full-ride scholarship to the best D2 school in the nation was one of the best accomplishments of my life.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

This began two games before the playoffs. 2 Jolly Rancher Blue Raspberry before warm ups then 2 Jolly Rancher Blue Raspberry before the game and 2 Jolly Rancher Blue Raspberry at half time

What is your biggest strength?

My ability to accelerate then stopping on a dime, also making the first man miss.

What is your biggest weakness?

My emotions because I expect a lot. I’m really tough on myself about the little things.

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

If a GM gave me a second to sell myself I would let him know that I will work hard for the opportunity because that’s all I’m asking for, a opportunity. I’m not really a vocal person because I’ve always proved it with actions. You wouldn’t have to worry about me watching extra film or doing extra work after practice on the field because I know it’s my job but above that it’s the game growing up that I love.

Who was your favorite player and/or NFL team growing up?

Jerry Rice / didn’t have a favorite team

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

Jesus Christ, Steve Jobs, and Muhammad Ali

What will be the first big item you buy once you are in the NFL?

Something I’ve always imagine of doing is helping my mother with money.