NFL Draft

Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Anthony Muilenburg, WR, Dakota Wesleyan University

dakotaDraft Diamonds Prospect Interview: Anthony Muilenburg, WR, Dakota Wesleyan University

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Coming out if high school I was being recruited by 10-15 schools from all divisions.

Where did you choose and why?

I chose Dakota Wesleyan University because when I went on my visit I felt more welcomed there than I did other campuses. I also chose to go to DWU to play football and basketball but when I got there basketball didn’t work out like I had hoped. One of the most important reasons I chose DWU was so that my family could make it to my games.

What were your goals for your senior year?

My goals for my senior season was to help our team make playoffs and be conference champs we didn’t quite make playoffs but finished tied second in our conference and won 8 games, which hasn’t happened at our school in about 37 years. For my personal goals I was determined to earn All-American honors as I did my Junior year. I also wanted to have over 1,000 yards receiving with at least 10 TD’s. My goal was to own every receiving record at DWU but fell just short of being the all time receiving yards in a career but I own multiple other records.

Have any scouts met with you, and if so what are they saying?

I haven’t had too many scouts meet with me but while I was at a scouting combine in Chantilly Virginia, I impressed scouts with my route running ability, my ability to get in and out of my routes and also my catching ability.

At your position, what separates you from the others?

I see a lot of receivers in the league who use their body to catch the ball and I’m a receiver who hates using my body to catch a ball, rarely will you see me catch a ball with my body. I am also good at getting off a press and find it disrespectful when a DB wants to try to press me. I am also able to make big plays in big games. My character is all about working hard and competing. When I face a challenge I don’t shy away from it, I am not afraid of failure either!

Tell us what you look for when breaking down film?

While breaking down film I will watch the DB’s tendencies in certain coverage’s, like how they want to disguise a coverage. I will also focus on the DB’s footwork, if his footwork is sloppy I am going to take advantage of that. Another thing I study while watching film is how aggressive the DB is and when he wants to press if he will lunge his momentum forward. I will also study the body language of the DB because if he losses his confidence after a few mistakes than I know I will be able to have my way with him.

Who was the toughest player you have ever faced?

Toughest player I ever had to face would probably have to be Colby Henderson from Morningside, he was a smart corner that played bigger than his actual size. He was also speedy so I had to strategize at times when going deep, like giving a double move to create separation.

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

If I had to compare my play to someone’s on the NFL I would have to say Larry Fitzgerald, simply because I let my play do all the talking and I catch everything with my hands. Rarely do I see Fitzgerald use his body to catch the football.

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

My biggest obstacles I had to face in my life has to be when I lost a couple good friends who were too young to die. My family and friends really helped me through their losses but sports were the only thing that occupied me enough to clear my head for a little bit. My friends that passed loved sports about as much as I do so every time I go out and play football I play for them and not just for my team or myself.

What system fits your style of play the best?

I am a player who can fit in any style offense but if I had to choose it would probably have to be either West Coast or Spread Offense. I also love playing in a no huddle style offense.

What is your biggest strength?

Biggest strength is my attitude.

What is your biggest weakness?

Biggest weakness is losing.

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

If you were a GM and I would tell you that you would get a very positive, confident, competitive and hard working individual who puts the teams success before my own. I’m a team player and I know that without teamwork you got nothing but a bunch of selfish individuals. I am also someone who will do anything to better the team and my own game!

Growing up, who was your role model?

Growing up my parents were and still are my role models. They have always supported me in everything I have done and continue to teach me life lessons that I wouldn’t have been able to inherit without them. My parents are very hard working individuals and the strongest people I know!

Who was your favorite team and player in the NFL and why?

Favorite team has always been the Washington Redskins, my Father is from Washington DC, so I grew up watching the Skins. Favorite player is Sean Taylor for his passion for the game of football. I enjoyed watching him play safety and come downhill and deliver massive hits. It’s a shame his life and football career was cut short!

If you were to have dinner with three people dead or alive who would it be?

Three people I would enjoying having dinner with would be my grandpa that passed before I was born, Martin Luther King Jr, and Jackie Robinson.

With your first paycheck what would you buy?

With my first paycheck I would help out my parents with anything they needed because they have been supporting me my whole life I would love to give back!

Damond Talbot

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com

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