Draft Diamonds Prospect Interview: David Boatright, DB, Northwestern Oklahoma State

Every year, NFL Draft Diamonds 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?

David Boatright

What is your Height/Weight?

6′ foot 205 pounds

What is your position?

SS/FS/C

Where do you play college football?

Southern Illinois finished senior year at North Western Oklahoma State.

How many teams were recruiting you out of high school?

Western Illinois, Southern Illinois, Lightly by Minnesota and Illinois, and a hand full of D2 schools

How did you choose your school?

SIU showed the most interest and  one of my older brother was a student

Where are you from?

Bolingbrook, IL

Who is your role model, and why?

Besides my parents that raised 12 kids it would have to be my brother. He made it to the NFL and won a super bowl ring with the Seahawks. He is a prime example what I can achieve and he showed me how to work.

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

I’ve talked to some nothing face to face but nothing serious.

Did you play any other sports growing up?

Basketball until my Sophomore year our coach made us choose

Did you play any other positions in football?

Cornerback and running back

At your position, what separates you from others?

My aggression and film study. I want to know my opponent well than attack. I have a trigger on the field and I’m fearless.

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

I look for tendencies and patterns. All offenses have an identity.  They want to reach certain spots on the field  and get the ball to certain players. Figure out that and you can play fast on the field. The eye in the sky don’t lie.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced?

Erik Lora. He was Jimmy Garoppolo #1 receiver at EIU during the 2013 season. He was quick and found open spots in the defense but he wasn’t guardable by far.

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

Kam Chancellor. I get off on big hits. I love the impact and oh’S after I make a big hit. When Kam hits someone everybody knows its him. I want to be respected like that. 

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

It was my freshman year in College when I wasn’t on a football team. Me and my brother had to walk-on the next year at SIU. My freshman I got depressed and I didn’t understand what happened. I had a great tryout the first time but they didn’t want me because they had enough corners. I went back to the drawing board. My brother came to SIU and we began to work until our shoes tore. Work and more work got me on the team.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I like to walk the field picturing myself making plays all over the field

What is your biggest strength?

Mentally tough. I believe in myself and I’m not easy shaken.

What is your biggest weakness?

I tend to be too hard on myself. My mother told me don’t beat yourself up because the world does that enough for you. I need to listen to her.

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

I persevere. I never give up and I’m always looking to improve myself. I will make your team better one way or the next.

Who was your favorite player and NFL team growing up?

I loved the Dolphins and Ricky Williams. I used to want to be Ricky Williams. I never seen no one run like that.

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

1)Walter Payton. He was a great man and player. I heard that he used to meditate to heal his self faster. I would ask him about that trick. 2) Earl Thomas. Its something about him and the way he plays. Even though he may be the smallest player on the field most games, he plays the biggest. I would love to pick his brain and acquire his mojo.  3) Fredrick Douglas. They say when he spoke everybody would listen. They say he could freeze people. During that time period to do what he did is amazing. He had to be one of the strongest human beings to walk this earth. I would just sit and listen to anything he told me.